#ThrowbackThursday ~ Thicker Than Water (The Grayson Trilogy) by @GeorgiaRoseBook #RomanticFiction Drama #Suspense

Renee at It’s Book Talk began this meme as a way to share old favourites, as well as books that have been waiting on the ‘to be read’ pile for however long, and are finally getting an airing.

Thicker Than Water is the third book of the trilogy and was published in 2015. Highly recommended if you’re a fan of contemporary drama and suspense with romance (and animals) 

Emma Grayson has come on in leaps and bounds since we were first introduced to her in A Single Step, book 1 of the Grayson Trilogy, as a damaged woman who suffered significant personal losses, the death of her child and the resulting breakdown of her marriage. From the beginning tantalising questions have been dropped into the narrative. For instance, who anonymously delivered the advert for the position at Melton Manor estate to Emma? As turned out, it was the perfect job for her and relocation was exactly what she needed for a fresh start. Emma has reserves of strength which even she doesn’t yet realise.

Then there are the hints concerning Emma’s childhood and adoptive sets of parents, as well as the question of the mystery person who saved Emma, Grace and the children during the attack on the Manor. I couldn’t wait to read this final instalment to find the answers. Georgia Rose takes the plot in completely unexpected and satisfying directions as Emma struggles to process her incredible story, which is revealed as the book progresses.

He hadn’t set out to be what he had become. He remembered a time when he had been proud of his abilities, his talent, not realising then the attention it garnered. How foolish he had been in hindsight. Sometimes, he thought, a person does not choose their career. It chooses them, or someone chooses it for them, as had been the case with him. Now he’d reached the point he’d dreaded. Subconsciously he’d always known it would come one day, but having spent the latter part of his life trying to put it off, trying to do the right thing, it was galling that it was now about to blow up in his face.

Emma and Trent are now married and life has settled back into a routine of sorts after the tension and turmoil over the summer months. Trent and Cavendish are still spending periods of time away from the Manor, trying to close down the Polzin organisation. On his return home after a week away, Trent is overjoyed when Emma tells him she’s pregnant. It’s a time  of mixed emotions for Emma, bringing back memories of the child she lost, feelings of guilt and worries about her ability to raise another child safely.

Emma’s relationships with Cavendish, Grace and everyone at the Manor are deepening and they all offer support which Emma is finding easier to accept as she is able to show more feelings and emotions. And although Emma is finding cutting down on her workload frustrating she understands and agrees with Trent’s concerns. But a quiet life is impossible in the immediate future as danger stalks Emma and puts her and Trent in a high risk situation. It takes the combined efforts of the others at the Manor and someone Emma thought gone forever to resolve the situation.

There’s a slightly different tone to this book compared to the last. Much less action, but that’s in no way detrimental to the story as there’s lots of heart stopping drama. Thicker Than Water is very character driven, emotional and reflective, about relationships and how far people will go for those they love. It’s extremely well written and crafted, with surprises and suspense, and completely held my attention from the beginning. Emma and Trent have grown and developed into wonderful characters, along with the other inhabitants of the Manor. This is a series I will want to read again. There’s a wonderful added extra at the end of the book, don’t be tempted to sneak a peek though. It’s a great note to finish on.

There are tough times ahead for Emma Grayson in the final part of these mysterious and romantic adventure stories as she struggles to move on from her old life.

‘Vaguely aware of the tremor in my hand I ran my fingers up through the thick locks of his dark hair. Fear clutched at my heart as I sensed the icy tendrils of grief reaching for me once more.’

As the overseas action steps up a gear for Trent, Emma has her own challenges to face. Loyalties are tested and vengeance sought when she attracts interest from an unwelcome source.

Because someone is coming. Someone who has Emma in their sights.

Someone who will turn her life upside down… forever.