As always, Ms. Dearen manages to deliver a sweet, romantic book, while still inserting themes like illness, food disorders, family bonds and spirituality, without her characters' beliefs being preachy and overbearing. On the opposite, she writes her characters in a natural, organic way so that their beliefs and morals are part of their identity. Even their difficulty to believe in God or being strong during hardships makes them more human to the reader.
The prose is easy and flowing as always, so you finish the book in just some hours. I liked that the author chose the technique of showing the present in the first pages, then exploring in depth the past of the couple for almost half the book and then returning to the present.
The story reminded me a bit of Jane Austen's "Persuasion": the heroine was convinced by her mother to dump her man for what proved to be a ridiculous reason, at least in my opinion. She then spent the rest of the book regretting her decision and falling into one misunderstanding after the other, while her fear of her sickness didn't make things better. The hero still loved her, but was reluctant or proud to admit it and afraid of being hurt again. It became frustrating after a point, when it was obvious they loved each other and they should just drop their insecurity and stubbornness and kiss each other!
The characters seem real with their flaws, problems and struggles and you can't help but feel sympathy during their journey to happily ever after. Gavin and Haley should just get over their false assumptions, sit down like adults and discuss their problems without storming out or disappearing without notice like teenagers! They are real sweethearts who deserve the best. They do struggle through many different issues, but in the end they find their way to each other's embrace and a happy ending.
I totally recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast, sensitive read with real life problems, but a sure happily ever after.