A Review by Wendy
5 Love and All Its Definitions Stars
* * * * *
Only Penny Reid does this...Who else would wrap so many things together that have really no business being in a swoony, romance book and make all of it not only work.... but make sense...
I have been reading Penny Reid for a couple of years now and from the first experience, she has never let me down. Her brand of writing gives not only a romance to make your heart flutter and ache for it to be yours, but also has you stretching your mind and intelligence at the same time without effort.
All of Reid's tales have an extra layer... meaning some current topical theme which we may not consider in our day to day lives... but is as important as world peace. Each of her books have human needs clearly laid out for us to grab on to and ride throughout the story... but intermingled are other things that make us think about them... to recognize and say yes... these things are important and acknowledge they are real in our Real Lives. What we do after this acknowledgement is up to us...But what is so great about Reid is these themes are never preachy or inserted for shock value... they are an important part of the story and come naturally.
Happily Ever Ninja is actually in two parts... There is the first section as Ninja at First Sight which covers the beginning of this incredible and realistic love story. While reading this part I felt all of the awkwardness and thrill of first love/lust... the understanding of what these emotions and feelings were... and it was clear how these two characters were destined to be. We were there during the formation of this couple...and all the patterns.
She was a person who had experienced much in her young 18 years... but would be considered an Old Soul. She was rich in what overcoming serious obstacles gave but also just learning what the everyday teenage life brought.
We recognized nuances in Him; which made him so cunning and outstanding ...and gave the foundations for things to come ....Huge moments of laughter, banter which could go on for days, insight to the pain of the world and a love all consuming and real.
The bulk of the book/ second section was a combination of past and present intricately woven reflecting on different parts of their years together and how patterns developed and what each person's responses were.
Just Like In Real Relationships....There are Real Letters from Readers to their loved ones as Chapter Markers... showing us how Real love can be between us... sometimes sweet...sometimes funny...sometimes apologetic and always heartfelt.
Because when people get together... they write unwritten contracts of sorts...Oh, there are heartfelt talks late into the night.... where do you want to live...how many children should we have and will they be Ballerinas or Politicians or both....We talk about our careers and dreams... and sometimes even touch on household chores....
But underling all of this is an understanding of "I'll be this for you and You'll be that"...and it feels right and good...
And that is Good...Until it changes... because all of life includes change...and it is the importance to address the needs you originally had which was the foundation of the relationship... to the current status of it...The love is there...The Need is there...it is the application of how each handles what was promised in the beginning and adapt to the changes... which is key....
And that is where Ms. Reid Excels. She has taken this Swoony, Wonderful Love Story given it a foundation we understand and actual take to heart... then leads us through what happens when years, patterns and life impact it.
Love does not diminish; it can expand and grow...but like Silly Putty... it can take on strange shapes that need to be readjusted and returned to the original essence...Of Trust, Understanding, Freedom and Compromise/Give and Take.
This book includes all of the other characters from her Knitting in the City series and all of them do their part in this. We are gifted with POV's from Both Main Characters and I promise you, you will start this and will not want to put it down. The excitement level is supreme; the romance and love between these two is something to appreciate and take under advisement. The insight to what love should be between two people is right on and I am sure other reviews will expand on this... there are quotes abound which you will write down and file under IMPORTANT.
I file Penny Reid under that file, as well. This is an Author who has explored through her gift what are serious questions; friendship, caring, sharing and love of equals. She has taken all of these themes repeatedly through her works and brought them to us so that we can think about them too...
She has done it through smart, bitingly clever books which are just that bit of fun...and we are better each time we read her.
A gifted copy was provided by the author for an honest review.
ABOUT PENNY:Penny Reid is a part time author of romantic fiction. When she's not immersed in penning smart romances she works in the biotech industry as a researcher. She's also a full time mom to two diminutive adults (boy-8 and girl-5), wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.
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