Review: Simply Amazing
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 1, 2014
I can't even begin to express how much I love this book and while it's classified as a New Adult I think of it more as an epic love story.  A story to span time and space, a story of devotion, a story that will make you laugh hard, make you cry ugly, and a story that will make you believe anything is possible with love.  Yes the characters are in their mid 20's but their life experiences have made them more mature and made them realize life is too short to not make the most of it.  Unconditional is the perfect title for this story about an American girl and her adventures down under while working on her Master's thesis.From the very first chapter I flat out loved Maci Rowling and I'll be the first to admit her first thoughts after hitting Australian soil are so me.  I've been infatuated with Australia ever since I read the Thorn Birds way, way, way back in my high school days.  So yes, I'd be looking for the koalas, the hot guys with the accents to die for, and those damn Tim Tams I hear so much about.  I admire her so much for taking the chance and making the journey despite the illness that she's inflicted with knowing the trip could exasperate her illness.  I love the way she handles things when they go wrong and I love how she makes the most of her time; making friends, experiencing the local culture, defending her research, and yes...falling in love.I wasn't sure what to think of Raphael Jones at first because he kind of came off as an arrogant prick but as the story went on I realized there was a lot of depth to his character.  He'd been through a lot recently and thus found it hard to trust anyone especially someone who he met in the men's room at the airport, but at times I really did want to knock him upside the head and there were a few times I was hoping Maci would pick another guy.  However, Raph really wowed me with his acceptance of Maci's illness, his willingness to understand it, and his utter devotion to her.While this book mainly focused on the budding relationship between Maci and Raph the secondary characters were so charming that I must give them a nod; Heather the effervescent girl put in charge of welcoming Maci offered insight, gossip, comic relief and was a great sounding board to Maci.  She also became one of her closest friends. Brendon (Biceps), the University Fitness Center Manager, proved to be a great friend, fierce protector, and the big brother Maci never had.  I flat out loved these two so much and they both added so much to this story.  I'm already hoping we see stories for them both and soon!While there is some angst in this book it is not overdone and the characters really don't dwell on it.  As I said before these two have been through a lot in their lives and they are very strong individuals who are perfectly capable of picking themselves up, dusting themselves off, and moving forward.  Honestly, it was refreshing to see young people with such good, solid heads on their shoulders.  Not afraid to go after what they want, not afraid to make mistakes, and not afraid to take a risk even knowing the outcome might not be pretty.It's been a week since I read this book and my heart is still so full of love for these characters and I'm having a bit of trouble letting them go.  Unconditional by Cherie M. Hudson will be a book I read again and again and I can guarantee every time I hear Unconditionally by Katie Perry I will think of Maci and Raph.  This sums them up perfectly, "I will love you unconditionally and there is no fear now. Let go and be free."