Title: In This Life
Author: Christine Brae/Anna Gomez
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: January 22, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
More Info: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon US
Purchase: Barnes & Noble
Purchase: Amazon UK

They say that life is full of choices. When you’re young and idealistic, you believe that the path you choose is the road that will lead you to your destiny.

But what if, along the way, fate decides to step in, and no amount of logic or rationality or even prayers can save you from your fortune? When the sacrifices you make, the love that you find, and the bright promise of the future are all snatched away from you, you’re left alone to pick up the pieces of your life.

This is a story about love, found in a faraway place by two very unlikely people. It is also a story about friendship and loyalty and fighting for what you have despite the illogical mystery of fate. It is a story of faith and acceptance, and learning that even the best-laid plans are powerless against the alignment of the universe.

From the beaches of Thailand to the streets of New York, three friends, Anna, Dante, and Jude will learn the hard way that once providence steps in, there is nothing in the world that can change what is truly meant to be.

“Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere,
They’re in each other all along.”
Rumi

Trailer

My Review

Picture this: I finish a book about 12:30 Wednesday morning, and I’m like, I’ll just read a chapter or two of this next one the go to bed. Ha! Ha freaking ha! 4.5 hours later I’m turning the last page, knowing I have to get up in an hour for work, and I physically hurt. In my bones, down to my soul, hurt so well. I can’t even… It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that affected me quite like this one did. And I can’t even say too much storyline wise because there are so many little things that can ruin it for you as it goes along. Just trust me; you want, no, HAVE, to read this story. Christine Brae’s This Life. Gah! I kind of simultaneously love and hate her at the same time right now. Mostly love though. I went into this book thinking it would be a sweet love story, and while it was, it was SO much more. I was not expecting to be so irrevocably moved by this phenomenal story and its characters. I kept saying, after this part, I’ll go to sleep, and I kept that up through all 4 parts. I literally could not stop reading, sleep be darned. Once you pick up this book, you’ll know what I mean.

It’s entirely too difficult to try to explain the schematics of this story without giving anything away. And I know that people say that often, but there are so many intricate parts in this book that in the end, weave together with perfection, that even letting you know one little step would have a domino effect. Because now that I’ve finished it I can see; the clues were there all along, glaringly staring me in the face, begging to be seen. But I couldn’t see; I could only experience it. I realized with a story like this you don’t WANT to see the clues. Because when you get to the finale and everything falls in place, you WANT to feel the impact of your fall. It’s such a beautiful descent that every shatter of your bones and heart are well worth it. You relish in the pain, the destruction, and ultimately, the everlasting love that you didn’t think was possible. I realize I sound a tad dramatic, and truly, the book isn’t that despite what it seems I say. It’s something that transcends all believability and at the same time you can’t believe this doesn’t happen more often. Because it does make absolute sense.

This story ultimately comes down to fate. If ever you doubted that things happen for a reason, this book will surely change your mind. And I so wish I could go into more detail about that because it was so heartbreakingly beautiful to be a part of. But you need to witness and travel this journey on your own. Maybe you won’t arrive at the same conclusion as I. I’d like to believe you will, because it seems unfathomable to me that you wouldn’t. I honestly can’t remember the last time a book moved me like this one has. The strength and honesty that Anna portrays throughout everything that life throws her way is admirable. The unwavering friendship and loyalty that Dante provides her will leave you in tears. And the steadfast conviction and unwavering love that Jude brings to the table is the thing that epic love stories are made of. Time is short, then time is long, but the love never leaves. It comes in and comes out and knocks you on your tail just like the waves in the ocean, and when you least expect it, it crashes into your life once again.

Through everything these characters travel, there isn’t one thing I would change. Because every high and low leads to fate; why fight it? My heart may hurt now, but it is undoubtedly full to capacity with hope. Hope for forgiveness. Hope for understanding. Hope for the truth. Hope for fate. And ultimately, hope for love.

Fun Chat with Christine Brae and Tarryn Fisher

Listen to the songs that inspired the story of Anna, Dante and Jude.

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