Picking Up the Pieces

Now, on to the review: This is not a light read, as the lead character Athon can't seem to catch a break. Just when she has a chance at happiness, it is cruelly snatched from her--again and again. A few times, I wanted to stop reading because it was just so depressing. The first half of the book felt rather dry. The writing seemed detached ... like recounting events that happened in the their lives but not really delving deeper into the characters' minds or exploring their feelings. The instant reconnection after the 20 year split also felt a bit like a fanfic device--supposedly no one else ever came between them but how hard is it to find your lost love in this internet age? (sorry that was just nitpicking :))
The latter half of the book where the focus is more on Lauren and how she deals with Athon's PTSD is way better--more heartfelt, more heart-wrenching. Ironic, as nothing as horrific as the first half happens here, but this is the part where a box of tissues would come in handy. Even though the lead characters are portrayed here as flawed--weak or irritable or angry or just plain nuts, the second half of the book humanizes our heroines' struggle, and their journey to find each other again is what elevates this book to a great read.
So, to paraphrase a popular author, this isn't just a romance novel--it's a love story.
4 stars for the first half. 5 stars for the second half.