Sandy M’s review of A Forever Kind of Love by Shiloh Walker
Contemporary Romance ebook short story published by Samhain 26 Apr 11
I’m fast coming to the conclusion that I could read a Shiloh Walker book every day of the week. I’d never get the same or similar story twice. I’d be drawn into the lives of her characters from the very beginning, knowing their lives will have to survive a turmoil so emotional, the ride will affect me just as much as it does them. That’s the main pull for me when I read one of her books. I want that emotional punch. I want to feel the despair so that the unparalleled joy and the love that comes out on the other side is so much more satisfying for and appreciated by the reader.
Chase left town the day after his high school graduation. He needed to get out, change his destiny so he wouldn’t end up like his father in their small town. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, it just wasn’t for Chase. In his haste to make tracks, however, he left Zoe behind. The one person who meant the world to him. But selfishly he needed to find himself more than he needed her at that time. Now he’s back in town with the hope that Zoe still lives here and may be available. Chase realizes and regrets his mistakes, but he’s ready to make amends if she’s ready to give him the chance.
Things don’t go as Chase hopes, though. Zoe isn’t available. She’s married to his best friend, a huge kick in the gut for Chase. Especially when he sees them together and sees their love. He’s run into them over the months he’s been home but hasn’t had a chance to really talk to Zoe. Until the day he finds her sitting in the rain, staring at nothing. Seeing her home, worried about her and no sight of her husband, Chase stays with her until Roger comes through the door.
And the tragedy has started. Zoe and Roger go through the unimaginable. It’s heartbreaking and so very moving. Chase puts aside his want of Zoe as best he can to help out, but it’s hell on him too seeing two of the people he loves most in a non-winning struggle. And when Chase gets a taste of his own medicine, his hope seemingly dies a slow death.
When I got to the one and only love scene in this book, I realized that’s all we get. I didn’t miss not having more, and what’s given is at just the right moment. More emotion on top of such emotion already. That’s what I love about Ms. Walker’s stories. You’re so involved in the feelings and other sensations that you don’t see what you’re missing until it’s too late and it just doesn’t matter. You’ve gotten so much more instead.
This is a sad but beautiful story of second chances, friendship, and a love that’s meant to last forever. Ms. Walker has broken my heart once again and then saved it at the very last minute. My faith in her is forever sealed.
Grade: A
Summary:
You can always come home. Second chances come a little harder.
Chase and Zoe were the high school golden couple. Football captain, cheerleader, prom royalty.
After graduation, though, Chase couldn’t resist the urge to experience life outside their small town. He didn’t exactly expect Zoe to wait twelve years for him, but now that he’s back, he finds some small part of him hoping she did.
It’s no big surprise she’s married. The kick in the face is she married his best friend.
Zoe was devastated when Chase left, but she’s filed those bittersweet memories under “Moved On”. She loves her life, and loves her husband. She has all she needs. And Chase keeps an honorable distance.
One cold, wet, miserable day, tragedy turns Zoe’s world upside down. Chase never expected her to simply fall into his arms, but a man can dream. Except his dream doesn’t include the fact that this time, she’s the one hitting the road…and he’s the one left behind.
Read an excerpt.
