Jennifer Hartmann's Older Review!

Older

By: Jennifer Hartmann

Release Date: April 9, 2024

Publisher: Jennifer Hartmann

Author Website: https://www.jenniferhartmannauthor.com/

5 Star

Jennifer Hartmann's Older is the perfect example of when slow burns works!

Detail, details, details thrived in this work creating a story filled with depth and meaning. From Ms. Hartmann's chosen period of the 90's and its culture to this story's main character's age-gap to the joining of two old souls, Older was steeped in fine distinctions that emphasized age and the wisdom and hazards of it.

Reed was a character who struggled with his feelings but not with doing the right thing. More than once he was placed in situations where he walked away putting others needs and feelings before his own and often Halley's. Halley looked and acted older than she was. Her views on life extended beyond her years and in many ways helped her find the good in a life that was often not kind to her. Halley's ability to love and nurture gave her the comfort that often eluded her from her parents 

Both Reed and Halley grew up fast. Reed was on his own at a young age as well as being a teen father. Halley lived in a home that was filled with fear and abuse learning to take care of herself at a young age. Yet despite what these characters endured neither was bitter or disillusioned. That this pair was drawn to each other came as no surprise as they shared a deeper understanding of each other based on their life experiences that went beyond the physical. Reed's daughter Tara was a good way to juxtapose Halley's maturity vs. that of her peers.

Throughout this work there was a strong presence of hesitancy and yearning that left Reed and Halley in emotional agony. This couples pulsating attraction that was kept at arm's length, was extremely well done by Ms. Hartmann. This writer methodically explored these characters' feelings and clearly showed that the lines being crossed were not because of Reed and Halley's age difference but because of the severe judgments of those around them. The emotions in this story ran high and were easily conveyed to readers with many heartbreaking moments.

Jennifer Hartmann stories always have a level of emotional intimacy that is as daunting as it is alluring. This writer's portrayals are individually and collectively unforgettable. Ms. Hartman excels in bringing tragedy and joy together showing the power of experiencing one in order to feel the other. Older brings the trials of love at their rawest for a touching story.

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*