This is a story about love and loss, and finding love again. The beginning had me sobbing for the loss of Ben, and how that hurt everyone that loved him. It’s already unimaginable with a wife, but there’s also his 3 kids and his close friends. I question my sanity reading a book like this, making me bawl my eyes out. But after the first few chapters, things get better and the words were easier to read.

Anna’s husband, Ben is diagnosed with prostate cancer and given a year to live. He calls his 3 closest friends together at his wife’s lake house to break the news and make his final requests.

Mason, the first of Ben’s best friends, has been in love with Ben’s wife, Anna, since their childhood. Never thinking he’s good enough, being the man whore that he is, Mason thinks that Anna would never love him. Ben sees the beautiful heart that Mason has, though, and he knows his wife has enough love to give.

This was different from what I’m used to reading. My main genre is dark romance, so whenever there’s an issue, I’m used to the hero throwing the heroine over his shoulder and making things right. This was not that. Anna has grieving to do and she has to come to terms with being attracted to, and starting a relationship with, her deceased husband’s best friend. Mason has to “let go” and realize that he is good enough for Anna, his young daughter Lynlee, and his group of friends. These problems are not solved overnight. There’s communication that needs to be had, hearts that get broken, and pieces that need to be put back together.

This was a beautiful story of second chances and grieving. What comes after you think it all is over. I enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
4 Stars