Lori and Avery are both learning how to cope with terrible trauma. Lori has lost her son and Avery her brother. Still, both are hoping for love and a second chance. Lori still has some physical trauma from the accident that causes memories to surface slowly. As they surface, she finds her love life may not have been what she thought it would have. Avery, is having trouble turning to her brother's best friend for help, but he may be just what she needs.
I enjoyed the way the book gave two very different perspectives on love. It focused on a long-term married relationship and a young new one. I liked seeing the similarities and differences in the struggles of maintaining a healthy relationship.
I was not a fan of the plot. I don't think the memories coming back were done very well. I would have liked to have more stories of the mysterious lost son/brother, Austin. The entire plot focused more upon love relationships than familial relationships or the trauma that had occurred. The biggest plot hole of the entire book is the lack of grief Lori has for the loss of her son.
I was not a fan of the characters. Michael, the husband, comes off as incompetent. Avery, generally comes off as a brat. Lori, comes off as selfish. Xander, the best friend of Austin, comes off as a door mat. I know real people have real flaws, but this was to a level that made the characters unrealistic.
This book does contain some powerful messages about forgiveness and things not always being what they seem. However, not one person in this book is a good role model. It's not a book I would tell someone not to read, but it's not something I would actively promote either.
I received this book for free in exchange for this honest review.
