I’ve sat down at my computer three times now attempting to write a review for this book, but the words keep failing me. Nothing is doing it justice, nothing is conveying my thoughts and my heart, and nothing is good enough. This thing has left me speechless because it touched me in an extremely personal and spiritual way, different than any other book I have read before.
In this life, there is promise
In this life, there is truth,
In this life, there is happiness
And the hopeful dreams of youth.
In this life, there is someone
who loves me for all time.
But none of that matters,
Because in this life – in my life,
I know you can never be mine.
From the beaches of Thailand to the streets of New York, three friends, Anna, Dante, and Jude will learn the hard way that once providence steps in, there is nothing in the world that can change what is truly meant to be.
I don’t remember exactly how I came across Christine Brae’s blog a few months ago, but I am so glad I did because I LOVE it. With every post, she somehow writes about something that is super relevant to me, and it always leaves me feeling hopeful, emboldened and full of girl power. So when I found out she had written a few books, I got really excited because I just had this feeling that they were going to be fabulous and filled with wisdom. And I was right.
In This Life is my first novel by Christine Brae, but I can promise you it won’t be my last. This thing is filled with everything that makes a story great to me. Flawed characters, messy situations, heartache, all of the things we experience in real life and don’t like to talk about. Through this story, Brae tells us that we aren’t alone, no matter our circumstances. No matter how bad we screw up or how hurt we become, there is always someone who will listen, always someone who will help pick up our pieces and approach us with tenderness.
You might be surprised to find out who that person is, though, because it’s rare to find a romance novel that mentions or even touches on God. But Brae does, and I love her for it. She doesn’t throw it in your face or shove it down your throat, it’s just real. And it’s super in line with my heart.
“Many people speak endlessly about their love for God. They give huge amounts of money, participate in many other activities, go to church. But that’s not what matters. It’s what you do that goes unrecognized. What you think when you’re alone, your convictions when you know that no one is listening.”
I could gush all day about this book. I could tell you why it pertains to my life so much, but I’d be giving away major plot points in the story. So instead, I’ll end with this. Some books are over with once you close them. You’re in it while you read it, but after that it’s gone from your life forever. Other books are more easily remembered. The story and the characters are so good that after you close it, you remember it and think back on it later in life. But there are very few books that make a lasting impression on your heart. The book never closes, because the message has been written inside you and is forever embedded into your heart and your life. In This Life is one of those books. And I’m just so thankful to have read it.
“Remember that the mind is a powerful thing. You can convince yourself of anything. But at the end of the day, it’s your heart that you have to contend with. It doesn’t bend as easily as your mind.”
If you are into books that make you feel and make you question yourself, this is for you. It will challenge you, and it will make you feel things that you need to feel without knowing that you need to feel them. I felt cleansed after reading this book. Like everything was going to be okay.
Thank you, Christine.
Be sure to check out Christine’s blog here because it’s so so so so good.
Link to purchase options through amazon for In This Life are here.
Oh, and P.S. In This Life is being made into a movie! So be sure to read the book first
