I had the privilege to review the novella -- Here In My Heart -- that introduced the reader to a new series called Echoes Of The Heart by Anna DeStefano. I was so taken with the novella that I eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series. Welcome to LET ME LOVE YOU AGAIN. Anna DeStefano has created a very special place, town's people and families in Chandlerville. The centerpiece of this series is a very special couple Joe and Marsha Dixon.

They say families come in all varieties and that just about sums up the Dixon clan. Here is a blended family of all ages that corner the market on love. Marsha and Joe have built their lives around the foster children that have graced their home and lives and have a never-ending place in their hearts.

Every page of LET ME LOVE YOU AGAIN provides a realistic look at children fighting the system that at times so tragically disappoints them. These kids all share one goal -- a forever family. Sounds so simple. In reality it is amazingly difficult to accomplish. It takes a unique household with a firm sense of love, trust and belonging to give these forgotten kids the confidence they need to become self-sufficient adults.

LET ME LOVE YOU AGAIN is Selena and Oliver's story -- actually revisited after over seven years apart. When they were teenagers they shared a strong attraction that unfortunately couldn't withstand some very strong outside forces. Both Selena and Oliver's families faced problems and those problems manifested themselves in ways that ultimately pulled these two tragically adrift and apart. They were just too young to handle these issues and both wound up rather brittle.

Now seven years later they wind up back in Chandlerville each facing down their personal demons unprepared for the pull that still exists between them. Selena returned to her mother's house with her young daughter after a disastrous marriage. Just as Selena had run from her feelings for Oliver -- she had once again run -- this time from a cheat of a husband. Selena's responsibility was for her daughter Camille and although definitely not her choice -- her mother's home could provide a needed respite while she regrouped.

Oliver was also home -- summoned because of a family emergency. This foster child hadn't been home in a great many years. Oliver assuaged his guilt of estrangement by sending money home. That was his way of giving back to the people he considered his parents Marsha and Joe. But Oliver had lots of baggage and he suffered from the same malady as Serena -- flight.

So here we are at a crossroads for Selena and Oliver. Anna DeStefano handles their conflicts with great respect letting the reality of the situation take center stage. There are no easy answers in life or love. For children from broken or dysfunctional homes there are many more obstacles to face and conquer. The strong survive. That's what the Dixon family gives its foster kids. Love, self- confidence and a place to return to when in need of some strength both inner and outer.

There are very many facets of this wonderful story. Once again Anna DeStefano has graced us with a beautiful, well written story complete with memorable characters. I am pretty sure you need not read this series in order but it is such a delight to follow along with their paths to love and families of their own. LET ME LOVE YOU AGAIN is about facing your demons but it also teaches us that we don't need to do it alone. That's what families are for. And LET ME LOVE YOU AGAIN is all about family.

Book Summary

Selena Rosenthal left behind her high school sweetheart, who was the love of her life, seven years ago.

Now, she and the once-rebellious Oliver Bowman are back in Chandlerville—after his foster father’s heart attack and Selena’s contentious divorce—to deal with her secrets, the recklessness that caused their breakup, and the almost-strangers they’ve become to each other and their families.

As soon as his father is stronger, Oliver must return to the successful career that helps support a new generation of foster kids. But he’s falling for Selena again, her daughter has a hold on his heart, and he can’t imagine leaving behind his brothers and sisters once again.

More attached by the day to their charming hometown and families, Selena and Oliver fall in love for the second time.

Has fate brought Chandlerville’s prodigal children together again…this time forever?