REVIEW - Godsend by Sloan Johnson
4 Stars!
Godsend by Sloan Johnson is an emotional tale about being brave enough to take that second chance at love. When you have experienced a devastating loss that leaves you questioning how you will go on it takes a lot of courage to emerge from a grief-ridden state and open your heart once again to possibilities. There may be a light at the end of your dark tunnel; however, sometimes you need a push in the right direction.
Scott Murphy had to say good-bye and experience the horrendous desolation of losing someone when his wife died. Shelly was in his life for so long that Scott could not fathom experiencing anything further without her by his side. He is lost and manages to shut out those that care about him. As someone who was attracted to men, Scott shed all sexual orientation labels when he fell for Shelly’s vivaciousness and caring nature. They had eleven amazing years together and a little under one year together as husband and wife. He was never good at letting people in but Shelly broke through all his barriers and loved him as he was. Now, how was Scott supposed to continue living with the one thing that made his life worthwhile gone?
Shelly’s father finally breaks through Scott’s grief-ridden state and manages to get him to attend a bereavement support group. There Scott meets Chris, a sexy, blue-eyed blonde that he can’t seem to take his eyes away from. Chris has also experienced a tragic loss and attends the group so that he doesn’t feel so alone. Despite the under-riding current of attraction between the pair, there is no way Scott is ready for any type of romantic entanglement. A tentative friendship forms between the pair which eventually develops into more as they deal with the myriad of emotions they have for one another. Can Chris be the one that finally makes Scott see that life is still worth living?
Ms. Johnson has written a story with two very endearing protagonists. To the outside world Scott is this gruff individual who is hard to deal with, but underneath that cold façade there is a fragile man too scared to allow anyone in again. The reality of having to possibly lose someone again is too much for Scott to fathom. He would rather remain locked up tight with his emotions in check. I loved how careful and gentle Chris was with Scott. Chris understood that Scott came with a plethora of emotional issues but he simply could not stay away and cut their connection. As Scott and Chris begin to spend more time with one another and their relationship deepens, both men struggle to make sense of how the other makes them feel and what this means for their futures. I did feel like some of the drama near the end was a little too contrived and unnecessary; however, it was nice to see this emotional love story come to fruition and see just how Scott and Chris fit into each other’s lives. It really was a beautiful tale of love.
All in all, Godsend was a poignant tale that touched my heart. What you get is a sweet and emotional second chance love story that shot straight to my heart as the story unfolded. The road to a happy forever for Scott and Chris was chalk full of emotional obstacles and turmoil but there is something to be said for having to rise above the hardships to get to that place of unconditional love. We often have to walk through darkness to get to the place of beauty and light. In the end, it is always worth it.
****An advance reading copy of Godsend by Sloan Johnson was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Godsend by Sloan Johnson is an emotional tale about being brave enough to take that second chance at love. When you have experienced a devastating loss that leaves you questioning how you will go on it takes a lot of courage to emerge from a grief-ridden state and open your heart once again to possibilities. There may be a light at the end of your dark tunnel; however, sometimes you need a push in the right direction.
Scott Murphy had to say good-bye and experience the horrendous desolation of losing someone when his wife died. Shelly was in his life for so long that Scott could not fathom experiencing anything further without her by his side. He is lost and manages to shut out those that care about him. As someone who was attracted to men, Scott shed all sexual orientation labels when he fell for Shelly’s vivaciousness and caring nature. They had eleven amazing years together and a little under one year together as husband and wife. He was never good at letting people in but Shelly broke through all his barriers and loved him as he was. Now, how was Scott supposed to continue living with the one thing that made his life worthwhile gone?
Shelly’s father finally breaks through Scott’s grief-ridden state and manages to get him to attend a bereavement support group. There Scott meets Chris, a sexy, blue-eyed blonde that he can’t seem to take his eyes away from. Chris has also experienced a tragic loss and attends the group so that he doesn’t feel so alone. Despite the under-riding current of attraction between the pair, there is no way Scott is ready for any type of romantic entanglement. A tentative friendship forms between the pair which eventually develops into more as they deal with the myriad of emotions they have for one another. Can Chris be the one that finally makes Scott see that life is still worth living?
Ms. Johnson has written a story with two very endearing protagonists. To the outside world Scott is this gruff individual who is hard to deal with, but underneath that cold façade there is a fragile man too scared to allow anyone in again. The reality of having to possibly lose someone again is too much for Scott to fathom. He would rather remain locked up tight with his emotions in check. I loved how careful and gentle Chris was with Scott. Chris understood that Scott came with a plethora of emotional issues but he simply could not stay away and cut their connection. As Scott and Chris begin to spend more time with one another and their relationship deepens, both men struggle to make sense of how the other makes them feel and what this means for their futures. I did feel like some of the drama near the end was a little too contrived and unnecessary; however, it was nice to see this emotional love story come to fruition and see just how Scott and Chris fit into each other’s lives. It really was a beautiful tale of love.
All in all, Godsend was a poignant tale that touched my heart. What you get is a sweet and emotional second chance love story that shot straight to my heart as the story unfolded. The road to a happy forever for Scott and Chris was chalk full of emotional obstacles and turmoil but there is something to be said for having to rise above the hardships to get to that place of unconditional love. We often have to walk through darkness to get to the place of beauty and light. In the end, it is always worth it.
****An advance reading copy of Godsend by Sloan Johnson was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
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