Review: it will touch your heart 5 stars
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 18, 2013
5--touched my heart--starsThis book will move you, heal you, and inspire you. I haven't been so affected by a book in a very long time. Always There by Carol Ann Allbright-Eastman is amazing and you will fall in love with this story and the entire idea of the "here" and "there".This is the story of Betheny and her family in the "here" and "there". It centers on Betheny and her daughter Shelby Lynn. It begins with Betheny's final sister coming over to the "here" and all the drama and tears that occur will have you reaching for your own tissues.The idea behind this book is so amazing and touched me deeply for my own personal reasons. It was difficult to get through at times because it really did hit so very close to home. Even though emotionally it was a difficult read at times I still had to know how this was going to end. Betheny's Italian family is one I can SOOOO relate too--even down to the Sunday dinners, making sauce, playing cards and yelling your conversations instead of talking (doesn't everyone have conversations at that "headache" volume?).Shelby is in the "there" (on earth--living her life). However, the life she is living isn't very much. She is afraid of so much because of the loss that she has endured over the last 15+ years. To say she is a bit scared to get close to someone is an understatement. However, she is very funny and endearing and you will love her. She is struggling with what is in her heart and what her brain is telling her is the right thing to do for her own survival. I love that they curse in the "here" and they argue and bicker. There really are a lot of lighthearted and funny moments. I am really attached to this book.If you get as invested in a read as much as I do you will need some tissues but don't be scared that you may shed a few tears it is very cathartic. Shelby will have you laughing and you also get to meet her siblings and Chance. Chance is the guy that will have you smiling and steal your heart! But will he be able to steal Shelby's heart? Will she ever be willing to open up or will her by her Aunt Lila's passing be too much for her? What will it take to get to open her eyes and heart? To live and not mourn? I hope you read it and love it as much as I did. If you lost just one loved one that you were close to you should read this book because you will be able to relate.