A Place Apart

A fascinating tale about a most unexpected couple, Jacob Day, a rugged, deeply tortured, wounded warrior, and socialite Diana Mayfield, who seems to have an attraction to misfits. As in previous Lynn Shurr’s books I’ve read, we, readers, watch the characters through other people’s perspectives and tend do see them initially as a sort of weirdos, but, slowly, the author makes them human and very, very dear and compelling.
Jake is a great wounded hero, troubled by nightmares evoking his time in captivity and plagued by feelings of guilt. He can’t be near people all the time and needs solitude and a place apart from the world to survive.
This is really a story of how Jake heals with the help and love of a very stubborn heroine, who’s nothing shallow as she seems, a dog he rescued and adopted, and a bunch of people who love him no matter what.
All in all, I loved the writing style, the characters, how the author took her time to build their personalities and stories, the setting – a Maine island – the dogs.
The whole plotline about the dogs was sweet and tender and just made me laugh, so I guess this a good story for dog lovers. Above all, Matey, a Portuguese water dog, is such a great service animal! Those nightmare episodes when Matey awakes and soothes Jake are so touching!

Almost high school sweethearts, but separated by class and an overprotective grandfather, Jacob and Diana are reunited by circumstances. Jacob was a rising star, intelligent and destined for greatness, but permanently scarred emotionally by his time in the military. Diana, freed from her grandfather's watchful eye in Europe, has ruined her reputation and returned home in shame. Both come to Maine seeking peace and solitude on No Hope Island the playground of their youth. Can their shared past lead to new memories and a future together? Can they heal each other? This wonderfully atmospheric book will answer those questions.

The story premise is solid and good. A veteran who is having a hard time adjusting to life back in the states seeks a life of solitude.

Society party girl seeking solitude to let all of the bad press she has received settle down.

The two would be hermits battle for the right to live on an uninhabited island off of Maine's coast, or compromise and learn to share.

Diana isn't your typical spoiled rich girl, she has a heart and good intentions. I loved watching her try to get Jake's attention and later try to help him.

I think Matey stole the show! He is a hoot, and exactly what Jake needs. I love when authors use animals in their stories.

My only complaint is the errors take away from the good story. Not sure if the words ran together in places because of formatting or what.  I was able to overlook them, but others might not.