Review: You won't EVER FORGET how this book made you FEEL!! Must Read!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 2, 2013
I have written this review in my minds eye 1000x, but have not had the courage to actually write it - until now.I am terrified of writing this review.I'm scared my words won't do this story justice.Let me start off by saying that after reading this book I literally ran to my husband hugged him and kissed him while I cried. I told him I loved him. Which I do all the time, but I just needed to be sure that he knew again that very moment. I say this jokingly but it's true, sometimes the soul needs a good cry. But this book, this book gave my soul new food. It fed my soul the renewed knowledge of ..."Never take for granted what you have".If we were all in college majoring in Romantic Relationships, Winter Blues, would be on the syllabus under MUST read Classroom material.Our Professor would instruct us to dissect this story and look at it as a social experiment on a couple's marriage. The end of this marriage.This book is a perfect example of what happens when communication, which is one of the most essential parts of a relationship, is lacking between people. The whole time I was reading this story, I felt like I was peeking into their house window. These emotions, these events were so private, so personal and so raw I almost felt wrong being a witness to all of it.This story is about Reid and Darlene who have been married for about five years. They were college sweethearts. This young couple love each other fiercely, but are going to a tough time in their marriage. Both are feeling the affects of a move from California to Chicago. Reid has landed a great opportunity for his career and as a couple they decide to move. The problem is that Darlene has not been able to find herself in Chicago. She is struggling with feelings of unworthiness. She's use to feeling free and independent, and her jobless state in Chicago is making her feel less than what she really is. Now in Chicago, she's finding herself relying more and more on Reid's attention. The problem with this is that read it extremely busy at his job right now.  He works well into the night and has to often break dates and meetings with her. She feels unloved by him and underappreciated.This is where things in their marriage start getting out-of-control. Cue in- another man- who lavishes her with some much needed attention and it is a recipe for disaster in this marriage or is it?Never in a million years did I ever believe I would be saying this, but I think after reading this book, I think it might be possible that an affair can save a marriage.Yes. I said it. But hold on. Calm down. I'm not saying if your marriage is on the rocks go out and have an affair. NOT saying that. I am saying, I hope I never have to experience that, but if I do, and my marriage is worth saving, I want to be able to walk away from that situation and learn something.One of my favorite line:"I want to miss him and be eager to be with him. I want to treasure us like I failed to treasure us before. I want a fresh start."I honestly believe this story is the Exception to the rule.Once a cheater always a cheater... that's the rule.Well, Darlene and Reid are the exception. For them, in their story, something good came out of their experience. Reid chose to love her more than he hated her. What Darlene did was the unthinkable. Reid love for her overcame that, At least, that's what I hope.So what I'm trying to say, in a very long way, just go and read it!Everyone needs this book in their life as a what not to do - example.5++++ and BEYOND!!!