Review: A love story of a lifetime...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 17, 2013
In all the years I have been reading, and I've read a lot of great books, reading this story felt like I was handed an invaluable and precious gift. I have not read a book where I was infinitely connected with the characters, the place and time, both in heart and spirit. This is the one time I wish there's more than 5 star rating one can give, especially when it is exceptionally well written and the story compelling. I can sit here writing about the poignancy and how beautiful this story until I turn blue, but I'm afraid I wouldn't give it any justice without revealing spoilers, you just simply have to read this!Like our heroine, Sandi Golden, young and naive, not quite eighteen, I saw my own self walking around in awe of the quaintness, the glory and novelty of The Village. The year was 1972 and for the next 12 years, Westwood Village was the place to go, to see and be seen. On this memorable night, It was there where Sandi met the most handsome, beautiful loving man who would forever change her life. Rick Stevens, who's admired by men and women alike, everyone wants to be his friend because of his natural enthusiasm for life. Together this two embarked on their journey of life filled with love and laughter, their devotion and love for one another is the kind you would wish to have been blessed to have experienced. It is the kind of love that nurtured Sandi to become the most devoted wife and mother to their three children.If you believe in fate or destiny, the night Rick Stevens met Steve Mirelli, he met his kindred spirit. There's that unseen guardian force that bound Rick, Sandi and Steve with one another, their lives were mystically intertwined. What Rick, whose dreams and promise to Sandi, beyond his power to fulfill, Steve will continue and take it beyond. This powerful love story is soul consuming, I celebrated with each of their joyous moments. I also cried, I cried so many times I couldn't even see what I was reading. I had to take a breather, so choked up I simply couldn't continue. I can't remember getting this emotional about a book. Rick's love, soul and spirit is what got Sandi through that one heart wrenching memorable night, it is ardent, it was magical I couldn't get it off my mind.The author's ability to vividly describe each scenes and the words written were so profound it captured the very heart of my heart.This book not only inspired me, it also took me back to the best times of my youth, reminiscing, knowing with familiarity all the places where this inspiring story took place. As emotional as I got reading this, I read it again while listening to the compilation of the songs the characters hear and it was even more absorbing, if that were even possible. I wish I could expand more of the writing of this review, so that I could express at length or in detail the poignancy and depth of this amazing story. But that would only mean I would be giving spoilers and rob you of the joy I had...of experiencing many different emotions this story would evoke in you. If you enjoy reading a great love story, an unequaled love and dedication this two have for one another, read this...this one is for you.To know this is just the second book of the author, I am simply in awe...if you were performing on stage Ms. Starling, it's a standing ovation! To be reading as great a love story as Fantasyland, I think is a privilege!