BLOG TOUR: The Sound of Violet - Allen Wolf

He longs for love; she fears it.

Shawn dreams of finding a lifelong relationship, but only finds frustration-until he meets Violet, a beautiful, mysterious woman who sees past his autism to the man within. From the moment their eyes first lock, something sparks.

But behind Violet's quiet smile lies a world of pain. Trapped in a life of exploitation, she's learned that closeness brings danger. Yet, something about Shawn feels different. Safe. Real. Worth risking everything.

As their bond deepens, they must defy impossible odds and find the courage to fight for each other, no matter the cost. Because only love has the power to heal their deepest wounds and break them free from their past.

This inspirational contemporary romance-now a motion picture-returns as a newly revised 10th Anniversary Edition, with expanded storytelling and greater emotional depth.

 

What did I think?

Oh my goodness, Allen Wolf put my heart through the emotional wringer in this stunning novel.  I am not surprised that The Sound of Violet has been made into a movie as it is an unusual romance with such believable and well-drawn characters.

Shawn works for a dating app but his autism has prevented him from writing his own love story.  That is until he meets Violet; but Violet isn't who Shawn thinks she is.  Both characters' stories are heartbreaking but Shawn at least has his grandmother and brother to support him.  I absolutely loved Shawn's belief that he would find his other half and his unrelenting search for her, despite it being so far out of his comfort zone.

I couldn't put this book down once I picked it up.  It's just as well it has been made into a movie rather than a series as it would be very bingeworthy.  It is beautifully written with humour, heart and soul and it is filled with drama, family and romance.  It's simply wonderful from start to finish, despite the often dark and disturbing elements to the plot.

Heartwarming, uplifting and unforgettable, The Sound of Violet is a sparkling gem of a novel that I almost didn't read and what a tragedy that would have been as it turned out to be one of my favourite books of the year.  An unmissable book that is an incredibly highly recommended read.  I loved it and plan to read it again before I see the movie.

I received a gifted hardback for the Love Books Tours virtual book tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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The Days of Our Birth - Charlie Laidlaw

 

Theirs was the most important relationship of their life...

It was a perfect relationship until time pulled them apart. A beautiful story sensitively told about how love and friendship can conquer everything, including time, to a point.

“The Days of Our Birth” delves into the intricate bond between Peter and Sarah as they navigate their formative years. Spanning from their sixth birthday through two decades, the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Sarah’s placement on the autism spectrum. With a blend of humour and poignancy, the book intricately weaves together themes of love and friendship, unravelling the tale of two individuals who grapple with their emotions for each other, even though they remain unacknowledged.

What did I think?

This beautiful book surprised, delighted and almost broke me.  I have to say that I wouldn't have picked it up simply from looking at the plain cover, however, I've read Charlie Laidlaw's books before so I knew I was in for a treat and I was not wrong.  The cover may be simple but the story is very deep and meaningful.

Peter and Sarah aren't just next door neighbours, they are also the best of friends who coincidentally share the same birthday.  I felt very privileged to watch them celebrate over the years as I got to know these beautiful characters.  As each year passes, the two characters work their way further and further into my heart and I shall never forget them.

It's heartbreaking to see how Sarah is treated as school, just because she thinks differently to others.  Kids can be so cruel and it's no wonder that people with autism retreat further into their own minds where they can make sense of things.  Peter doesn't see Sarah's autism, he just sees Sarah but when Sarah is sent to a new school the pair start to drift apart.  Will they ever find their way back to each other?  You'll just have to read the book to find out!

I'm not ashamed to admit that I shed a tear or two whilst reading this beautiful book.  I was so completely invested in Sarah and Peter's lives that I felt as if I knew them personally, thanks to Charlie Laidlaw's outstanding character development.  Friendship is at the heart of the novel and once you make such a firm friendship, time or distance can never break it.  

Prepare to feel all the feels with this one; The Days of Our Birth is a stunning and completely unforgettable novel.  Very highly recommended - please don't judge this book by its cover, it really is a hidden gem.

Many thanks to Charlie Laidlaw for sending me an ARC to read and review; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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