New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde returns with a hopeful novel of sacrifice, two lost souls, and enduring love.
It’s 1965, and life has taken a turn for eighteen-year-old Anton Addison-Rice. Nearly a year after his brother died in a tragic accident, Anton is still wounded—physically and emotionally. Alone for the holidays, he catches a glimpse of his neighbor Edith across the street one evening and realizes that she’s in danger.
Anton is determined to help Edith leave her abusive marriage. Frightened and fifteen years Anton’s senior, Edith is slow to trust. But when she needs a safe place to stay, she lets down her guard, and over the course of ten days an unlikely friendship grows. As Anton falls hopelessly and selflessly in love, Edith fears both her husband finding her and Anton getting hurt. She must disappear without telling anyone where she’s going—even Anton.
If keeping Edith safe means letting her go, Anton will say goodbye forever. Or so he believes. What would happen, though, if one day their paths should cross again?
I am never disappointed in a Catherine Ryan Hyde book. Each one seems to get better than the last.
My very favorite line in this book is: "Because I'm all regrets, all the time. I'm a big walking, talking bundle of regrets. I thought I'd made that ever so clear."
This book is a very emotional, loving, touching story of a love so deep. So deep that the two can let go in order to spare each other pain. Each has had enough pain to last a few lifetimes too so they know that feeling well. This book is about so many things. So many good and happy things and so many hurtful and very sad things. Anton and Edith both have dealt with so much. Apart they are not happy. Together they make you smile. Together they are so good. But there is the age thing. There is the danger of Edith's abusive husband. So much going against these two. It's heartbreaking that they can't hold on. Fifteen years difference in age is another factor they have to deal with and Edith is an adult. She knows what would happen if she acted on feelings. For Anton it's first love. First love is such a strong love. One that you don't get over easily. If at all..
This book will give you so many feelings. The characters for the most part are very likable. Except for Anton's parents. I truly did not like them at all. I did not like Edith's husband at all either. I loved Anton's great aunt and uncle and his grandmother. I loved his grandmother. She was a very wise woman. She was there for Anton for all of his life. She was a rock. I really loved her.
Anton saw more pain than any 18 year old should ever see. From losing his brother to losing his right hand. His parents are not there emotionally for him and not at all during the Christmas season. He is left alone for Christmas but it turns out to be one of the best times of his life.
Edith is in an abusive marriage and feels there is no way out. Until one day Anton knocks on their door pretending to be someone else. He sees for himself what is going on and sets out to save Edith. And save her he does. Anton is generous to a fault. He's a very giving and very honest young man. At such a young age he falls for Edith. He helps her in many ways. The two of them share a Christmas that they will never forget. Even his great aunt and uncle and grandmother are there Christmas day. But when it comes time for a big decision, Anton had to think of Edith. He puts her happiness and safety before his feelings.
This book will leave you with many feelings. I cried a lot reading this one. I did laugh a few times and felt happy. But I did some serous crying too. From 1965 to 2020 this book takes you for an emotional ride you will not soon forget. Catherine Ryan Hyde has written another winner for sure.
Thank you #NetGalley, #CatherineRyanHyde, #LakeUnionPublishers for this. This is my own feelings about this book.
5/5 stars and a high recommendation. A must read.
No comments:
Post a Comment