Angela retreated across country to her parents’ home place. The people of the small town had always loved her and refused to allow her to become overly depressed. These people had known and loved her for years. One man had loved her from the third-grade timeframe and had never gotten over her. This journey through her spiritual rebirth would take place within the confines of Angela’s birth place and with the people who were so important to her throughout her life.

This is, apparently, Barbara Boyer’s first novel. I find that almost unbelievable. The book started slowly and was a bit confusing to me. However, it quickly became a compelling work of art that I could not put down. Throughout the book, Boyer quoted parts of the fictional book Wrestling with the Demons. The characters were deep, exciting and edgy. She brought her characters to life in a way I’ve not seen previously.

There were a myriad of townspeople who were involved in assisting Angela in her plight. They were typically small-town, but even though there were many, they were each one unique and there was no problem with keeping them straight. The further I read, the faster I wanted to read. Seldom have I experienced a writer with such a way with words that so completely mesmerized me.

This book was unique in its delivery. The ending was shocking. There is no way to prepare others for how the book ended. This is definitely a book which will not be forgotten as soon as you turn the last page. I highly recommend that you read this. It will give you a new way to look at life.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Brenda Talley
August 15, 2009