BOOK BY: Amanda Wen
What a delightful follow-up book!
From the opening scene where our hero and heroine meet, to the very last page where everyone finds their happily-ever-after, readers are guided through a beautiful story of second chances, recovery, and redemption.
This is a dual time story, but it takes a refreshing twist in that the key to unlocking the past is the historical heroine herself, who in the present, is suffering from Alzheimer’s. Readers are treated to a couple of scenes from her point of view as an elderly woman. Though a surprise, it added another layer to the novel that I don’t think the story could do without.
In 1955 KS, the racial divide is still wide. Rose and Ephraim are caught in the middle of the divide, and their story is almost doomed to fail from the start. A love of music binds them together and will be the thread that keeps them close through the years.
In present day KS, Lauren is worried about her grandmother. Alzheimer’s is stealing the memories of the grandmother she adores. When an unfamiliar name brings desperation in her grandmother’s behaviour, Lauren is determined to find the person that apparently is locked away in her memories.
Parallel love stories, different, yet very much the same, brings a sweetness to both the present and past storylines. Each couple faces a mountain of obstacles, and have a cache of secrets between them.
Characters are likeable, even when making foolish decisions.
I quite enjoyed this follow up story to Roots of Wood and Stone. It reads well as a standalone.
I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
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