Review: Symphony in Blue by Shira Anthony
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 14, 2014
“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to a new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom, and make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. Some people stay in our lives awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.”~FlaviaI can't think of a better time of year to let the people closest to you know how much they have impacted your life and how much you appreciate them doing so. In 'Symphony in Blue' by Shira Anthony, David Sommers hosts a moveable feast in order to provide everyone seated at the table an opportunity to declare what they are most thankful for. As each person adds their contribution, we are gifted with a review of their stories in the series and an update for each couple. It's an amazing story-telling technique and I commend Shira for creating it. It's just enough flashback to help us remember the trials and tribulations of how the got together to begin with and a testament to their enduring love and growth in the present. It's heartwarming to know that these brilliant, talented, creative, opinionated, and gifted men have been able to overcome their pasts and grow, not only personally, but as a couple which provides them with the life they all so richly deserve.Out of all the characters, David Sommers is the one who changes the most. Without Alex in his life to temper his moods, draw out his sensitivity and his great sense of humor, David would have been stuck in the stuffy, unemotional box he'd encased himself in, probably never to have known the special kind of love and joy that only Alex can bring. Alex's enduring patience and understanding helps bridge the gap between what David thought of himself in the past and how he now feels at present. It's a beautiful thing to see. Alex teaches David that he doesn't have to be 'in charge' all the time, doesn't have to keep such a firm, almost strangling grip on his emotions. Alex helps David see that he can love and is loveable.If David had  offered up a prayer for all of his friends, I imagine that it would be something very similar to this quote: “ This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunset to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”~ unknown'Symphony in Blue' is written like a love letter, for us, the friends involved, and David and Alex, solidifying the connections in the lifelong journey of togetherness, dedicating themselves to the miracle of their unceasing love and striving to make each day better than the next. If you've read the other four books in the 'Blue Notes' series and savored them the way I have, then you will not want to pass up this very special literary gift. For those who haven't had the pleasure of reading this series, I urge you to do so as well. As the beginning quote stated, they will leave footprints in your hearts. Thanks, Shira, for the moving book. Personally, I hate to see the series end. Originally published at Rainbow Book Reviews.