Veteran Texas musician, Luke Stone, has cheated death more times then he cares to remember. He’s been everything from a simple farm boy to a rowdy roughneck, a singing star to a convict and finally a husband and father whose goals consisted of building a home and raising a family…which he did.
Now, with a chance for a second music career, he knows the sand in his hourglass is running thin. His … thin. His anchor in life and true love, Darlina, stands at his side determined to help make the dream a reality. But, his aging body is sabotaging every effort and the only thing that keeps him going is sheer will power and the love he has for Darlina.
When faced with being confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life, Luke draws on every resource to continue to function and contribute to their home and to society.
This is a story of inspiration, endurance and most of all undying love. When Luke and Darlina face life-altering situations that would destroy a lesser man and woman, they draw on each other’s strength and determination to face them.
Will fate allow Luke to sing his last song?
more
This is the fourth book in Jan Sikes’ series about the greatest love in her life – Rick Sikes. I had delayed reading this one book because death had become too personal to me and I was afraid to feel that stark pain again. The book did what I suspected it would – it brought me into my heart and into the pain I felt when my loved one died. But, more than the pain, I was brought to a place of reverence – for life, for the mysterious path we all walk. This book is about embracing that mystery, accepting what we must, and facing that which we’d like to ignore. It is a book about human courage, about the transforming nature of real love. I loved the book (and the series), the personal photos, the recipes at the end, the family gatherings, the music, and the lyrics. Beautiful – all of it.
I don’t know about you, but I prefer a true love story to a fictional one. That is exactly what you will find with Flowers & Stone, The Convict & the Rose, Home At Last, and now the last book, ‘Till Death Do Us Part, by author Jan Sikes.
Luke and Darlina’s (Rick & Jan’s) love story continues by chronicling the last decade of their life together and, just from the title, you know where the story is headed. Luke’s health continues to fail, but being the man he is, he lets nothing stand in his way. He’s determined to leave a rich legacy of country music for Darlina and his two girls. He finds himself inspired to write music and to once again perform, but this time, he brings Darlina along with him. The two work together, singing and writing the music they both love.
I realized how many hardships the two endured to be together, and through thick and thin, they remained soul mates. Their love was the glue that held them together. My biggest takeaway was how Luke grabbed hold of each day as a new beginning. As a couple, they dreamed big and followed those dreams by remaining true to themselves. This is a truly inspirational love story. Truth be told, I cried my eyes out at the end. It’s an emotional read!
Are you looking for a series that leaves you breathless? Look no further, because Rick & Jan Sikes’ story is unforgettable. I loved this series and I know you will love it too!
As the song says, ” You can’t keep a good man down”…. That was Rick and Jan Sikes (AKA Luke and Darlina Stone, in the series.) When life gave them lemons they not only made lemonade, they made lemon cakes, lemon bars, & lemon pie.
Luke’s motto said it best “To do the best you can, with what you have, where you are.”
This is a true story about a great man and a loving woman who survived many heartaches, tribulations, & a wonderful love story that still stands the test of time.
From the Texas Honkytonks to Federal prison, from getting a second chance at life to raising a wonderful family and rediscovering the passion of his music. ‘Til Death Do Us Part brings this love story full circle. He left a legacy not only for his friends and family, but for the Outlaw/Texas music industry.
Like they say,”behind every good man stands a good woman”, I believe this saying was truly penned, for their love story.
Luke was afraid he would not leave any security behind for Darlina, oh how wrong he was, he left a lifetime of stories, music, art, and their Legacy.
Jan Sikes has written the perfect autobiography.
‘Til Death Do Us Part is not the final chapter in their beautiful love story, it’s the beginning of the next chapter ahead.
This book has moved me so much, I’m so intrigued, that I’ve purchased a CD of his beautiful music.
As Jan hoped, this book has me wanting to reach a little higher, dream a little bigger, and love a little deeper.