What if you had the chance to find a lost love?
Jess still thinks about the man who disappeared from her life seventeen years ago, and the tragedy that tore them apart. So when she discovers a hidden box of letters in her mother's attic, Jess realises that the truth about why he walked away has been kept from her all this time.
Jess sets out to follow the faded postmarks across the country, determined that her journey will bring her closer to him. As each clue falls into place, Jess discovers new things about herself - and the man who once broke her heart. Maybe she can find him. Maybe their love story isn't over.
Maybe one day, they will be together again...
Review: As a big fan of Debbie Johnson’s writing, I was keen to sit down and make a start on this latest book. Just reading the cover had me looking forward to an interesting journey. As soon as I started reading, I knew that this was a story that was going to have me coming back for more, that is if I could bear to put it down. It did, indeed, prove to be a compelling tale that took me on an amazing trip and a quest for a lost love.
The story begins with Jess returning to the home that she shared with her mother after attending that lady’s funeral. She goes up to the attic in the company of her cousin, Michael, to start the gargantuan task of sorting through years of collected belongings. The story of Jess’s life unfolds as photograph albums are discovered and the contents examined. It is only when a previously unseen box containing letters and cards comes to light that Jess discovers that her parents had been lying to her for years, parting her from the love of her life, Joe. Although it has been seventeen years since she saw him, Jess knows that she must attempt to find Joe, even though it means reliving the tragedy that tore them apart and almost destroyed her. What follows is an incredible road trip spanning continents in which Jess, Michael and one of Jess’s oldest friends meet up with many interesting people whose lives have been touched by Joe, but with him always a step further on.
Sounds like a cliche I know, but this book really took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. During the course of Jess’s epic journey, she encountered people and stories that touched my heart as much as it did hers and those of her travelling companions. I had to admire their tenacity. Many times on their quest I would have given up, but they were constantly there for each other offering encouragement to carry on. I was so engrossed in the story, that several times I found myself anticipating a breakthrough in the search only to feel really let down when once again they hit a brick wall. What good writing from Debbie Johnson. I loved the way in which the picture of Joe developed as the story progressed through the recollections of others in a series of tales. He sounded a lovely character. I have to say as well that I thought the story had a magnificent ending; I didn’t see it coming. I would highly recommend this latest book from a very talented author; tissues may be required.
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