thebookdisciple
Written on Aug 10, 2020
Mila loved Ryder as a teen, but when Ryder causes an accident that kills Mila's brother, she turned her back on him, too hurt to be around Ryder. So, we are starting off super sad right out of the gate. But then we see Mila and Ryder grown up, and things are not good. Both are suffering and Mila wants to forgive Ryder and mend things.
Ok, there were some surprises in the plot I didn't see coming, so kudos to Colbert for that! I was not expecting some of the events and I was SHOOK. What I think most readers will connect with is the intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships and growth. Both Mila and Ryder are finally in a place where they can begin to accept what happened and realize the negative impact all the anger is playing in their lives and this story is their catharsis. The plot vacillates between the past and the present, so you are learning their history in pieces, and then you see how those pieces affect their present.
Fans of second chances (both in love and life), emotional stories, and character growth, Back to Shore needs to be on your TBR! The characters are broken and flawed, but reflective and dynamic. But, I wasn't kidding about the tissues. This one really sucker punched me. I think this emotive story will draw so many readers; for me, it was too emotional. That is the reason for my lower rating. It's beautifully written and a very powerful story, but I don't tend to like the intense emotional reads. Back to Shore just kept punching me in the feels and I didn't really want that.