ABOUT THE BOOK
Trauma survivor, Abby Barclay, finds purpose for her life with her therapy dog, Gen, helping terminally ill children and their families deal with pain and loss. When a playground accident brings nine-year-old Dylan into her life, even Abby is surprised at the depth of the bond between the boy and her dog. Her relationship with him – as well as with his divorced father, Scott – soon grows into something beyond professional.
Threatened by Abby and Gen’s close relationship with Dylan, Scott’s ex-wife reopens their custody arrangement, forcing Scott to decide between his son and the woman he loves. To make matters worse, Gen receives a devastating prognosis.
As Abby weighs losing Scott, Dylan, and her beloved dog, she must decide whether loving anyone is worth the risk and whether she can find the courage to go on even if she loses everything.
MY REVIEW
My first Rebecca Minelga novel is filled with hope and promises of love and support through difficult times, and I loved it! It’s a meaty story about “good things that come from devastating circumstances,” touching on mental health, grief, divorce, parenting, and love when you least expect it.
Abby is a trauma survivor navigating life with her adorable therapy dog, Gen. She’s been on a rollercoaster ride called life for three years after an accident that flipped her world upside down. But just when she thought she was done with surprises, she meets Scott and his son, Dylan, and her world changes.
What I truly admire about Abby is her courage and unwavering kindness. She spends her time helping terminally ill children, providing emotional support with Gen by her side. It takes a special kind of strength to face the heart-wrenching reality of watching young kids struggle with illnesses. This is where Scott and Dylan come in, helping her bear the weight of such heartbreaking moments. I cried so hard at more than one of those moments.
Scott is an NFL quarterback and single dad who is a quintessential good guy: a devoted father, a patient partner, and just an all-around amazing human being. He takes his time, letting Abby become accustomed to their blossoming relationship, but is it wise when he and his son need her the most? Navigating life in the world of football can come with its own pitfalls, not to mention a vengeful ex-wife. The price of love can sometimes be steep, especially when the past comes knocking.
Abby and Scott’s slow-burning romance is heartwarming. As Abby struggles with the loss of her husband, Scott stands by her, giving her the space she needs to heal. Their relationship shines when they kick doubts to the curb, even when their past challenges try to mess with their new beginning. I have to say I liked that Abby is a football fan, which strengthened her connection with Scott even more.
Not only did I enjoy the romance, but I also learned some things. The book taught me the difference between therapy and service dogs, as well as some intriguing football protocols. Plus, the characters surrounding Abby add so much depth to the story. Dylan, the boy with so much love to give, Cara, her best friend, who is the ultimate soundboard and voice of reason, and new friend Kelly, who helps Abby navigate the tricky waters of being a football WAG (Wives and Girlfriends). And, Lindsay, Scott’s ex, definitely knows how to stir the pot. Arghhhh!!
Rebecca Minelga pens a heartfelt journey through life’s ups and downs, showing that we often don’t have control over it. It’s beautiful, it’s haunting, and it’s raw. So, if you’re looking for your next memorable read, I highly recommend picking this one up.
Thank you to Ms. Minelga for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rebecca Minelga is an author and speaker who uses the power of words to navigate the liminal spaces between who we are and who we are becoming. She raises Guide Dog Puppies and two sons—in that order—with her husband just north of Seattle. When not writing, she can be found open water swimming in her local lake, exploring the National Parks with her family, or traveling the world on an adventure!
Follow Rebecca on her website, Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter, and Instagram.
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