Review: Wow. Just Wow.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 1, 2013
I wish there were half-stars, because I really didn't want to take a whole one off for the minor errors that I couldn't help but notice. Amazon, please give us a 4 1/2 star option for 'I really, really liked this book--a lot!'You'll see from the other reviews that this is a first novel. You could have fooled me. The plot twists and unexpected revelations had me turned upside down and inside out almost from the beginning. Sure, I saw one or two of them coming. What I didn't see coming knocked me for a loop. This is one of the few books I've read lately that literally jerked tears from my eyes.But, lest you believe it is a schmaltzy, light-weight read, I'm here to tell you there are real issues here. Heartbreaking circumstances that the characters can't explain to each other, and that, when revealed make you want to step into the story and shake everyone involved for their poor decisions and lack of communication, except for the adorable four-year-old. These characters are neither all good nor all bad, with maybe the exception of Simon, but then I'm in love with him, so he's perfect. :)  In the end, when you discover everyone's motivations, everyone's secrets and how a single event can change so many lives, you may still not like some of them, but you'll understand.One of the really positive things I can say about this book is that, though it's the first in a series, it does NOT have a cliffhanger ending. I do have a few questions about the secondary characters, and I'm excited that the rest of the series promises to answer them.Okay, 4 7/8. I'm changing my rating to five.