Always in My Heart

This is now one of my most favorite books. I will read this over and over. I loved it, this author is one of the best. I will continue to read her books after such a wonderful read with this one. She draws you right in with the characters and you love and grow right along with them. This particular book struck close to my heart because I have boys of my own. I would recommend this to everyone who enjoys happy endings and isn't afraid to laugh out loud and cry along with the characters.

Ellie and Tucker Grant have been divorced for three years, ever since the death of their oldest son Sammy. Now their two younger sons Kody and Zack have taken matters into their own hands, and have run away from home, leaving a letter to their parents informing them that they will not come back unless Ellie and Tucker reconcile, and end this insanity that started ever since Sammy's death. They want their home and their family back. And so the journey starts into the mountains in Oregon, as Tucker tracks down his kids, with Ellie coming along to help in any way she can. The journey is adventurous, sometimes funny, sometimes suspenseful, sometimes heart wrenching, but most importantly it is a journey of the heart and soul, as both Ellie and Tucker come to terms with the past, the hurt, and their undying love for each other. I loved this book. The issues were not dealt with superficially, as would be the case in some other books, but rather in a realistic and in depth manner. A poignant, moving, romantic, and adventurous read, as Tucker and Ellie find their way back to each other, and to their kids. The journey of the heart and the soul.

Tucker and Ellie Grant were high school sweethearts who married and had three children. However, the death of one of their kids led to the destruction of the relationship between Tucker and Ellie though their split is amiable. However, their two surviving sons Zach and Kody believe that their parents still love each in spite of the evidence that both have moved on with their lives in different ways with both dating others. Zach and Kody decide that Tucker and Ellie need a catalyst to bring them together just as the tragedy tore them apart.The younger generation Grants run off to the Baxter Wilderness Area where the family used to camp out in happier times, but not before informing their father that they will remain in the Oregon woods until Tucker and Ellie come back to one another. Accompanying Tucker and Ellie on their trek is their current significant others though neither are welcomed. Will a family formed out of love find its way back to each other or will this incident place the final exclamation point to what once was?ALWAYS IN MY HEART is an emotional family saga that focuses on the aftermath of a tragic event on the survivors. The story line succeeds because the Grant quartet seem very real as each one internally accepts the blame for Sammy's accidental death. Fans of passionate relationship dramas will want to read Catherine Anderson's novel that emphasiszes the need to remain open with your loved ones if one is to begin to heal.Harriet Klausner

Catherine Anderson writes wonderful romances that are always compelling. She does a lovely job of developing Ellie and Tucker both so that they are interesting and sympathetic characters. They've suffered a devastating loss in their married lives that neither realize is impacting themselves and their children. The guilt both feel about the incident make them think that divorce is the answer to the problem. In the end, their children join forces to bring their parents together.This is a perfect beach read, it is a lovely story that ends on a perfect note.