COCOON by Emily Sue Havey--A Review

SYNOPSIS:

New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry has said that, “Emily Sue Harvey has a sure touch and strong voice. She's a talent to watch.” New York Times bestselling author Jill Marie Landis called Harvey’s first novel, Song of Renewal “an uplifting, heartwarming story.” Now Harvey returns with a tale as rich in drama as it poignant in the truths it tells.

When widowed Seana Howard meets Barth McGrath, a newcomer to their little town, she never dreams she’ll fall in love again. Despite his somewhat quirky ways, she falls for the man. The only problem is that her married children do not trust the mysterious stranger. Who is he? Where exactly did he come from? Why are there so many questions about his past?

Against their wishes, Seana elopes with Barth and is happier than she’s been in years. Then her happiness shatters when a mysterious illness suddenly befalls her, exiling her once brilliant mind to a dark nightmare from which she may never return. The eclipse is startling and complete. Will Barth, with such a short history with Seana, love her enough to endure the trials of caring for someone under such dire circumstances? Can her family get past their suspicions and trust his motives and love for their mother? Will Seana ever escape her dark cocoon and reclaim her very purpose for living? Will life give her a second chance to spread her wings, like a beautiful butterfly?

COCOON is a life-affirming story of travail, obstacles, and the extraordinary lengths that undying love will travel.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

(Spoiler Alert!)

I gave this book a 5 Wink rating as I could not hardly put it down and had to know how Seana's story turned out.  Cocoon was a story of change, thus the title.  The first change for Seana was an elopement with Barth and alienation from her adult children.   The second change was the debilitating disease that struck her down.  The last change was the way the community and church came together and prayed for Seana and her victorious emergence from the mind numbing disease that attacked her.

The characters were very relatable and strong.  Seana's daughter Zoe, was strong and self sufficient and quite antagonistic to Barth, the new husband.   She had convinced herself that she did not need  a man herself.   She was too strong and sent them running once they got to know her.   I didn't care for her until she had her moment of enlightenment,   I enjoyed Barth's character immensely...he stuck by his woman, although he had moments of bitterness when he thought a mean thought or a tired thought and instantly felt guilty.

I loved the part where the community held Seana up in prayer and bonded together for her care and treatment and the miracle that cleared her mind once and for all.   This was a story about small town life, caring and community.   Hearts and minds were healed throughout the story.   Heartwarming, thoughtful and well plotted, this is a story with strength and healing within the covers.

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I purchased this book for my collection.