True North Book #2
e-book, Kindle, Audiobook, Audible
Author: Sarina Bowen
Narrators: Seraphine Valentine and Jeffrey Kafer
Jude Nickel spent the last summer at the Shipley farm, where Ruth, out of the kindness of her heart, opened their home and their arms to the recovering drug addict ex-con. Now, summer is over and Jude has nowhere to go but home in Colebury, Vermont – the place he left after he killed the love of his life’s brother while driving so high he can’t even remember what happened.
He never expected to, coming out of his NA meeting at the church, to see her – Sophie Haines. He was sure she would have left the town to pursue her dreams of singing on Broadway. But there she is – the only woman he ever loved and still does.
Sophie is gutted to find out Jude’s back in town. He’s changed so much and he is everywhere, even volunteering in the church kitchen. Who is this man? Definitely not the man who returned all her letters… so why does he look at her like she’s the sun?
No one wants them together, most of all her police chief father who idolized his dead son… But love seems to conquers all, right?
This book definitely has a more somber vibe, considering the subject, but it’s pretty much a True North book. I loved how Sophie never really blamed Jude and how determined she is to find out what really happened. Although I am not familiar with addiction, the representation rings true – the cravings, the constant need to reassure oneself of the will to stay clean.
It’s a beautiful story and if you liked Jude in book #1, you will love him in this one. There is still a lot of Shipley goodness: the Thursday dinners and how Jude is back at the farm when he needs it the most. Loved it!
Narration: Seraphine Valentine and Jeffrey safer, both new to me.
Possible triggers: opioid and heroin addiction, alcoholism, rehab, mentions of withdrawals symptoms;depression;toxic relationship with parents, violent acts committed against the MMC, prison
