Review: A wonderfully poignant love story
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 22, 2013
4.5 stars“Breathe You In” by Lily Harlem details the experiences of bereaved widow, Katie Lansdale, who feels driven to find the recipient of her late husband’s donated organs. Her rather questionable search leads her to museum worker Ruben Strong just before the second anniversary of her loss and inexplicably starts her on a journey of change and an end to her apathy about her life. Ruben is grateful for his new lease on life and delighted to find a woman who seems to be sharing in his attraction but the discovery of the secrets she is hiding may end their relationship before it has a chance to flourish.This is one of those emotional reads that just makes you say “wow” when you read it. I am impressed by the author’s sensitivity in depicting an extremely difficult decision and its aftermath while ensnaring the reader in the emotions involved in a new relationship made even more awkward by the underlying circumstances. There are deliciously sensual scenes but also very vivid vignettes (I think my favorite is Ruben’s reaction to the hot air balloonists) that give depth and texture to this impressive story of new beginnings and its tribute to the life that can be provided with such a profound gift. There is a fine line between obsession and natural curiosity and one could argue that perhaps Katie needed professional counseling but the story wonderfully conveys the intense pain that she seeks to assuage. A beautiful love story. Night Owl ReviewsI received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.