***Warning – there is abuse within
these pages- so triggers may be present***
I can’t
tell you how many times I threatened to put this book to bed and not touch it
again. But, for some reason, I kept picking it up and continuing on. And, to be
honest, it just kept getting better and better until I found myself at the end
and cheering for both main characters. Religion isn’t my thing. In fact, I’m
not Catholic either. But, this book had me totally interested. The two main
characters, Canaan and Haven, were out of this world! Both of them had suffered
at the hands of adults. People that young children are supposed to put their
trust in. It was difficult to read at times as these two innocents were over
and over again punished for things that were out of their control. As they
become adults, each one puts their heart into their careers. One leaning towards
his faith in God, and the other immersing in her artistic talent. When they
encounter each other after many years gone by, it’s not without conviction. Boy
was it harsh! Wow! I was blown away by Haven’s accusing outburst. She’s one
tough cookie! But, as she gets to know Canaan, she knows that he’s not the
monster she plagued him to be when she finally understands that he was just
trying to protect her.
I really
enjoyed their story! And, the writing was exquisite. The love between the
couple was beautiful even though it was marked with indiscretion and abuse. The
two were strong and courageous as the truths and secrets of their past emerge.
But, it’s the ending that captured my heart. It was perfect! And, so fitting
for two damaged individuals that come together with hope and peace for a very
special future. You will not be disappointed with this one even if religion is
not a strong factor in your life. It wasn’t preachy. It just presented a way to
find your strength when the going was so rough and doubtful.
The below listed quote could
possibly contain spoilers. Read at your own risk...
“Haven,
I don’t know if you know this or not, but they misspelled your name. They left
out the E. It should be Heaven, for that’s what you are to me. But then again,
maybe not. Because you are also my Haven, my safe place, my sanctuary, my
oasis. They say God works in ways beyond our understanding, and he certainly
did with us. If anyone had told me a year ago I would be standing at an altar
getting married, well, I would’ve called them crazy. And now as I look at my
life, at our lives, I can’t think of anything any better than this. A love so
true and all-encompassing that it makes me thank God every day over and over
that he led us to each other. So, on this day, our wedding day, I can’t give
you my heart, because you already own it, and I can’t give you my soul, because
you already share it. But instead, I give you all of me until this life of mine
or yours has ended, because you possess every single bit of me, and I know you
will cherish it as much as I will cherish yours.” ~ Canaan (Chap. 35)
Review Written, 9/22/16
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