Review: Fantastic Novella with Emotion, Love & Hope
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 9, 2013
Grief and tragedy and hatred are only for a time. Goodness, remembrance and love have no end.As a personal preference, I have never been a big fan of novellas.  Many times I feel the story is just getting started and then it ends leaving me speechless and wanting more.  However, since I am a huge Liz Crowe fan and she personally asked me to read her new novella, Healing Hearts, I made an exception.  Healing Hearts is the first novella from the Challenge Series, which consists of stories where the "challenge" must take a central role in the characters' romance.The main hero of Healing Hearts is Jay Longmire.  And the title "hero" doesn't even come close to describing his character.  The man watched helplessly as his wife was brutally raped and killed as well as his son.  His daughter survived the attacks but remained on life support in a coma.  Words cannot even describe the hurt and sorrow that I felt for Jay, which is all a reflection on the incredible writing of Liz Crowe.  I could feel Jay's pain.  I could feel his sorrow.  And I could understand why he didn't want to live anymore.  A central theme ran through Jay's mind throughout most of the book--that he had somehow failed to protect his family.  And isn't that the goal of most men?  To protect and provide for their family.Jay spends his days in a coffee shop where Abigail Powers works as a barista.  He goes into the coffee shop every single day just so he can see Abby's smile.  He always orders the double skim latte, but he never talks to anyone.  He just stares out the window.  Abby has her own family issues causing her a different kind of pain.  But she takes on extra shifts just so she can see the blue-eyed, model gorgeous Jay.  Abby has one goal in life and that is to attend the University of Michigan nursing program.A chance encounter eventually brings Jay and Abigail together outside the coffee shop where they are physically attracted to one another but both have so many baggage.  At this point in their lives, they just want and need the physical release of sex.  No commitments.  No expectations.  Just to be there for each other as friends...at least that's what they thought.Her innate soothing nature worked its magic even without words. She reached out and took both his hands. Her skin felt warm against his and every inch of him ached to hold her, to fold her into his arms and never let her go. But the baggage, he couldn't share it. It was too much to ask of anyone.There are scenes in this book which ripped my heart out.  I couldn't help but think about the people who have experienced this type of tragedy in their life.  To be that numb to society.  I know that I have my faith, but I don't know what Jay's religious background is so I'm not sure what kept him going day after day except for the fact that he still had his daughter on life support.  This story is incredible, powerful, and emotional, and it will leave you with hope that love does conquer all and that grief and tragedy are only for a time.I would also like to go on record saying that besides the fact that I don't typically read novellas, I also don't normally read drama-intense/sad books.  I like the traditional books filled with hearts and flowers and romance--not murders and sadness.  But I was pleasantly surprised at how much I truly enjoyed the storyline in this novella but definitely was not surprised by the talented writing of Liz Crowe.  She has definitely raised the bar!  Great job Liz.  I look forward to the next novella in the Challenge Series!  (Yes, that means I will read it!)  :)