A review by myestorie
The Culmination of Everything by Christina C. Jones

4.0

 This was heavy but beautifully written.  This story could be very triggering for some but there was so much beauty in the layers, made the read very worth it. 

 

Kyle, turns to small town Sugar Valley to cope with the unimaginable. The trip is supposed to be able her conquering the mountain and “finding herself.”  Kyle ends up finding herself and so much more.  Ben is Sugar Valley forest ranger and a lifetime resident, who has been hiding behind his own unresolved pain and loss.  One thing Ben absolutely doesn’t want, is a relationship. 

 

Due to a mountain fall, Ben and Kyle have an unpleasant first encounter that leads to the unexpectant. This story was enjoyable for so many reasons.  First, Ben is the town a-hole but I loved it. He kept me laughing with his attitude and his back story put everything in perspective. Kyle was time enough for him though. 

 

The relationship between Kyle and Ben was cute but I mostly enjoyed how they ended up having the tough conversations.  The way the town embraced Kyle was sweet and allowed her to feel at home when she needed it most.  Sugar Valley offered her love.  I also loved Ben’s mother.  Ms. Regina was just as funny as her son.  “She looked like she had been rode hard and put away wet.”  That line had me laughing so hard. 

 

Overall, this was an excellent read.  There is no timeframe on grief and there is no way to tell a person how they should look or act during the grief process.