Review: Must Read!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 2, 2013
The prologue- even the text prior to it was a little emotional and I wonder if I could survive the novel with my heart intact.Tori was Will's smart-mouth redhead. They thought everything will go on smoothly. They have liked each other since forever and was about to go in their first date. BUT THEY WERE SO WRONG. Because during their supposedly-perfect date - something bad happened and it had been haunting Tori.She had been through a lot. I think most of us wouldn't really know the extent of her suffering unless we experience what she had (I hope none of us will). Tori had been strong, but the incident weakened her. She lost herself, opted to be alone and suffer rather than sought for help. She ran away from it. She thought it was her fault.Will - awwww. He was not just a great boyfriend, but he was a greater friend. He didn't leave her side when he finally knew what was going on. He didn't pressure her to do anything she wasn't ready for. He supported her decisions and was always there for her. He may have done something that night that has been eating him up - but it was a reflex on his part to save his ego. Nevertheless, this guy stole my heart!The secondary characters, namely Charlie from Love Notes (Book 1) & her mother were pretty great too. They were the best support system anyone could have. Charlie had needed her on the first book, and now Tori needs her, but she doesn't ask question even though the nightmares that her friend is having concerns her. She knew that when Tori is finally ready, she will tell her.Tori's journey in overcoming her guilt, seeking for help, finally accepting that it happened to her and learning to open her heart is indeed emotional. Heather Gunter made an incredible novel about a journey of a girl who's world fell apart after one night, found her strength and was brave enough to fight for what is right. I like the strength of her character, and the person she had become by the end of the novel. This story gives HOPE to girls who have underwent the same nightmares as Tori did. It is an inspiration, that somehow there is always a rainbow after the storm, and  not all men are beasts because time WILL come that a prince charming will still find he's way to sweep you off your feet.Although part of the series, you can read Heartstrings as a stand-alone. I think I'm hooked with this series and I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next one - Ashley's story: Changing Tunes. Who can resist a reformed bad-girl falling in love with a good boy?*ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.