This was more
than just a forbidden romance. It was a life’s lesson on how to survive the
loss of a loved one while not losing your way to live your own life. It was
super powerful! I highlighted so many passages throughout the novel that were
poignantly expressed. Beautiful writing! Heartfelt characters! A story to get
lost in! I’m not going to really go into too much detail because so many people
have reviewed this book already, but I will say that I was blown-away by the
emotions of all the ups and downs that these characters dealt with. My heart
raced with anticipation a number of times when individuals were tested time and
time again. A newfound friendship with two unlikely cohorts just gives a new meaning
to the words “got your back”, and a romance that is soul-rendering. Some books
are just plain silly. Some are romantically exquisite. Some are full of drama. And,
some just make you feel just everything within its pages. This is one of those
books that make you feel EVERYTHING! Love. Tragedy. Heartbreak. Family.
Sadness. Commitment. Friendship. Hopefulness. Joy. And, Humor. Like I said “everything”!
It was further entertaining when reading the
e-mails, text messages, and letters. Adding the Shakespeare references
was brilliant! The musical aspect. The bucket list. It all just worked! I can’t
say enough positive comments about this work of wonder! One of my favorites of
the year!!! This author really has me hooked on her writing. So looking forward
to her next release...
“She
called it my golden.”
“Your
golden?”
“Everyone
has a golden. It could be anything – a song, a book, a pet, a person. Anything
that makes you so happy your insides cry of pure joy. It feels like you’re on
drugs but better because it’s a natural high. Shakespeare is my golden.” ~
Ashlyn (Chap. 5)
“Besides,
the best things in life aren’t easy. They are tough, they are painful, and they
are raw. That makes the arrival to the final destination that much sweeter.” ~ Daniel (Chap. 5)
“Being a
teenager is a curse and a gift. It’s the age where fairytales cease to exist
and Santa isn’t real but parts of our hearts want to say ‘What if...’” ~ Ryan (Chap. 32)
“What do
we want to be? That’s the easy one. Alive. I want to be alive, and I have no
idea why, seeing how hideous life is at times. Maybe it’s belief, hope, and
passion all wrapped into one shape that rests inside my chest. Perhaps my heart
is just praying for better tomorrows to replace all of those shitty yesterdays.
So to answer your question in a very depressing, teenage-angst manner, I want
to be alive when I grow up. So now I ask you, Mr. D, What do you want to be
when you grow up? Because growing never stops, and dreaming rarely ceases.” ~ Ryan (Chap. 32)
“May the
winds be our friends, floating us home. May tomorrows be the beauty where each soul
goes. May the journey be worth the ultimate death. May the sweet memories of us
never be put to rest. Fine lines between here and there, bursting flames ignite
the air. Breathe in, breathe out. Angels, listen closely now.” ~ Daniel (Chap. 41)
“I thought
I made you up. I thought that I was living in a world of darkness and I
imagined you into existence. That somehow my mind crafted you, placing you on
that train months ago. But then I realized I could never dream of something so
beautiful.You’re the reason people believe in tomorrow. You’re the voice that
scares the shadows away. You’re the love that makes me breathe. So for the next
few seconds, I’m going to be selfish. I’m going to say things that I don’t want
you to listen to. Don’t go. Stay with me forever. Please, Ashlyn. Let me be
your everything. Make me your golden. Don’t. Go.” ~ Daniel (Chap. 41)
And, from that
last quote, as the reader, you’re just going to have to experience the joy of
this book, and find out how Ashlyn and Daniel’s story ends...
Review Written, 9/21/15
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