Books4Tomorrow: QUICK REVIEW: "When I See You"

“WHEN I SEE YOU”

by Katherine Owen

REVIEWED BY: Ellen Fritz

OVERVIEW

He breaks his promise, more than once.
He makes another. Will she believe him? Can he keep it?

Jordan Holloway and Brock Wainwright share a past connection and devastating loss that intricately ties them to one another. But now, both must find their way to a new and different life and discover for themselves that moving on begins with letting go, making promises, and keeping them, most of all.

REVIEW

“When I See You” is yet another brilliant romance in which Katherine Owen proves that, not only can she create excellent characters, but she can put them through the wringer and make them come out on the other side as even better characters. Jordan Holloway has everything; a good husband, a sweet little son, a promising career and a Malibu beach house. Lieutenant Brock Wainwright is Ethan Holloway's sniper partner in the army. Brock promises to keep Ethan safe for Jordan, but can such a promise be kept?

During the year covered by this book, Jordan learns that promises are lightly made but not often kept and Brock finds out that trust, once lost, must be earned before it can be given again. While she is still mourning the violent and tragic deaths of her parents, Jordan is flung into a world of unbelievable heartbreak as she loses more loved ones, her trust in Brock Wainwright and almost her own life. As though this isn't enough, she learns that one can feel betrayed by deceased loved ones.

Once again I was pleasantly surprised by the realistic characters this author creates. Not only are the main characters strong and unique but they are normal enough not to be above self-pity, dishonesty and pettiness. When one of the characters is blinded in the line of duty, his response to his condition as well as the reactions of those around him, is absolutely natural and realistic. I was extremely impressed with the accuracy with which Katherine Owen wrote about the subject of the newly blinded, which she must have researched thoroughly.

As she uses the first person narrative present to tell the story, I was there with the characters as they experienced their trials and joys. She also shifts the perspective between the two main characters - a technique which brings the reader even more into the centre of the story and the thoughts of the characters. Although this book is mostly a serious look at the lives of Jordan and Brock, there were times when I had to smile at Jordan's inner dialogue and thoughts.

As a romance this book has all the required ingredients; from romantic moonlit love scenes to monumental shouting matches. It proves that, although two people can be attracted to one another, they must first fight their own inner demons before they can move on and make a success of a romantic relationship. .

I happily give “When I See You” 5 stars and urge all who are looking for an excellent romance novel with far more depth than your normal little love story, to get hold of this book asap!