Review: One word: WOW!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 6, 2013
Mack the Truck or Mackenzie had her life spiraling down the moment her dad and her mom decided to get a divorce. The thought of not being able to control anything in her life anymore scared the crap out of her. So, she took control of one thing she knew she could - FOOD."I may not be able to control who loves me and who likes me. Who stays and who goes but one thing is for certain. I can control this."Mack is suffering from both bulimia and anorexia.She tries to cover it up, hide it from the rest of the world and remain invisible as much as possible. Her mother did try to help her, but I don't think it was enough. Control is what she needs in her life, and the disorder is just all about control!"Instead of thinking that this has to be the end, I'm going to hold out. I believe she could very well be the one. And when you find the one that you feel in your bones you're meant to be with,you hold on to that feelings like your life depends on it."Tyler is the ultimate knight in shining armor. Need help? He'll come running. Who won't fall in love with him? He's a school jock, sits with the popular kids, hot and has brains too. But he too has his own suffering he had been keeping inside. His sister died of heart failure because of the same eating disorder, and one look at Mack, he knew, deep down in his gut that this girl is going through the same phase. One thing I love about this guy (besides all those near-perfect qualities) is his determination. He won't stop until he gets what he wants. This time, he wants Mack."But now I need to help someone else. Mackenzie Deeks may not what friends but I'm determined to be hers, whether she likes it or not.""I want her and her baggage."Stand up to a bully and earn yourself a friend - this was what happened when Mack bumped in with Levi. She stood up to the bullies in school. Instantly, she gained herself a friend, a supporter and a cheerleader. After Tyler, Levi was the next best thing that has happened to her. He was honest enough to slap some sense into her."I feel like you're my destiny, you're my everything and I think I have to thank her for that. Don't ever leave me, okay? 'Cause if you do, I think you might just take a bit of my soul with you."I like how the story progressed. I may find Mack selfish at times, thinking about herself, and not the people who love her, and who wanted nothing but the best for her. Yet, with Tyler ever present and not giving up, everything is just perfect. When I reached the second part - the letters, I think it was a smart move on Ms. Pratt because part didn't allow the story to drag. They may be just letters, but it allowed readers to witness how Mack and Tyler's love blossom, mature even from a distance. It also offer a glimpse on how their characters have develop and changed through time.The moment the cover was revealed and I read the blurb - I told myself: I HAVE TO READ THAT BOOK!When I finally did - it had me speechless. I loved it to the core. From the first page, down to the very last. Sanctuary of Mine is not just a book with a beautiful cover nor a love story that will bring extra beats to your heart, but it is an inspiration, something to give hope to people (most especially teen girls) who are fighting the disorder and those who are silently crying for help. She has truly a ways with words that will touch not just your heart, but your soul as well.  This book was my first from S. Pratt, and certainly won't be the last!*ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.