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R.K. Ryals has always been one of my favorite people. She’s sweet and such a talented author. But it was the tagline for this book that caught my attention.

I’m ashamed to admit that I’d never read anything by this incredible author in the past, but OMG, this story made me want to track her down, tin of cookies in tow, prepared to beg her for more.  Everything about this  story had my emotions on hyperdrive, which probably sounds strange considering it’s a contemporary. Not a single action scene in sight. But you will want to keep a box of Kleenex in hand because this book will emotionally slaughter you.

This is a book about about a girl named Hawthorne who has lost her family and no, I don’t mean she misplaced them or that they died in some tragic accident. No, no. They will make you want to track them down and boot kick them in the throat. She’s raised by her uncle who is hands down my favorite fictional character … EVER, which is why I stopped mid read to message the author and yell at her for what she does to him <evil death glare>.

Moving on.

Our hero is Heathcliff. A strange, quiet boy who takes an immediate liking to our shy, quiet heroine. Unlike Hawthorne, Heathcliff has a family, but they’re the type of family who has already mapped out his entire future for him. Of course they mean well, but still.

Now the story takes us on a ten year journey through our character’s lives. We get to see them grow from innocent children trying to find their way to independent and confident adults. It’s a beautiful and heartbreaking tale.

The thing I loved most was how deeply I felt for these two. I felt Hawthorne’s pain and her loneliness, and Heathcliff’s need to find himself. It was all there. What I didn’t like, the only reason this book did not get a solid five stars, was (SPOILER!) when Healthcliff went in search of himself and winds up with another woman. Meanwhile, Hawthorne stayed in their small town and waited for him, then accepted Healthcliff back like nothing happened when he leaves her multiple times and returns with another woman in tow. I understand completely that it happens in real life. Two people separate and find more than one love in their life, but I just didn’t like that Clare (Hawthorne) let him back each time without question.

Otherwise than that, absolutely loved everything else about this book. It’s a book hangover you do no want to miss.

Overall: 4.5 Unicorns

     
 
 
 

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