Review: Love 3 brilliant ways
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 3, 2013
This was a brilliant trilogy. The three books flowed together nicely but could also be read as 3 stand alone novels. Here's a closer look at the books individually.~*~ Love's Fate ~*~What a unique take on life and love. Smith weaves a tale that keeps you captivated throughout. As a good book should, this novel leaves you both satisfied and wanting more. This novel is well and smoothly written, mixing a well thought out storyline with descriptions and narrative that draw you in, allowing you to walk through the world inhabited by the characters. Above all, Smith uses her central theme of fate or destiny to create a realistic story that tells a complete tale without ever once looking to anything other than the reality that we live.Although you definitely feel for the characters in this novel and all that they've been through, I appreciate that their relationships wasn't easy. They didn't just fall into it, but rather had to work at life like the rest of us. Throughout this novel Smith gives us a great deal of insight into how easily you can walk past the same person day in and day out and never notice through the hustle and bustle of everyday life, even if that individual is the one person you're looking for. To tell this tale Smith switches perspectives between the two main characters and doubles back to tell both sides of their story. She does so without the headers, etc, that many authors use to differentiate between their characters. That said, there's never any confusion as to whose perspective you are reading. Smith shifts her writing style to suit the character's personality. She does so smoothly in a manner that adds to the story rather than detracting from it or breaking the flow.I became so wrapped up in the story that I completely lost track of time. It didn't just bring tears to my eyes, it actually left me crying. This book broke my heart and then put it back together again.~*~ Love's Destiny ~*~This was a phenomenal sequel to Love's Fate. Smith uses her brilliant storytelling skills to pull you into a world that you don't want to escape from. She pulls you in to a life that you want to live, regardless of the many ups and downs.Smith creates love scenes so beautiful that they tug at your heart and bring tears to your eyes. She creates love that has a history and will last the ages. Smith is a very intricate and descriptive writer, but one with a knack for the subtleties of life. She never once dumps a load of information on her readers, but rather writes in a smooth and flowing manner that is easy to absorb and immerse yourself in.I appreciate how Smith ties this novel to the first novel in the series. Although this can definitely be read as a standalone novel, the childhood of these two phenomenal characters is tied irrevocably to the events that transpired at the close of the first novel. It was really cute watching these two individuals grow up together, to change and meld their lives together. It was really amazing to watch Smith portray their entire life histories and how they were always headed to their moment of true love.The characters themselves made this story. They were very unique individuals who stood on their own two feet, regardless of what life threw at them. Their actions and reactions were very realistic and coincided with the situations that they found themselves in. I could picture them both physically and intellectually. And Smith's character development didn't stop with her main characters. The entire cast was quite well developed. As a reader, you feel like a part of this wonderful, if un-stereotypical, family.Overall this was a brilliant love story that strayed outside the norm. It's one that you're destined to love (excuse the pun). Throughout this novel Smith definitely makes one thing clear: life is the messy bits, and they can be oh so brilliant.~*~ Love's Chance ~*~Smith returns with a flare in the final instalment of her Love trilogy with what is by far the most captivating yet. The author draws you into this brilliant world in such a manner that you don't want to escape. She is one of those brilliant authors who has the ability to dramatize events without making them seem overly dramatic.I like the allusion to this relationship that we saw at the end of the previous novel. It really ties the trilogy together. At the same time, this novel is free to be its own standalone novel and be completely awesome in and of itself. I also like the way that the prologue alludes to key, life changing events that occur toward the end of the novel. As a reader you know that something big happens, but not to whom or how it will affect everyone. Both of these really make you stop and think while drawing you further into the brilliant story.It's very rarely that you find a novel where you love the entire cast of characters. This is one of those novels. Ok, so there were a couple that I loved to hate, but it is impossible to be indifferent to the characters in this novel. Each one is so completely and individually developed that you become part of this very welcoming family. Their trials and emotions are yours.Smith made me full out cry (again) with this novel. She also made me laugh, clap my hands with joy, and giggle like a school girl. It was a brilliant end to the trilogy, even if I am sad to see it all wrapped up.Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.