My review is not going to give this book justice. And I don’t know how to make sure you understand just how good it is!

I think my favorite part of this book (and is isn’t an easy choice!) is that this is just as much about Bennett and Noah as it is Harper and either of them. The relationship that these two build, even if Bennett goes into it dragging his feet, is so real and so touching. Bennett has spent almost his whole life being either unwanted or left behind. He’s learned to keep himself apart so he doesn’t get hurt but Noah doesn’t let him. Noah’s openness and just plain ol’ good-heartedness makes him impossible to resist and before long these two are like brothers. Unfortunately that means that Noah’s death is just another rug pulled out from under Bennett and one that is even more painful for the way it happens.

I love Harper’s resilience but her life after Noah is hard-fought. There were times during the flashback chapters that hurt with what I knew was coming. And one in particular (no spoilers!) that made me ugly-cry. But with the help of family and friends, and a little therapy, she’s at a point where a relationship might actually work. And the one that she develops with Bennett may not be simple because of their pasts, but it is so very real and works so well for the people that they’ve become.

Trentham also brings in some of the difficulties our military personnel and their families face every day. While it is a solid mechanism to get Bennett and Harper together, it’s also a main storyline on its own and handled with the grace & respect such a difficult issue deserves. It’s not easy – either picking yourself up after being left behind, dealing with the pain and troubles faced by those who have returned, or waiting for loved ones to come home (and fearing for news that no one ever wants to get). But Trentham makes sure that we get an understanding of exactly how strong these people have to be, both those serving and the ones who love them.

I’ll be the first to admit that I love everything that Trentham puts out buuuuut this is probably my favorite. She manages to elicit just about every emotion possible and make it look easy. So be prepared to laugh and cry and everything in between.

**Review given honestly and freely after receipt of a reader copy. This opinion is completely my own and was not influenced in any way.**