Review: The Sweet Gum Tree by Katherine Allred

   

“This book will break your heart sooooo good!” ~ Under the Covers

Let’s address the elephant in the room first…THE COVER.  I’ve had this book recommended many times, and I’ve ignored those recommendations because the cover did absolutely nothing for me.  In fact, it repelled me.  I really can’t say exactly why I eventually picked it up.  It helped that it was on sale for $0.99 so I figured “well what the hell just buy it”.  Then I found myself at home alone on a Saturday and without any motivation to move from my bed so I cracked it open.  What followed was a reading marathon because I couldn’t tear my eyes away from this book until I finished it.  I was reading in bed, I was reading in the bathroom, I took a bath instead of shower so I didn’t have to stop for as long to wash myself, I was reading while cooking.  You get the picture.

This is the story of Alix and Nick.  Their budding friendship and love grows stronger through the years and the obstacles.  And believe me, life threw enough at these two to crumble a lesser person.  The author does a wonderful job at painting the perfect picture.  Letting you grow with the characters, feel the emotions they are feeling every step of the way.  It felt more like watching a movie than reading a book.  It was that real!

At the core, it’s a second chance romance.  Cue my happy feelings for that!  But it’s probably one of the deepest and darkest ones I’ve read.  Alix comes from a wealthy family, Nick is from the wrong side of town.  Their friendship starts when they are just kids and Alix takes Nick under her wing and protects him.  From there, you will go on a 26 year ride with them.  The ups and the downs.  The love and the heartbreak.  And there are just some things it’s hard to come back from.

I confess I’m usually not a fan of using miscommunication for a plot.  So it really boggles my mind and goes to show how much I was involved in this book that when things could’ve been resolved with just opening up your heart to one another, they didn’t.   Instead they drag on and continue to ruin lives.

 

THE SWEET GUM TREE is a riveting, gut-wrenching and emotional read that will touch every fiber of your heart.  It left me both sobbing with hurt and smiling from joy.  I couldn’t ask for a more perfect book!  And when you pick this up, expect tears.  Lots and lots of snotty, chest-hurting tears.  Followed at times by the “can’t hold back a smile of happiness” tears.  This book will break your heart sooooo good!  Katherine Allred has a new fan in me!

Favorite Quotes:

Waaaaaay to many to list them all, but here are some.

“People who felt got hurt.  Hadn’t I learned that the hard way?”

“He always was someone. Because the core of the sweet gum tree never changes. Like Nick, the deep red wood stays true to its nature. Strong, and steady, and pure.”

“No one should have to go through life with only half a heart”

[about-author author=”Katherine Allred”]

 

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