I couldn’t put this book down, and finished it in one day. It has been a long time since I’ve done that; the last time was probably fifteen or twenty years ago with a gripping romance.
So how did this novel hold my attention? There were no clichés in characters, dialogue or plot. Even though the first few chapters moved slower than I normally like, I was fascinated by all the events and people I met. The author kept me guessing through the book, and the ending was a complete surprise. The emotion was real and not overdone to slurpy sentimentality.
The premise was totally original and interesting. A soldier seriously wounded in Iraq returns to his fiance with troubles that no one seems to be able to cure. The plot went beyond the relationship of the engaged couple, and explored relationships with various other people of all ages and walks of life, all interesting and well-developed in their own right. Lifetimes of heaviness were lifted, not to anyone’s credit, really, except our gracious Lord’s kindness. The final outcome was realistic and not Pollyanna-ish, which was very satisfying.
I highly recommend this book and this author!
[Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.]
Happily Writing 