jennyreads_2022's review
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This series tackles some hard topics and this book fell right in with the first three books. Both Ruth and Gabe suffered from a form of PTSD. It was well written and covered all tough topics with grace.
I knew before I picked this book up that Gave’s story would be tragic. But I had no idea that Ruth’s story would be just as tragic. I loved the similarities in their episodes. I loved the ease with which they connected and I loved the understanding between Ruth and Gabe.
Gabe was such a lovable grump. He suffered from some pretty severe PTSD, which was expertly written with so much care. He learned to mask his symptoms, but some of his episodes were extremely heartbreaking. He pushed through a lot of his demons to work with Skye on her Destination Destiny project. I’m glad we finally got down to the heart of his story, both with his ex-wife and his time as a Marine.
Ruth moved to New Orleans to be the director of Skye’s project and the friend group immediately embraced her. She tragically lost her husband and was suffering from her own version of PTSD. She had worked hard to redirect her brain after leaving a very strict and oppressive church lifestyle. She worked hard to face her past and reassure herself she wasn’t doing anything wrong.
This was an extreme story and Gabe and Ruth’s relationship developed slowly. They had a lot to work through before becoming a couple and they both put in the work. I loved Ruth and Gabe as a couple and I loved the slow development of their relationship.
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