Published by Lake Union Publishing Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction
Format: ARC, eBook
Anton has suffered terrible losses and is still reeling from them in the beginning of this book. Coping with the physical and emotional loss is tough enough but when his parents decide to go away for Christmas, he is left alone to cope with loneliness as well. When he uses his new telescope, he witnesses his neighbor Edith across the street in a horrifying situation.
Anton decides to help her and the two form a close bond/friendship as Anton tries to get her to leave her abusive husband and begin again. As their friendship deepens so does Anton’s feelings for Edith. Knowing she must leave; they pair know they may never see each other again….
This book read like a movie for me. I enjoyed the leisurely pace of this book. As we get to know the characters, we cannot help but feel for them. Who did not want to boo and hiss at Anton’s parents when they planned and left for vacation without giving advance notice to Anton? Who did not adore his relatives especially his grandmother?
This book is very character driven. I tend to enjoy faster paced books with lots of action, but I enjoyed the pacing of this book. I did feel at times that Anton was a little too nice, a little too honest, while at the same time feeling sympathetic to what he has experienced in his life. I mentioned earlier that this book read like a movie; that is because this book spans their lives from when they met, and in part due to how the book was written. We watch as Anton continually make sacrifices and is almost too good to be true. He has learned valuable life lessons from his grandmother about putting the needs of others in front of your own. What will the future hold for these two characters? Will you like the future that Catherine Ryan Hyde has written?
This book examines family, friendship, love, sacrifices, overcoming obstacles, being there for someone, and coping with loss. Although the book does deal with some difficult subject matter, it is uplifting.
p.s. don’t call him Anthony!
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.