Review: This is the first book.... If EVER.... That I felt such a connection with the characters!!! Easily 5 stars!!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 13, 2013
Wow!! Always There really touched a part of my soul that has been buried underneath my strong armor suit for a year now. I lost my dad last October and I connected with the youngest daughter, Shelby Lynn, on a very personal level. This book had me crying... and I mean ugly, scrunched-up face, tears flowing down my cheeks, snorting cry... within minutes of reading it. I haven't felt this type of personal connection to a story in a LONG time... if ever!! I give Always There a solid 5 stars on the knock my socks off chart! It is a must read and will have you emotionally raw before chapter 2!Always There is a heart touching, soul grabbing, emotional roller coaster of a story about three adults who have lost every single family member they have... LITERALLY!! They lose both of their parents and then all 5... yes 5 of their aunts that were left by their mother to raise them throughout their lifetime. Shelby Lynn, the youngest of the three was only a child (10) when her father passed, then a very young adult (20) when she lost her mother. She has developed an extremely thick shell to protect her heart and this story describes her hurt, pain,and even joy throughout the ordeal of dealing with death.  Always There takes us on Shelby's journey of losing all of her loved ones.. besides her siblings.. and finding love. Her story had me crying, laughing, snort laughing... and crying some more! I fell in love with this book and highly suggest it as a MUST READ!!Being the oldest child in my own family and the only girl, I connected with Shelby Lynn because she feels like she has to put on a front so no one really sees how broken she is inside. Her story really broke my heart and tore at my soul more than I thought it would when I agreed to review this book. While reading it almost felt as a form of therapy for me... I found myself in agreement at times and yelling at my iPad "So what if that is what she wants to do to grieve!!" But then I would be so sorrowful and broken hearted feeling like it was me there experiencing my Daddy's death all over again. Always There definitely is one of those books that you need to read and let yourself feel that emotion. Everyone will lose someone dear to them at some point in their life... it helps to know that there are ALWAYS people THERE that have felt the same thing as you. Kudos Carol Ann Albright-Eastman... you are my new hero!!