Review: The Lovely Return by Carian Cole

 

What if death doesn’t do you part?

They say be careful what you wish for. But on December 5, Alex Fox makes a wish in the midst of a devastating tragedy. Little does he know that his wish will come true.

Six years after that fateful day, a little girl wanders into Alex’s studio. With her quirky personality, endless questions, and adorable smile, Penny Rose becomes an enchanting yet bittersweet distraction.

Penny Rose is an odd girl—at least, that’s what her parents say. Penny herself doesn’t feel particularly odd; she simply feels misplaced. As if somehow, in some way, she is living in the wrong place... in the wrong life.

As the years pass, Alex and Penny develop a friendship. But it becomes harder and harder for them to ignore their undeniable chemistry, no matter how off limits it is. Alex believes he’ll never find love again, let alone fall for a girl half his age. But Penny is everything he could ever want or need. Not only is she caring, witty, and beautiful, but she accepts the past that haunts him.

Penny couldn’t be happier. She’s been head over heels for sexy, brooding artist Alex Fox for as far back as she can remember. But when her childhood dreams and visions start resurfacing again—dreams of a life with Alex way before they ever met—she starts to think they’re not dreams at all.

They’re memories.

Penny’s revelation to Alex threatens to tear them apart, making them question the impossible and unbelievable. Can love truly transcend time and death, giving them a second chance at their happily ever after? Or is Penny battling a broken mind that has led her down a path of heartbreaking delusion?

 

My Review:

A hauntingly beautiful love story.

I was mesmerized by this book and couldn’t get enough of it.

I don’t remember reading a book where reincarnation was the theme.  I am glad I picked this one up.  Not only is the story interesting, it is also a beautiful love story about a young girl, Penny, who befriends Alex, a widower, and over the years, their friendship turns to romance.  When Penny starts having visions (stronger than she previously had) of Alex’s late wife, she spirals out of control and is deemed mentally unstable.  This could be the end for them.  But their love for each other remains strong while they are apart and when they see each other again, there is no holding back.

My favorite quote in the book is “Be careful what you wish for.  Make it count.  Because you just might get it.”  There couldn’t have been a better quote for this book, than this one.