Author: Elizabeth Marro
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Berkley (February 2, 2016)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Contemporary Woman's Fiction
My Rating: 4 Stars
Book Description:
A heartbreaking and insightful debut novel about the wars we fight overseas, at home, and within our own hearts.
Some come back whole. Some come back broken. Some just never come back...
As an executive for one of the most successful military defense contractors in the country, Ruth Nolan should have been thrilled when her troubled son, Robbie, chose to join the marines. But she wasn’t. She was terrified.
So, when he returns home to San Diego after his second tour in Iraq, apparently unscathed, it feels like a chance to start over and make things right—until a scandal at work tears her away from their reunion. By the next morning, Robbie is gone. A note arrives for Ruth in the mail a few days later saying, “I’m sorry for everything. It’s not your fault. I love you.”
Without a backward glance, Ruth packs up Robbie’s ashes and drives east, heading away from her guilt and regret. But the closer she gets to the coast she was born on, the more evident it becomes that she won’t outrun her demons—eventually, she’ll have to face them and confront the painful truth about her past, her choices, the war, and her son.
Even though I had my suspicions that this novel might very well tear my heart out I couldn't resist picking it up anyways. I have a soft spot for anything having to do with our troops and anything having to do with redemption and hopefully a happily ever after in the end.
I'm not going to lie, this book was emotional in every sense of the word. In fact, at times it was downright hard to read but in the very best ways.
It really is so much more than the heartache of the beginning, it is about redemption, righting wrongs, and most of all, it is about the healing power of love.
Well written, paced, and a page turner at its core, this was worth the heartache and I'm glad that I took a chance with it and tried it.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*
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This sounds like something that I would love. I am all for super emotional books even if it is a bit tough. Great review!
ReplyDeleteYou would love this then. ;)
DeleteI don't know if I'll be able to take this one! Sometimes I can be in the mood for a heart-wrencher; other times I need lighter fare. I'm on a lighter-fare spree right now!
ReplyDeleteI can understand that, this would be a good one though when you are ready for a heavier read.
DeleteBooks about troops are always hard for me too, Ali. I know I'll be a blubbering mess when I finish and this one sounds like it would turn me into an even messier mess. I just read a super emotional book yesterday after a long time and it reminded of me just how much I love these kind of impactful reads.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful review, Ali!
Thank you Nick! They are nice every now and then and I really do love them.
DeleteI really enjoy emotional books, when I'm in the mood. Good Review!!
ReplyDeleteTori @InToriLex
So it does have an HEA in the end Ali? I can handle an emotional evisceration along the way as long as things turn out okay in the end!
ReplyDeleteUmmm, sort of? LOL!
DeleteI almost requested this one last year on NG, but I decided not to. I love me a good thought provoking, ugly crying story.
ReplyDeleteI bet you would have liked this. ;)
DeleteBeautiful review!!
ReplyDelete"It really is so much more than the heartache of the beginning, it is about redemption, right wrongs, and most of all, it is about the healing power of love."
Happy Friday, Ali :)
Happy Friday Kim!
DeleteWow this looks really intense. Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteIt was a bit intense. ;)
DeleteThis looks like a heartouching book~ I´m not sure if this book will be my style~ But thank you for your review darling!
ReplyDeletexx
Thanks for stopping by and checking it out! ;)
DeleteAwe, this sounds like a really emotional one. I'm glad you enjoyed it! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks Erin, me too. ;)
Deleteah yes it sounds really emotional but sometimes that's really nice!
ReplyDeleteI agree. :D
DeleteI really hope there is a HEA at the end of this one, Ali. I don't mind an emotional read but I would like some comfort and closure/hope in the end.
ReplyDeleteThere was some closure but in a different kind of way, hard to explain. ;)
DeleteOh no... I know I'm going to pick this book up and sob my heart out!
ReplyDeleteYou might!
DeleteThanks for sharing. I don't think I could handle this. I tend to avoid books about the troops because my brother is in the Army and it just makes me nervous. haha
ReplyDelete-Lauren
I can understand that!
DeleteOh I don't know... I hate to cry and it sounds like I will at least have the sniffles. I need an HEA before I start this one. My heart can't take it otherwise!
ReplyDeleteYou might not love this then. ;)
DeleteThis sounds super emotional. That's okay sometimes though. I'm glad it was a good one!
ReplyDeleteThanks Candace, me too!
DeleteThis one sounds good but very sad as well. Not sure if I could take it, although I do read emotional books at times. Anything to do with the war and troops would upset me anyway! Good review Ali :)
ReplyDeleteIt is hard because of that for sure.
DeleteI'm a little unstable for reads like this nowadays. Lol. Glad you persevered and enjoyed it for the most part, Ali.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joy!
DeleteThanks for putting this book on my radar, Ali! I’ll keep it in mind for when I’m in the right frame of mind for such emotional read. Just reading blurb made me tear up.
ReplyDeleteOf course! Thanks for stopping by and checking it out!
DeleteNope, not for me. Too emotional. I hate crying.
ReplyDeleteI can understand that. ;)
DeleteI love books about our troops and the wars, but this is one I will have to table for later. Wonderful review Ali
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim. ;)
DeleteI feel like this is one of those books that I have to read in one sitting, and I'm totally ok with that.
ReplyDeleteIt probably would be better that way. ;)
DeleteThis does sound amazing. Have you by chance read American Sniper? That's another good one, based on a true story too. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI haven't but I really want to and to see the movie too. I bet it will be very emotional but in a good way.
Delete