ŷ������

I kept telling myself one more page, then I could put the book down, but I could not. I was hooked. The author has the readers emotional invested early on as she brilliantly weaves a tale that taking readers through lots of twists and turns, with several possible crazy paths the story could have ended with some happy, some tragic which would leave the reader an emotional wreck. I found myself glued to the page, tearing through the novel, because I had to know more.

The author masterfully tells this story through three POV’s allowing the reader to experience the story in a well-rounded way, having them to walk through addiction and how it affects family members, friends, and the addict themselves. It is heartbreaking in so many ways.

I liked how the author effectively gives a glimpse at the inner struggle of Eve, the addict fighting for her life and that of her children. These characters and their situations pull at your heart strings as we read Eve’s diary and get a peek into her soul. Eve’s family life is in crisis. Charlotte 5 and her brother Sammy a toddler. Eve’s Diary, May 20th …�� Maybe she had come through the beating with her life, but heroin was still in the fight!”�� I know the worst is yet to come, but my children need me. I’m trying to focus on my kids. Already my body is screaming as if my muscles are wrenching…My bones. I want relief, but I’ve tried that before and nearly died from the cure. An addict with a methadone allergy is pathetic. I can die from the help or die from the withdrawal. Either way, I’m not sure I’m going to make it��.And my kids. I have to make it…for them.��

Then there’s Eve’s twin sister Zara who lost track of her sister years ago. Zara and Chad are newlyweds excited about their life together. She did not know her sister Eve was an addict and had two small children Charlotte and Sammy, until they receive a call from foster care. I liked how the author includes well timed humor through this couple adventure into foster care. Zara and Chad want to help. Things are happening fast. Zara says to Chad …”I keep wondering what they’ll go over in that weekend class, and if it’s really a good idea to give us two young children without that information first.”…”We can’t even housebreak a puppy.��

Chad says to Zara, “We’ll figure it out. People have children all the time. They can’t all be experts before they start.��

Then there is the story from a ministry viewpoint showing the messy yet loving side of things. I liked the character Tiff Bradley and how she does her part in helping the women no one wants to talk to and/or look at. She feels by helping Eve she is getting a glimpse into her daughters�� addiction. By helping Eve, she is helping her, and her family heal from the loss of her daughter, Lindsay.

The author isn’t afraid to say the hard things through her characters like Tiff Bradley who says this to her husband Bruce, “Listen, life isn’t safe. I used to do all the safe things, and I missed what was really happening in the world.��

Her husband Bruce replies, “Lindsay is gone. I thought you just needed to do this so you could accept that, but it keeps going, and I don’t understand. Do we need to lose you too?��

The author says, “I hope you walk away from this book with the realization that addiction does not define a person. I hope that when you see someone battling drug dependency, you will stop and pray for healing. There are miraculous stories of men and women who’ve turned their lives around. I count it as an honor to know a few of those people.��

This is a book that will open your eyes, pull at your heart and have you look at things with fresh eyes. This book would make for a great book club pick. There is so much to discuss. If I could give the author five stars or more I would. This is a must read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising��

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog