Can't Buy Forever - by Susan Laffoon

* I received a free ebook copy from the author, in exchange for an honest review *

I started this not knowing where it would lead. I was thinking, "this isn't usually the type of book I would go for". Well, what did I know?!

Do not be fooled. If one were to judge this book on its first few chapters, they would be forgiven for believing it to be an historical romance. However, you will be far from correct.

The book opens in 1950s America with the story of two young people who are hiding their love for one another. Odessa AKA Dessa, and Nicholas. It was at this point I thought to myself that it is refreshing to read a genre I wouldn't usually. It turns out that this is not a cliché historical romance, but a tale of survivorship, friendship, and faith. 

I must admit, I took a liking to Dessa from the outset. Her tenacity and her maturity beyond her years was commendable. For me, she is the bravest character out of them all. Her belief in love to the point of self-sacrifice was, at times, frustrating. However, as I continued to read, I could see her train of thought and understood why she took the actions she did. I would happily welcome an Odessa Drake into my life as a friend.

Nicholas on the other hand, I'm not too sure how I feel about him. I see the romance of his story and his actions, but it does not outweigh my seeing him as controlling. Again, as I reach the end of the book and the gaps begin to be filled, I see why he did what he did. Yet I cannot shake the uncomfortable feeling that he could have reciprocated Dessa's trust and confided in her. Instead, for me, his actions made me worry for Dessa at times - was she being controlled and too in love to see? For this reason, I found it difficult to both connect with and care about Nicholas. 

The peripheral characters I loved. Each so unique and very believable. Susan Laffoon successfully brings together all the characters - there was no resistance where I felt that something was too far-fetched, or that I doesn't connect. In fact, throughout the entire story I forgot I was reading a story. Laffoon has been brilliant in drawing the reader into the lives of the characters and bringing them along on the journey.

I've found that some authors overuse description, which has the opposite effect of what was intended. Laffoon however, uses the perfectly balanced concoction of description, dialogue, and reader imagination to create a wonderful, flowing read.

I don't want to give too much away, but the plot twist at the end was brilliant. I was not expecting it. I couldn't have even imagined that to happen. As I mentioned before, do not be fooled by the romance. This is not your traditional romance. It is a tale of twists and turns - a romantic thriller if you will.

I will definitely be reading Susan Laffoon's books again. Wonderfully refreshing.

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Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Publisher: Page Publishing

Date of publication: 17th May 2015

Pages: 218

My rating: 4 out of 5

#review #bookreview #fiction #historical #historicalfiction #thriller #romance #contemporaryfiction