Review: Thrilling twists and original plot make this a fresh story about survival and hope
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 25, 2012
This book was a wonderful surprise- an original plot, strong writing, and complex array of emotions will make this a fast favorite.  What Kristi Loucks caught so perfectly was the sense of irredeemable loss families with relatives in the armed forces experience.  The story revolves around the BelaForte family, capturing not only the uncertainty of life and the darker side of what humans can do to each other, but also the resilience of the human spirit- it's a great lesson in how powerful a motivator love is.  When a "drugs and dolls" trafficker aims to threaten Jared's future, not everything is what it seems, and a dangerous game ends up bringing a long-separated family together.  I love how Loucks gives us a peek into the mind of a survivor- in one particularly touching vignette, something as simple as grilled cheese, tomato soup, and a chocolate milkshake suddenly becomes so comforting to Jared, the cerulean-eyed torture victim and protagonist.  The road to happiness may be exceptionally difficult, but as Loucks writes, it's still possible to find your way home.