A story of second chances, healing from the past, restoration of relationships, and pictures of lasting friendships that were “forged in combat”, “washed by grace” and “bound by Brotherhood”. A story of being strong enough to have an open heart looking toward the future. All this heavily sprinkled with suspense with a big finale and a satisfactory ending!
I really like Weston! He had so much personal tragedy in his life but that did not stop him from being a Good Man, being willing to stand in the gap for someone else, helping with whatever they needed. He was such a hardworking man, a good friend to everyone, quietly addressing someone’s needs without the need for recognition. As a mother of sons, I especially liked the description and depiction of such good, healthy male relationships between Weston and his friends. They called each other Brother, and the author showed us why several times in the story. “Zane, Ryker, Garrison, and Sawyer …move in to join Weston. It’s not curiosity. It’s tactical. Because you come for one of them, you’d better be prepared to fight them all.” Loved that.
Reese was a little hard to like at first. As the story unfolded, I understood more about why she did the things she did. I was sad there were 19 years of so much unresolved pain, but we all have things we struggle with and sometimes we struggle with those things even longer than 19 years. I just wished she’d spent less time running and hiding and more time fighting for those she loved during her younger years. I liked her character more as the story unfolded.
In the end, the author did a great job of resolving the difficulties in the relationship between the two main characters and showing that restoration and future happiness is possible despite a painful past. I really like how she shows Weston’s restoration of his relationship with God- the growth from the pain of his personal experiences and then his opening his heart back up to God. “So, I keep my head bowed, begging a God I haven’t spoken to in years for mercy.” And Weston received that mercy in many ways. We all do.
And can I just say, Samuel!! I have my own ideas about this character, and I would love to hear others! I closed the last page with a smile on my face. Recommend.
