Sunday 3 June 2012

Taking Chances by Tara Manderino

A gung ho PR person in charge of getting a reclusive country western singer to perform live at a small function is responsible for him possibly losing his ranch for children. Tyler Davidson would rather deal with a large concert hall audience than come face to face with a few people. Such thoughts are beyond Abie Halloway’s thinking, but as she learns to understand what the ranch means to Tyler and comes to care for him in this sweet romance / inspirational, she realizes she does not want to be the one to cause his downfall.
 
I relished the idea of reading this book. Not only do I enjoy country music and ranch living, (both ingredients of the story) but brooding heroes with secrets are a must. Taking Chances was a weekend read for me. I started reading on Saturday and finished it off on a lazy Sunday morning. It was an enjoyable way to spend my time and was exactly what I was looking for. If you’re looking for a sweet and gentle, Inspirational story, then you’ll enjoy this book also.
Abie and Tyler’s story is tender and touching; set against the backdrop of a ranch for disadvantaged children and the cut throat world of business. Tyler is a man with secrets and will do anything to keep them. But Abie’s strong and determined personality is just the thing to make him let go of his past and open his heart to new possibilities.
There are no real surprises with this book, but it is sensitively written and a pleasurable read. Smiles all round from this reviewer.
Excerpt:
“You really think I can’t do it?” Abie was incredulous. How could Matt even think her incapable? The tone of her voice echoed through the near empty conference room, sounding sharp even to her. She wouldn’t back down though.
Matt sat forward his palms splayed flat on the faux wood table. “Come on, Abie! Tyler never, absolutely never, does these kinds of performances. I tried to get him before, remember?”
Unable to resist the challenge in Matt’s voice, Abie cocked her brow and sat forward.“I can get him – signed and delivered.”
Mitchell’s Promotions was in the top five slot for event planning corporations in the state, if not the country. Abie’s meteoric rise through the ranks proved she was one of its rising stars. She intended to keep pushing that spectacular rise to the top. Right now, she would settle for the vice presidency.
“There are other musicians out there that would love the exposure,” Natalie interrupted. She shrugged and sat back in her chair. “If this guy doesn’t want to do it, pick someone else.”
Matt and Abie both turned to stare at her. Matt cleared his throat. “I realize that you are new to the area, but Tyler is hardly just a local name.” At Natalie’s blank look, Matt ran a hand through his hair, ruffling it and then leaned forward in the plush swivel chair, his arms supported by the conference table. “Okay, you’re not a country music fan, I take it.”
“Not even close. I’m a Metal Head.”
Abie watched Natalie play with the row of silver studs and loops on her left ear, an action Matt seemed oblivious to. Abie swiveled back and forth in her chair studying the latest addition to the team. Natalie wore a long sleeved black and white polka dot tee shirt, red flared pants and black and white men’s oxfords; conservative dress for her. She had a single silver loop hanging from her right eyebrow which was in harmony with the plethora of assorted loops and studs in her ears. Matt had insisted she would appeal to the younger clientele; she would be the stereotypical Metal fan. Abie bit back a grin. While Matt knew he was right on one level, it hadn’t registered with him that Natalie’s appearance, or her singular taste in music, would also have drawbacks. “Tyler is one of the biggest names in the music industry.” She kept her voice even, stating a fact.
Natalie stopped chewing her gum for a moment.” Yeah? How many records has he made?”
“Fifty charted singles and a dozen platinum albums on the Country, Rock and Christian charts. There are Tyler wannabes throughout the country.”
“With all of the cross over, why doesn’t he perform?”
“He does perform, just not at small gatherings,” Abie corrected her, “because he says it will take him away from what he really wants to do – his real life’s work.” Abie tilted her head to one side and leaned back in her chair. “I believe that’s what the article said.”
Matt turned his chair to grin at her. “You believe? If you read it once you know that you have the article memorized, Abie.”
She returned his grin. “True. So, I’m the one to approach him.” Abie straightened her spine. This was her assignment. Already the few facts she knew about Tyler Davidson assembled in her brain. As soon as Matt said okay, she would gather the rest of the information.



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