B. N. Toler

I really enjoyed this romance. If you can call crying for at least the last 45 minutes while I read enjoying. So, very angsty. Well written and flowed well. No slow spots. The whole relationship thing moved very fast and I think that my biggest problem with the story could have been solved if things had been given a little more time to play out. My biggest problem then was that I didn't care much for George, the living brother. I totally loved Ike and could really see the developing relationship between him and Charlotte. George though, when not being a bit of a loser dick was pretty much a nonentity. I'm not sure why Charlotte loved him. The author started out pretty well with him but basically gave up on any sort of characterization in the second half of the book that led me to develop any admiration or caring for him. But she kept telling me Charlotte loved him. I don't see how. Charlotte and Ike though? That relationship was fully developed and very sweet.

I will definitely be trying out more of this author's books.… (meer)

I had read a blurb about this book...dying girl wanting to meet her father takes out a Craig's list ad, now who doesn't get drawn in by that. Will she get her wish? Why is dad not in her life? So many questions.

I won't comment on the happenings to Clara (mom), Neena (12 yr old girl), Marcus (the friend who's been Neena's substitute dad), or Paul (MIA daddy) but I will say this story will hit you straight in the center of your emotions. How does a parent even come close to being ready to say goodbye to their child? How do you not go overboard in wanting to protect them, heal them, make bargains with God? And guilt, so many forms of it, but to what avail...it won't change the outcome.

At the heart of it all it's about love. Love can make you fear with how strongly you can feel that for another. Love, when it's true, can last time and distance. Love can take strangers and make them a family.

If you are anything like me....have plenty of tissues on hand and be prepared for a couple of truly ugly cry moments. But at the end you have hope that everything will be alright and that those left behind will keep their promises.

… (meer)