As a parent, this story hit me right in the feels. I cannot fathom what it would be like to lose a child and the overwhelming grief that would accompany such a heartbreaking experience. The thought of having to navigate life without the laughter, joy, and innocent curiosity that a child brings is utterly unimaginable. The bond between a parent and child is one of the most profound connections, filled with hopes, dreams, and countless cherished moments. To consider the pain of losing that connection is to grapple with an emotional landscape that is often described as a living nightmare. Parents invest so much of their love, time, and energy into nurturing their children, guiding them through life’s challenges, and celebrating their milestones. The idea of that journey being abruptly cut short is a reality that no parent should ever have to confront.
Also to consider, is the ripple effects of such a loss that extends far beyond the immediate family. Friends, relatives, and the community at large would also feel the weight of that absence, as they too have shared in the joys and experiences that the child brought into the world. The shared memories and the collective grief can create a profound sense of loss that permeates through all aspects of life, reminding everyone of the fragility of existence and the preciousness of time spent together. In contemplating this tragedy, I find myself reflecting on the myriad of emotions that accompany such a loss—anger, confusion, despair, and an aching sense of longing for what could have been. It serves as a stark reminder to cherish every moment with our loved ones, to hold them close, and to never take a single day for granted. The fragility of life is a lesson that can often be overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily routines, but stories like this bring that reality into sharp focus, urging us to appreciate the time we have with those we love.
The Review
As soon as you begin reading, this book begins with a serious gut punch, unfolding a peek into the tragic event that has taken place just the night before. The story centers around the Sheehan, DeLuca, and Dumont families as they navigate love, loss, grief, and forgiveness that will have you on a wild roller coaster of emotions. I love that the author, Kristin Koval, wastes no time at diving into the characters, showing intricacies of an interwoven web of past and present relationships. As a wife and mother myself, I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be Angie & David trying to navigate such a difficult position as a unified front. All the characters are flawed, messy, and raw making them feel genuinely real like a stranger you could pass on the street.
There are so many pieces to this puzzle that will keep you yearning for the next page. I won’t lie, the last few pages had me on the verge of tears but in a the story came full circle kind of way. This was a hard read but it was powerful and cathartic. Kristin Koval came out of the gate swinging in her debut novel, and I look forward to what she writes next. I would highly recommend this book to others!
Overall Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
Finished Reading On: November 27, 2024
Book Information
Author Name: Kristin Koval
Publisher Name: Celadon Books
Published Date: January 28, 2025
Final Thoughts
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