Review: Such a simple love story
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 9, 2013
I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for this author, even managing to get a mention in the credits.This story is a simple, slow burning, love story first and foremost. But there are also elements of self belief, strength and forgiveness within it.Kathleen had made plans to move to America with her brother Declan. They were happily planning a future when tragedy struck at the worst possible time for them. Kathleen loses her beloved brother and finds herself injured and unable to walk. Understandably she is angry at what has happened, and also at herself for still being alive.It is the job of physiotherapist Colin to help Kathleen in her recovery. Colin also suffered a huge personal loss years before, and he empathises with Kathleen in more ways than she first realises.Working together brings out emotions in both Kathleen and Colin which they try to fight. Kathleen believes she has nothing to give, while Colin wants to look after her and help in her recovery.Not only does the storyline help Kathleen, it also in turn helps Colin and Kathleen's brother, David, to move on with their lives and app finally accept what has happened.The author manages to produce a story which, for someone who is not religious in any way, had me believing in angels. Reading this I found myself crying at a lot of the scenes, and hoping that somewhere my own personal angel was looking out for me.This is such a change from a lot of stories being produced these days because it is such a simple love story. There are no supernatural elements as such, and it is a well written story. I feel privileged to have been able to read this story and help it become, in even a small way, the story it is today.The author asked me a while ago to choose a few quotes to help with promote the book. Below are 2 of the ones I chose -“I had just turned twenty-three when I nearly died.I was in my car, on the way to Dublin airport, where I should have been taking a direct flight to New York, with my brother and best friend, Declan. We had plans to start a new life there; I’d spent my college years planning everything down to the last detail, and I was just a step away from making my dream come true.But I never got to the airport.I never boarded that plane.On a cold January day, the day I’d waited so long for, fate took everything from me, leaving me hollow and broken.On a cold January day, my life lost its meaning–although back then I didn’t know it would all make sense when the time was right.I was twenty-three when I met an angel. He didn’t have wings, he didn’t have a halo, but he healed my soul when it had been torn apart, and he gave meaning to my life again.”“I felt tears filling my eyes, and soon they started running down my cheeks before I could stop them.“Sweetheart, don’t cry for me; I’m doing great,” he said, smiling. His face was a portrait of serenity.“Are you...”“An angel?” he finished my sentence and I nodded. He looked at me, his deep blue eyes sparkling like they never had before. “I’m not only an angel, Kathy. I’m your angel”