This was a roller-coaster for me. I almost didn't grab it, and then I almost DNF'd.
In the beginning, I was not into Celia and Burnabys' relationship. It was honestly cheating. They were kissing and professing love/lust for another while she was engaged. The breakup after the kiss could have happened before she left home if she was so unhappy. As soon as she ended her relationship, they were immediately getting married? No sex and kissing kept to a minimum as if trying to portray some type of virture? Nah, I wasn't down for it.
At first, I did not like Celia, and then my heart broke at all the trauma she endured. I quickly became emotionally attached to her and wanted so much good for her. Barnaby was hard to connect with, and I honestly was not drawn to his character as I was others in the book. I loved the second chance aspect. It's my fav, especially in marriage. I was eating that up!
The narrator was so good! Especially at portraying the emotional turmoil the characters were in. Gut wrenching. With that said, I did not like the kids' narration. It felt unnatural and extremely immature. I get 6 year olds are young but they are past the baby talk stage, and baby talk is an "ick" for me. I typically dont like kids in books, but i understand the need for the childrens POV here. It was done well minus the baby talk.
Overall, I am so glad I stuck around because this was too good! One, I would definitely re-read again! Thank you, NetGalley, and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.

This book is a surprise in all the best ways. First and foremost, my heart soared to realize that one of the main characters is on the autism spectrum. The author expertly weaves the challenges that can bring to marriage and intimacy for both partners throughout the story while staying true to what ASD is. This is a tale of hurt, brokenness, grief, joy, elation, forgiveness, hope all wrapped up with a bit of mystery and intrigue to sweeten the pot. The narrator did a wonderful job, as well. An amazing read-highly recommend!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.