When Anton Addison-Rice's parents book a flight to South America, he finds himself alone just before the Christmas holidays, though his gran and uncle are around. He recently lost his beloved grandad whom he adored and his brother, Greg died in an accident from which Anton lost his right hand. He has suffered emotionally, ever since. When he spots Edith, his neighbour in a bit of bother with her abusive husband he feels that he should try to help her. As their friendship grows, eighteen-year-old Anton falls in love and then fearing for Anton and her own safety, thirty-three-year-old Edith decides to flee, leaving Anton behind.

My Name is Anton is about deep personal relationships developing, surviving and flourishing in the real world. There is overcoming of adversity and the relentless determination of the protagonist to do the right thing. Anton has a great relationship with his Grandma Marion and Uncle Gregor and I really enjoyed their supportive family dynamic. The second half of the novel is the return of Edith in Anton’s life. With mostly realistic characters, though Anton comes across as a little bit too good to be true at times, this is a slow-burn read. I was invested in the compulsive story and as the suspense built I was keen to keep on turning the pages. Both Anton and Edith are well fleshed out by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Sad in parts and full of hope in others the author dabbles in a wide range of topics - disability, suicide, mental illness, alcoholism, and domestic abuse, to name some - and weaves them all together seamlessly in a compelling narrative.

A powerful, deeply heartfelt story of great personal strength, love, moral dilemmas, loss, and grief. Well worth a look.😁

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Catherine Ryan Hyde's books always have a theme and a message and they are delivered so beautifully, it is impossible to miss her books! I have read many books by her and I am left amazed every single time. Even though a lot of the themes focus on loss, life, unconditional love, memories, relationships, bonds and so many more, each book is different from the other.

My Name is Anton is the story of a seventeen year old boy named Anton, who is trying to figure out his identity as well as reconcile the death of his grandfather, his brother and the partial loss of his right hand. Anton is both physically and mentally wounded and in the midst of the emotional conflicts, he happens upon Edith. Edith is in an abusive marriage and after one incident is witnessed by Anton, by chance, he makes it his mission to help her get away!

This book is a romance novel, which in itself is a different book for the author. It talks of unconditional love that lets go, the kind of love where a person learns to be unselfish and sacrifice all for the safety and happiness of the other person. Anton let's Edith go one time and as fate brings them back many years later, it remains to be seen whether such love endures and how it affects people.

I love the characters of Grand-uncle Gregor and Grandma Marion. They bring light into Anton's life and support him when he needed it the most with compassion and understanding. The circumstances behind the death of Anton's brother are extremely sad and the author touches upon Mental Health and discusses it in a very delicate manner. The fact that it is important to acknowledge and deal with is brought out in a subtle yet straight forward manner through the experiences of the characters.

Overall this story starts of a little slowly, first focusing on the growing friendship between Anton and Edith and later focusing on how Anton learns to cope with life, his disability and grows into a more confident individual all things considered. The reader is in for an emotional rollercoaster that will make you sad at times, empathize with the characters and finally laugh with them as they find the light and joy! 

I highly recommend this book just as I do with all of the books by the author!

The book cover drew me in when I first noticed this book available on Netgalley. Then I read the blurb and was extremely intrigued by this story. But I had already a lot of books to read so at first I didn't request it, but I left the page open because I really wanted to read it. I kept coming back, a clear sign of how much I really wanted to read this story and I finally caved and read it. I'm so glad I did because I adored this story a lot.

It took me several starts and stops to get immersed in this book.
Once I got through the first few chapters, I became more interested in Anton.
His chance meeting with Edith leaves a lasting impression and changes his awareness of his family dynamics, his grief, and even his vocation.
There were several times I felt the dialogue and vernacular was too modern for the mid-1960s especially in the beginning.

*I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and I am required to disclose that in my review in compliance with federal law.*

My Name is Anton by Catherine Ryan Hyde was my first book by this author. I found it engaging and full of love and truth. The story is about Anton, a young man of eighteen. When his parents leave him alone during the Christmas holidays, he spends his time with his new telescope. Until the telescope reveals a young woman in trouble across the way from him. Her name is Edith and the book could almost be called Anton and Edith, though I do understand the title. When he helps her to escape her abusive marriage, the bond they form is beautiful and tragic. When she leaves, without telling him where she is going for his own protection, they both spend fifteen years waiting for the other, without realizing it. When their paths cross again, can they pick up where they left off and make the life they have dreamed of? A beautifully written story about what it means to love unselfishly and completely. I really enjoyed it! I love that you could feel the author's heart as she wrote, that you knew she loved her characters and that they loved each other.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this story. All opinions are my own.

Writing yet another review for a book by Catherine Ryan Hyde makes me feel dejavu. Every couple of months a new book of hers comes out, I instantly grab it despite any other review commitments, and I never regret it. So far, all her books have just been so good that I can’t resist reading them as soon as possible. My Name is Anton is no exception – another strong story of a human bond in challenging times, and the power of selflessness, love and care. For 2020, it’s such a heart-warming read – I really missed reading something as warm and sweet as that. It just felt like a warm blanket in the form of a book!

It's About...

Anton has had a terrible year – he lost his brother and his right hand. He’s also recently lost his grandfather. Now his parents’ marriage is falling apart, and nothing is like it used to be. Anton has taken a gap year from college and his parents have left for a vacation to try to glue everything back together, and so he’s left all alone in the apartment for the holidays – just him and his new telescope which won’t show any stars anyway, because of the cityscape of New York.

But through pure chance, Anton becomes witness to a domestic incident across the street. He really worries about the woman he saw in danger, and can’t stop himself from pursuing to check in on her, to see that she’s okay. And that’s the start of something that may change both of their lives.

Content triggers: [please read on the blog, they are spoiler tagged]

Tough, Though Ordinary Lives

Catherine Ryan Hyde always picks people with big challenges to write about. It’s always someone who’s lost a close person, or someone who is different, and is struggling to be accepted. A lot of times it’s someone who is dealing with an illness, be it mental or physical, and is cut off from what we deem to be ‘normal life’ because of it.

So each time I pick up a book by her, I wonder what it’s going to be this time. How can an author continuously just pull these amazing setups from the magician’s hat and never come up with the same ones? How long can she keep doing it?

And yet, with My Name is Anton, she does it again. Anton is a boy who’s suffered multiple losses, and has also become an amputee, struggling to reconcile his old and his new lives. Edith is a woman, trapped in an abusive marriage and unable to get out of it for a lot of different reasons.

Both these characters are very distinct and what I love about Catherine Ryan Hyde’s writing is that she never has token characters – her stories always have fully fleshed out people.
Those people often suffer from multiple problems, not just one. Aside from their ordeals, they have to deal with small, mundane issues like housekeeping, money, chores, everyday tasks. They have ordinary relationships and ordinary days, but it’s all shown through their lens.

And this is what makes the stories special – because you realize that ANY ordinary life has its own problems. More than that, you are not safe in your little ‘normal’ life, like many of us mistakenly assume.

Tragedy can strike anyone. Which is why we must cultivate empathy towards everyone else, especially people who have it harder than us. That is the lesson Catherine Ryan Hyde’s books teach most often.

Finding Your Voice

In this book, the main character Anton has to find his voice – both figuratively, and in some cases even literally. He has lived all his life cushioning others, trying not to be in the way, hoping they will understand that he’s not fine and accommodate him the way he does it for others.

But the the thing is, others almost never do. To the point of where Anton is suffering terrible PTSD for very real and serious reasons, but his closest family members refuse to see it. They also refuse to let him get help, because “it’s embarrassing”. So Anton doesn’t just have to fight his own submissive nature, he also has to stand up to people he thought it was always rude to even think of standing up to.

It’s a tough and sad story seeing how Anton has to grow up the hard way. It’s also wonderful seeing him develop his voice and not let others walk over his life anymore.

Really Inspiring Characters

Catherine Ryan Hyde’s stories have definitely struck a chord in my heart, but I do understand they might not be for everyone. And the reason I like them best, ironically, may also be the reason why some people might not like them. This reason is that the characters in her stories are inspiring, but in a very particular way.

I have always been a very straightforward person, and maybe even naive. Which makes me fall HEAD OVER HEELS for CR Hyde’s characters every time! The thing is, yes, they do make mistakes, but at the core of their hearts, at least the main, central characters’ hearts – there is always only kindness, and they always want everything to be for the best. They try, despite their frail humanity, to be more than human, to be immaculate in their kindness.

I believe that for some readers, and I certainly know several such people in my circles, this will not be as touching and inspiring as for me. It may be that some people, when they see such a “goody” character as Anton, it might just feel like he’s too good to be true, or worse yet – spineless, or even an affront to the reader (for not being so “goody”). So like I say, these kinds of inspiring characters may not be for everyone.

But for me, these characters are so precious – they are perfect. They are what I strive to be, and what I like seeing, even if sometimes I truly do wonder whether these people exist. But then I read some inspiring stories on Quora and realize – they MUST exist. Only they’re not so common. But the news is always full of negativity – so why not read a book about someone who is doing kind deeds?

Catherine Ryan Hyde’s stories have definitely struck a chord in my heart, but I do understand they might not be for everyone. And the reason I like them best, ironically, may also be the reason why some people might not like them. This reason is that the characters in her stories are inspiring, but in a very particular way.

I have always been a very straightforward person, and maybe even naive. Which makes me fall HEAD OVER HEELS for CR Hyde’s characters every time! The thing is, yes, they do make mistakes, but at the core of their hearts, at least the main, central characters’ hearts – there is always only kindness, and they always want everything to be for the best. They try, despite their frail humanity, to be more than human, to be immaculate in their kindness.

I believe that for some readers, and I certainly know several such people in my circles, this will not be as touching and inspiring as for me. It may be that some people, when they see such a “goody” character as Anton, it might just feel like he’s too good to be true, or worse yet – spineless, or even an affront to the reader (for not being so “goody”). So like I say, these kinds of inspiring characters may not be for everyone.

But for me, these characters are so precious – they are perfect. They are what I strive to be, and what I like seeing, even if sometimes I truly do wonder whether these people exist. But then I read some inspiring stories on Quora and realize – they MUST exist. Only they’re not so common. But the news is always full of negativity – so why not read a book about someone who is doing kind deeds?

My Name Is Anton Was Delightfully Different

[please read this paragraph on the blog because it contains spoilers and has been removed from this public NetGalley review]

Overall...

I don’t believe I’ve ever said anything else about a book by Catherine Ryan Hyde, but I enjoyed My Name is Anton a lot. If you’ve liked her previous books, I’m sure you’ll like this one too. It’s another story about integrity, kindness and selfless love – although with a flavor that I haven’t seen in the past 3 or so books I’ve read of CR Hyde’s! So this story has all the right elements, plus a little surprise in its make-up. What’s not to love?


I thank the publisher and NetGalley for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.

18-year old Anton has suffered a terrible loss, losing his brother to suicide and his right hand as he attempted to take the gun away. The reader is briefly introduced to Anton’s parents who are rushing off on a Christmas holiday, thinking it a good idea to leave him home so soon after the tragedy.

Anton is hastily given his Christmas present as they rush out the door and such gift will change his life forever purely by happenstance. Looking through the lens of his newly acquired telescope, Anton sees a woman being abused in a unit across the street. Anton and the woman Edith, 15 years older, come to grow a relationship and find strength together.

I especially loved two characters. The first is Anton, a selfless, perceptive and thoughtful young man and secondly that of Anton’s wise grandmother Marion who emotes love and wisdom and is there for Anton physically and emotionally. What a gem.

A beautifully written and insightful story that as it progressed, came to warm my heart.

This is my first time reading this author and after seeing great reviews and reading the description I was super keen to read it. I see a lot of high ratings but unfortunately I struggled with this one. I found the story to be slow moving and somewhat depressing to be honest. I kept waiting for something decent to happen in the plot, like a big climax, but nothing really did. I found most characters unlikeable also. Sadly this well fell short for me.

Thank you to the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of My Name Is Anton by Catherine Ryan Hyde. This was such a poignant life story of a boy who suffers an unimaginable tragedy as a teenager and then finds his salvation in the unselfish saving of another. Apart from a teeny distraction from the minor continuity issue regarding the year being 1965 and Anton’s use of 911 despite 911 services not becoming available until 1968, I enjoyed this book from start to end. I loved that Edith and Anton got a happy ending but in a realistic rather than tidy sort of way, similar to how real life is messy, and yet, ultimately worth it in the end.

Trigger warning: suicide

What a wonderful story!

It is 1965. Anton has just turned 18. He still lives home with his parents. He has recently lost his younger brother. He tried to save him from shooting himself but failed. As a result he lost his only brother and his right hand while trying to save him. Anton's parents are acting like this loss does not affect them the way it affects him and decide to go on a trip to South America over the holidays, leaving Anton alone at the apartment. Thank God Anton has a wonderful grandmother and great uncle who are there for him, supporting him and visiting regularly.

Anton receives a telescope and while putting together the heavy and expensive device, he has a first look through the lens and what he sees startles him: in an apartment across the street, a man is putting his hands on his wife and hurts her. Anton makes his mission to find the woman and save her from this monster. Little does he know that this mission is about to shape the rest of is life.

This story was simply amazing. Anton is a young man full of love, compassion, empathy while still standing up for himself and for those he loves.

I loved the 60s vibe in the beginning of the book: the urban descriptions, local shops, Anton's apartment, the fashion, the conversations.

I also loved that author Catherine Ryan Hyde allowed us to live alongside Anton and his loved ones all his life (the book ends in the year 2000) and see that despite the losses and pain, Anton stayed true to himself and to what his grandmother taught him: when you truly love someone, you do what is best for them, and not what is best for you. And Anton lived by it.

People often wonder and come back on important decisions they make through life. This book taught me that there is no right or wrong decision. We just make a decision depending on what we consider is best at the time. After the decision is made, no one can say whether it was right or wrong, because no one knows the trajectory your life would have taken if your decision would have been different. You just live with it and make the best of it.

I recommend this book to anyone who want to read a feel-good and meaningful story. Definitely my favorite novel of the season!

Thank you so much Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I love you so much it scares me sometimes. I’ll think how much I love you and for a minute it’s hard to breathe.'

'Welcome to my side of the fence,' he said.



My Name is Anton by Catherine Ryan Hyde is about Anton, of course, and Edith. And the agonies they're bound to carry, and the joy they're fortunate enough to embrace. And the moments they missed.

'It was December 10, an odd day to celebrate the Christmas holiday. It was not even quite six in the morning, and Anton “Anthony” Addison-Rice was fast asleep and dreaming about his right hand.'



It's the opening line of this book. Intriguing, isn't it? And then we get to know why he was dreaming of his right hand. Because he has lost his right hand in a terrible, dreadful incident. (It's not a spoiler).

His parents leave him alone for Christmas holidays, with a telescope as a gift. And then, he saw something in a window. Accidentally. A woman.



The woman - Edith, 15 years older to him, is in an abusive marrige, and Antony has witnessed it.

They meet, connect and a beautiful bond burgeons. He has deeply fallen in love but, to keep her safe, he had to let her go.

What if they meet again?

'Love is when you can make the following statement, and mean it: "What’s best for her, even if it doesn’t include me."’

This story is also about a dysfunctional family and complicated relationships, that has been told with so much ease. The storytelling, the character development, the development of emotional bond, everything is so effortless.



And the credit goes to the writing. I love the writing style. It's beautiful and engaging. The author has made every scene, every conversation so meaningful, interesting and heartwarming.

'But it was how she closed the door that Anthony would always remember. She didn’t slam it. Almost the opposite. She eased the door latched with a deliberate caution, a gentleness. As if the door were installed directly into Anthony’s chest or gut, and she might hurt him if she mishandled it. And it mattered a great deal to Anthony, because she did have the power to hurt him, though as yet he had no idea why.'



The characters Anton and Edith seem very real and I instantly felt a connection. Loved their conversation. So, basically the dialogues are very interesting. So interesting and engaging that I was actually looking forward to what they would say next.

There are several beautiful, touching scenes. I would especially like to mention two scenes. One, when they are watching the moon, at Anton's terrace. And the platform scene.

The secondary characters are also very significant, especially Anton's grandma and great uncle are very endearing. I felt so glad that they were in Anton's life.



Apart from being interesting, engrossing and endearing, it's also progressive in so many ways (even though it's mostly set in 1965-1981). Conveys several messages in a subtle way, so subtle that you don't even realize it's a message.

My Name is Anton is a pure, poignant, unique and heartwarming love story. Too good to be true, maybe, but I absolutely don't mind! One of my favourite reads this year. And I'd definitely want to read more from the author.



Thank you, Netgalley, for the review copy.

Well, there’s the thing.... this was outstanding! A true and heartfelt love story. I thoroughly enjoyed this. It was brilliant. If only all of us were like Anton and Edith our world would be a far better place.

“You let me go. Because it was safer for me. And it was the most unselfish thing anybody had ever done for me.”

What will be will be, I’ve always been a believer of fate, that our script is written for us. And this proves my point, even though it be fiction.

I’ve not read any of Catherine Ryan Hyde before and I will ensure that I read all of her books in the future, I can become obsessed with authors and series, wanting to read everything they create when I enjoy their style so much.

The overarching theme of love and selflessness creates a heartfelt warm and solid novel from this author. Character driven, I would like to meet Anton and Edith 🥰 and uncle Gregor and grandma Marion 💞

Ryan Hyde touches so many issues such as trauma, grief, loss, suicide, narcissism, child protection, disability, domestic abuse, mental illness, alcoholism, fostering and adoption to name a few, however this is a truly optimistic story. A very emotional account of life as we know it 👌

“There is one thing in this life you can never hide, and that’s love. When you’re in love, you can’t disguise that. No one I’ve known can conceal it, so far as I could tell. It’s like that old saying about trying to hide your light under a bushel basket, except in this case all that happens is you get this very shiny basket that glows with a light people can see from miles away.”

Most definitely a recommend from me. I’m not going into the description, you can read that for yourself You just need to pick this up and read it.

Thank you to the author, Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this fabulous ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.

This was a slow paced character driven story. It deals with a lot of subject matter like, domestic violence, alcoholism and mental illness but also deals with family, friendships and love just to name a few.

It’s a heartbreaking story about someone who is selfless and maybe too nice. It didn’t grab me like t did for others but it could just be the timing for me with this pandemic happening. I am rounding up from 3.5. Stars

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

💔Sad edge but wonderful story🤗

I loved this story of Anton, a young man who goes through tragedy and loss yet keeps his moral compass and a steadfast devotion to the battered woman he espies by accident through his telescope. He's burdened with a selfish mother, an indifferent father and the loss of his brother and his right hand but blessed with a wise, loving grandmother, a caring great uncle and his own kind, gentle disposition. He can't just be an observer when someone needs rescuing, whether his actions succeed or not. He's got a big, heroic heart and I so wanted him to find the loving life he deserved.

Although the core of this wonderful book is Anton's relationship with Edith, their foster daughter Jenny and his supportive grandmother provide some stellar touching moments too.

The author has provided an emotional work, with life's highs and lows, a sad edge to contrast with and sweeten the joys of love and family. This was my first time reading a book by Catherine Ryan Hyde and I will definitely be looking for more of her work.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

My Name is Anton is the latest book by author Catherine Ryan Hyde. Again, Hyde's amazing literary prowess brings us a portrayal of characters that really get under your skin and cause you to care so much even if you have no personal experience with their individual drama. In My Name is Anton we meet young Anton after a devastating family tragedy that leaves him isolated and floundering. One night he witnesses an incident that will again change his life and bring him and Edith together. Part love story and part introspective look at dealing with trauma, set in 1960 and crossing decades, we continue to follow Anton as his life unfolds. My Name is Anton has all of the elements that make a readable and memorable book. Combined with Hyde's storytelling, this is absolutely unforgettable. I received an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.

I received an ARC from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review. Anton is 18 years old and in the past year, he had a lot of losses. For Christmas, his parents bought him a telescope, and after he set it up he discovered a lady was being assaulted in an apartment across the road. He called the police but they didn't do anything so the next day he went across the street to try and find her.
After finding her, he followed her to a small cafe and they ended up having lunch together and talked She told him her name was Edith. A few days later she came to his apartment in the middle of the night and she had left her abusive husband and had no place to go so she stayed in the apartment with him. He gave her his room and he slept on the couch. His parents had gone to South America for Christmas so the plan would be she would stay until they would return. His grandmother discovered she was there and why so on Christmas day she and his uncle and aunt brought Christmas dinner to them so her abusive husband wouldn't find her.
As the time came that she was to leave Anton told his grandmother that he fell in love with her but she was 15 years older than he was. His grandmother told him the story of his grandfather and love was when you put what was right for the person you loved. She had done that for his grandfather. Anton knew he had to make the choice that was best for Edith. The best thing was to let her go so that she would be safe but he never stopped loving her.
Years later, they met by accident on a train and the feelings were still there. They decided that they truly wanted to be together so they took a chance although they were unsure of the age difference. Anton's grandmother seemed to see all the goodness in Edith and told Anton not to do a big wedding so she could be there. Instead, elope and not invite his parents because they spoil everything. It wasn't until after they decided they wanted to adopt a little girl that they went and eloped. This part made me cry.
Anton and Edith loved each other and they loved others enough to make the difficult decision to do what was best for that person. I am glad that the author continued the book until we saw the outcome of one of the decisions that they made. It could have gone either way but it turned out that they did make the right decision at the time but now that Jenny has grown up we see how she turned out and what can happen when they meet again.
As I was reading I kept thinking this is like meeting a friend you haven't seen for the longest time but when you meet again, you pick up right where you left off, I am not so sure I could make the difficult decisions to do what was best for someone I loved but it has made me stop and think about this. It wasn't anything I had thought about but after reading this book, I think I might love someone enough to make a difficult that is right for them and not just what I want. This was an amazing book.

This is an unusual love story that grabbed my attention from the very beginning. Anton and Edith met in a very unusual way and had many obstacles to overcome in their long journey to truly find one another. The author touches on very serious subject matters as we experience their journey along with them. This is a true character study as we follow their growth and love for one another. This was a very enjoyable read. #MyNameIsAnton #CatherineRyanHyde #NetGalley

This book was a different read for me. However it held my interest from the beginning to the end.
It a a love story but an unusual one.I found it to be truly heartwarming and emotional.
Ryan Hyde does not disappoint with this one.....it touches a number of serious subjects, domestic abuse, mental illness, suicide, alcohol abuse and adoption....I would highly recommend this book.

Set in 1965, 18 yr old Anton has just been through a horrific, life-altering event and things only get worse.
One evening Anton catches a glimpse of his neighbour across the street and realizes she is in danger. Helping Edith to escape her abusive marriage he hides her for 10 days until she must disappear without telling anyone (including Anton) where she is going. Hopelessly in love and heartbroken Anton must let her go.
What would happen if many years later they meet again?
A story of sacrifice, two lost souls and the power of enduring love.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I am never disappointed in a Catherine Ryan Hyde book. Each one seems to get better than the last.
My very favorite line in this book is: "Because I'm all regrets, all the time. I'm a big walking, talking bundle of regrets. I thought I'd made that ever so clear."

This book is a very emotional, loving, touching story of a love so deep. So deep that the two can let go in order to spare each other pain. Each has had enough pain to last a few lifetimes too so they know that feeling well. This book is about so many things. So many good and happy things and so many hurtful and very sad things. Anton and Edith both have dealt with so much. Apart they are not happy. Together they make you smile. Together they are so good. But there is the age thing. There is the danger of Edith's abusive husband. So much going against these two. It's heartbreaking that they can't hold on. Fifteen years difference in age is another factor they have to deal with and Edith is an adult. She knows what would happen if she acted on feelings. For Anton it's first love. First love is such a strong love. One that you don't get over easily. If at all..

This book will give you so many feelings. The characters for the most part are very likable. Except for Anton's parents. I truly did not like them at all. I did not like Edith's husband at all either. I loved Anton's great aunt and uncle and his grandmother. I loved his grandmother. She was a very wise woman. She was there for Anton for all of his life. She was a rock. I really loved her.

Anton saw more pain than any 18 year old should ever see. From losing his brother to losing his right hand. His parents are not there emotionally for him and not at all during the Christmas season. He is left alone for Christmas but it turns out to be one of the best times of his life.

Edith is in an abusive marriage and feels there is no way out. Until one day Anton knocks on their door pretending to be someone else. He sees for himself what is going on and sets out to save Edith. And save her he does. Anton is generous to a fault. He's a very giving and very honest young man. At such a young age he falls for Edith. He helps her in many ways. The two of them share a Christmas that they will never forget. Even his great aunt and uncle and grandmother are there Christmas day. But when it comes time for a big decision, Anton had to think of Edith. He puts her happiness and safety before his feelings.

This book will leave you with many feelings. I cried a lot reading this one. I did laugh a few times and felt happy. But I did some serous crying too. From 1965 to 2020 this book takes you for an emotional ride you will not soon forget. Catherine Ryan Hyde has written another winner for sure.

Thank you #NetGalley, #CatherineRyanHyde, #LakeUnionPublishers for this. This is my own feelings about this book.

5/5 stars and a high recommendation. A must read.