“Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere,
They’re in each other all along.”
Rumi
They say that life is full of choices. When you’re young and idealistic, you believe that the path you choose is the road that will lead you to your destiny.
But what if, along the way, fate decides to step in, and no amount of logic or rationality or even prayers can save you from your fortune? When the sacrifices … fortune? When the sacrifices you make, the love that you find, and the bright promise of the future are all snatched away from you, you’re left alone to pick up the pieces of your life.
This is a story about love, found in a faraway place by two very unlikely people. It is also a story about friendship and loyalty and fighting for what you have despite the illogical mystery of fate. It is a story of faith and acceptance, and learning that even the best-laid plans are powerless against the alignment of the universe.
From the beaches of Thailand to the streets of New York, three friends, Anna, Dante, and Jude will learn the hard way that once providence steps in, there is nothing in the world that can change what is truly meant to be.
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A newbie to this author’s works, my curiosity was aroused and going into this read completely blind was certainly an experience for me. I also had a feeling that this was going to be one very special read after turning the first page, and I wasn’t disappointed. Lacking in a prologue and banter in the first chapter is irrelevant since the setting captures the reader’s attention immediately. Reading on, not only does the blurb kick in between all the characters, but I was also enthralled by the style of writing. Natural surroundings are so artfully described that I was transported to a country I have never been to. I was there dipping my feet in the crystalline waters while observing the sea life; walking on the sands and lapping up the sun. The story’s protagonists’ development is articulate, their personal situations not without moments making me want to scream out loud at them.
Delicate issues are touched with sensitivity and gripping to the point of frustration which brings into effect, an unputdownable read. One thing I must mention is the first half and one of the reasons I like going into a book with absolutely no idea where it’s going to take me. I was desperate for Jude’s point of view and wondered if or when his feeling would be divulged. So my surprise was tenfold when it came.
“What you said about fate. I really believe that we have the power to change it.”
Anna Dillon. “Deary me Anna! You were in the right place but at the wrong time. I know you had to get away; find yourself, learn to forgive someone so dear to you. But later on, you would fool your own heart and make a decision changing the course of the future.” Understanding her stance was of importance as the circumstances she was in were to say, complicated. She has faith, is proud and a hard-working young woman. When she falls fast and hard, little did she know about this man cloaked in secrets, or why he disappeared off the face of the earth. Later the truth would be disclosed tormenting her soul even more than it already was. And the man she should have given her heart to unconditionally, suffered so much that I cried for him. Then again, nothing is fair in the ways of love and regardless of a troubled conscience, eventually she does what she has to do.
“We’re both lost. How can we be found? How can we both find purpose?”
The Will of God. Moral ethics. Abiding by the rules of his calling, Jude Grayson never questioned his choice of work. Until the last thing he expected happens. His benevolence has no boundaries, his empathy outshone his good-looks. His very persona would be put to the test though. He also makes some harsh decisions which would reflect on all concerned. And I could have jumped into my Kindle and gladly strangled him. So much hurt was caused because of him being torn between his vocation and his true feeling for the one and only woman who dazzled the pants of him. (Pun intended!) If only he and Dante had been honest with her… The mysterious power such as is destiny plays a hand they will all have to come to terms with regardless of the outcome.
“I will quarrel with the heavens and fight with destiny to be with you.”
Dante and Anna have a very special relationship going way back. How could I possibly not adore this drop-dead gorgeous guy whose concern for his bestie was always foremost? I have to confess I was on his team. Loved his sense of humour, the daft name he calls her, his passion! I really don’t want to let on as to what will happen to these three beautiful people because it’s a must-read. But I will say this. My emotions ran riot when one twist in the plot was revealed and another literally floored me. Gushing tears, I prayed for them. Then there were fan grabbing occasions. Never fear, scorching hot Dante and Jude will push the room temperature up. Keep this in mind ‘cause you’re going to need something to move the thick air around!
“Open your eyes, Blue. Watch me give myself to you.”
What a great storyteller Ms Brae is. I particularly enjoyed the little hints she kept dropping only to discover that it wasn’t actually what you thought it would be. A true guessing game! There was just the right amount of angst, just the right amount of sexiness and just the right amount of scenes pulling on your heartstrings. There wasn’t one main or secondary characters who I disliked or didn’t connect to. Reading this book in one sitting which is by no means short, tells you how much I loved this book. I am so glad I found you, Ms Brae. Bravo!
“With freedom of choice comes the freedom to sin.”
The best of the best!!!!
When I began this book I had no expectations. I had read one other book by Christine and had loved it. What I got from this book was beyond what words could ever express in a review. This book made me laugh, it made me cry. But above all else it made me feel. It made me cry for hours. For love, for loss, and for closure of the best kind. The epilogue alone had me in racking sobs. This book, the message it was meant to convey was beautiful. I will forever be touched and changed by this book. Christine: well done. It’s amazing and truly one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. Thank you for giving us this piece of your life & soul.
Secrets. Everyone has them. Unfortunately, secrets destroy. Anna needed to just get away. Her life isn’t happy and the secret she harbors threatens to eat her alive. Anna convinces her friend Dante to go with her to Thailand. They needed the help after the island was torn apart by a storm. Anna never dreamed the change over taking her life.
A short book but very well written. The characters are well defined and easy to relate too. This book will bring out all the feels. I really wanted to help Anna. I can’t imagine being trapped between two men. It’s a quick, easy read and you’ll be sharing it with others.
I didn’t find any issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it keeps you on your toes. copy of book provided by author and I voluntarily reviewed it.
In This Life
Anna and Dante had been best friends for years. After graduating college they signed up to spend a few weeks in Thailand working with the children there and helping in the recovery from a tidal wave. While there Anna met Jude Grayson who was also there volunteering. Their connection was instantaneous. But their time is cut short when Anna has to return home early because of her mother’s death. Promises were made, but she never heard from Jude for five long years and by then it was too late. Anna and Dante had married and taken over the raising of Anna’s brother. Then suddenly Jude is back in her life and many secrets are revealed! Can they get past this time apart? Why didn’t Jude contact her? Where do they go from here?
This is a moving story of true love and the sacrifices made by everyday people in its name. FIVE STARS
This is my first read by Christina Brae. It will not be my last! I received an ARC from Hidden Gems for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and have agreed to leave an honest review.
This AMAZING story took me on such a rollercoaster ride. I felt the love, happiness, frustration and heartbreak through this authors words. The flow is wonderful and fluid.
Our main characters are Anna, Dante and Jude. Anna and Dante are the best of friends and meet Jude during a mission trip to Thailand. Anna and Jude had the best 10 days together before she was to return home.
What happens after this is a period of time that will truly test Anna and Jude and yes, even Dante. Anna is in her medical residency and Jude is a Semantarian, working toward becoming a Priest. I have to say I was raised a Catholic but am not a practicing one at this stage in life but the author goes on to talk quite a bit about the requirements Jude has to meet, especially emotionally, and I didn’t find myself overwhelmed with these facts. I felt like she explained enough for me to understand without overkill.
Anna gives so much of herself to people and in this period of time she has to deal with feelings of betrayal (an issue with her mom), lies (done with the purpose of protecting her) from friends and even death. She learns that not only does she deserve her own happiness but that she needs to forgive others for things she may have misinterpreted through her own anger and immaturity. She needs to accept fate.
When I began this book I had no expectations. I had read one other book by Christine and had loved it. What I got from this book was beyond what words could ever express in a review. This book made me laugh, it made me cry. But above all else it made me feel. It made me cry for hours. For love, for loss, and for closure of the best kind. The epilogue alone had me in racking sobs. This book, the message it was meant to convey was beautiful. I will forever be touched and changed by this book. Christine: well done. It’s amazing and truly one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. Thank you for giving us this piece of your life & soul.
This is now my first top read of 2016. I am familiar with the author’s previous books, I’ve read them all but I think this is her best work so far. I must admit I never really cried when reading books maybe I’ve shed a tear or two but this book broke my record. Anna, Dante and Jude’s story made me cry. I liked the fact that some parts of the story has given us readers a deeper insight into Jude’s beliefs, his convictions and also his doubts. I’ve always liked Christine’s writing style but somehow this one is even better than her previous ones. Well the fact that she managed to squeeze some tears out of me is a feat in itself. I won’t go into more details to avoid spoilers. This is one heck of a book: full of angst, faith, loyalty, friendship. I highly recommend it.