Compass

by Jeanne McDonald

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

Reading a book by a new author is a gamble as you have no idea whether or not you will enjoy the journey you will be taken on. This was the challenge I faced when I decided to read Compass by Jeanne McDonald. Now that I am at the point of writing my review, I have to say I am glad I took the gamble as I got the chance to read a story that will stay with me for some time to come.

Compass is a beautiful and heartwrenching story of first love and second chances. It's the kind of story that keeps you engrossed from start to finish. It tells the story of Ryan Fisher and Alexis York. These two have been best friends for most of their lives. They were inseparable. However, time and circumstances conspired to put a wedge in their friendship. Alexis was forced to move to New York City leaving her best friend behind. At this point in the story, I was an emotional wreck. Their goodbye was bittersweet. Their promise to never forget each other and to always keep in touch was poignant. It was evident that their feelings for each other went beyond friendship, but they were both afraid to admit it.

Fast forward fifteen years later, Alexis and Ryan are living their lives separate from each other. They are both successful in their respective careers and have forged new friendships. However, their lives were incomplete as they were both missing the love of their better half. As fate would have it, their paths would once again cross under the most unlikely circumstances. At this point in the story, I was all smiles. I felt the joy and excitement of their reunion. So deep was their connection, it was like they were never separated. Ryan and Alexis have received a second chance to express their feelings for each other. Will they cease this opportunity or will they continue to keep each other in the friend zone?

I found their interaction at this point entertaining, albeit a bit frustrating at times. There were moments when I felt shaking them both due to their failure to see what was staring them in their faces. Everyone around them saw what they failed to see.

The characters were well-developed and easy to relate to. Alexis is smart, strong, independent and feisty. She was struggling with issues of trust that stemmed from her parent divorce. However, we see her gaining perspective, thus enabling her to move on. Ryan is adorable, caring, confident and sexy. The story was well written and well paced. It had a mixture of humour and sadness. There was a point in the story where my heart was in my throat as I feared the worst. The title was fitting for this story. A simple toy compass guided two people, who had lost their way, back to each other.
Compass depicts that when two people are meant to be together, no matter how much time has passed, they will find their way back to each other. It also shows that true love transcends time and will endure for a lifetime. I loved everything about this book. I am a new fan of Jeanne McDonald, who will be looking forward to reading more of her work.


Favourite Quotes

You can't let fear steal your chance to love. If you and Ryan part ways, which I don't ever see happening, but if it happens, don't let that deter you from loving again. Love is learning. It's taking chances. It's making mistakes. But most of all, it's allowing yourself to trust and be trusted.

Lex, you are my best friend in the whole world. Just remember, every time you feel off course, follow your heart. It's your compass. It will always lead you to where you belong. Flying high, Ryan

I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review