If it weren’t so near Christmas

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If it wasn’t near Christmas time I’m sure I would have flown through this book.

I have really enjoyed my journey in this great read. To some readers it may seem slow to start, or they may get fed up of waiting to hear what happened to Helen.

Sam is married to his second wife Helen. He has two girls from his previous marriage. Unfortunately his first wife died.

Five years Sam and Helen have been together. She cooks, cleans, sorts etc to perfection.
Sam works full time.

To all and purposes this family unit seems to be settled and comfortable.

One day Helen ups and leaves.
She’s not murdered or kidnapped.

She walks out on her husband and daughters who she adores.
But why?

Sam reports her missing.

Helen is found alive and well but wants no contact.

I found Sam annoying at times and self centred when he should have helped his daughters cope.

The chapters alternate between Sam, Helen, his older daughter and Laura.

When I got the insight to how his daughter was feeling I wanted to shake Sam, he should have made more time to talk with them and listen.

Tim, Sams brother seemed to be his rock. It didn’t appear that way at times, but he was.

A father trying to hold down a job, see to his daughters, take them to school and clean house was way too much for Sam. He often found his head in a bottle.

When we got to over halfway through this book we learn more about Helen in a surprising way which puts an entirely new slant on Helen.

At the end of this read yes, I had a lump in my throat.

I was torn.

Unhappy for Sam and his girls but he was moving towards the light.
Helen, I was sad, but part of me was happy too.

The epilogue blew my mind.

What a fantastic book.