This book had a different feel to it compared to Abby’s previous work. I admit that I didn’t fully grasp the romance until about 60% of the way in but Abby has a way of crafting her stories with emotional depth & invisible strings that get me emotional every single time! The way Xavier was down bad for Samantha and seamlessly blended into her family without hesitation was beautiful. He truly fell first, and harder. No other man has fallen harder I swear.

I know this book is quite divisive among readers which I can understand. Sadly I was able to relate to Samantha & her siblings when it came to their dad. Do I think his actions were okay? Of course not, but I was able to see a situation from my past from a different perspective. I can appreciate Abby for that.
 
Oh how I adore Dr. Brekken! He brought so much hope and wisdom to the story. What a sweet soul! The scene that he and Xavier shared together before the grand gesture is one that I will remember for a good long time.

“Look at you. Look at everything you did.” 😭

I like that this book showcased the complexities of long distance relationships. I don’t see this often if at all in books, so it was refreshing to see something new. Xavier and Samantha stayed true and devoted to one another even with all of life’s challenges.

“Because if you were my wife you would be my world. Everything starts with you and ends with you. Anything else is just the stuff that happens in the middle.”

Even through all the heaviness of this story, I love that it left off on a hopeful note. A family fractured by loss and disease came together again. What was once grey shone in full color, if only for a moment.