A wonderful setting in the Spanish olive groves, a father and his daughter travel to Spain, leaving behind a responsible job and a recent loss. A family awaits for them in Spain, a family they did not know previously. many wonderful things happen to the pair as they immerse themselves in the life on an olive grove. Uplifting !

There are many novels about recently widowed mothers moving through their journey of grief as they simultaneously are helping their child(ren) heal from the loss of their father. Boo Walker presents a moving and captivating story of Baxter Shaw as he has struggled for the past 3 years to move forward. Baxter made a promise to his wife to give their daughter Mia the "best life." It is a promise that seems to be getting harder to keep not easier for either him or Mia. An email from a website his wife used to try and find her birth mother would have been welcome if his wife was alive. But now? It could rip open the past and damage the little progress Mia has made.

The writing is tender and presents the struggles of the journey of grief that is ongoing. Told from Baxter's POV it is an intimate behind-the-scenes view into Baxter's thoughts and actions. The portrayal of Baxter is multi-fold as the reader glimpses his roles of business owner and employer, widower, single parent, friend. I especially loved the author’s understanding of the healing power of music that is beautifully illustrated throughout Baxter’s life.

Without restraint Boo Walker shares the complexities of life (e.g., betrayal, secrets) and the gifts of friendship and love in our lives. The characters are relatable as emotions (e.g., love, sadness, joy, guilt) evolve and are expressed in realistic dialogue. The father-daughter relationship of Baxter and 8-year old Mia shows sensitivity and love. It also highlights Mia’s spontaneity and that she is more attuned to her father than he at first realizes is possible for a young child.

At moments heart wrenching I will warmly remember the book as it is also heartwarming and inspirational. In the midst of sadness it is difficult to see beyond memories of the past. Life is a journey. Hearts heal. The time it takes is different for each individual. The love remains and reminds us of our inner passion of what we love to do becoming a bridge of hope to all we are yet to be.

My sincere thanks to Boo Walker, and Lake Union Publishing for my complimentary digital copy of this title, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

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