My Own Bookshelves

This is the heartbreaking story of Joe, Belinda and Samantha. Their story is tragic spiral. The topic which Author Nicole Hart covers could be done in a full length novel. But this novella does the topic justice and leaves you aching, and wishing for something better for the main characters. As a novella, you get a full circle story. No cliffhanger or starter book for a series. So who should read it?

The story is told in a dual POV but primarily from Joe's. It's the story of the toll that untreated mental illness can have on a family. My everyday life for the past 12 years has been to assist mental health practitioners with treating their clients. With that knowledge, this novella is not lighthearted or take the disease lightly. Its raw. Its real. If this is a trigger for a reader, I would dissuade considering taking a chance. In addition, as another reader stated, 'not every story ends with a HEA.' This story holds it true. The epilogue does give you some hope that some healing has maybe taken place.

My rating isn't based on my 'norm'. I don't think I'd read it again. It was well written and a beautiful read. But, it was just too real for my normal need to read to escape. Yet, I really liked the care and handling. Some elements may not be agreeable in the story, but it is what it is. This really happens within the family unit. My only con is I felt the epilogue was a bit too brief as you are transported in time and I didn't feel a connection to the older Samantha. There you have it. Do I recommend it? If you are interested in taking a brief glimpse into the effects of mental illness on families, I would say this is an excellent choice. If you are familiar with Ms Hart's writing, she has not let her readers down by the ability of getting into Joe and Belinda's head. 4 out of 5 stars.