Forever Mine

by Charlene Raddon

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

When I chose to read this title I knew it would be a story about forbidden love and I am a sucker for those types of stories. However, as I delved deeper I realized that there was more to this story than meets the eye. This is a beautiful story that will touch your heart. It will have you laughing and crying along with Bartholomew and Ariah as you follow them on their journey of pain, heartache, jealousy, guilt and love.
 
Initially, when I realized that the story was broaching the topic of adultery I was a bit skeptical about reading further. However, I was glad I was able to move past my skepticism and in doing so, I discovered that there was more to this story than I originally thought.
 
Bartholomew Noon was a lighthouse keeper who had been trapped in a loveless marriage for the past seven years. As a result he led a lonely existence. This would change when he met Ariah Scott. Ariah having lost her parents and on the run from her mother’s family signed up to become a mail order bride. It so happened that she was to become the bride of Bartholomew’s nephew, Pritchard. Sparks flew when Ariah and Bartholomew met for the first time.
 
At first I was not sure what to make of Bartholomew. Here we have a man that was broken and depressed from being trapped in a loveless marriage with a woman who is determined to make his life a living hell. I kept asking why would any well thinking person remain in such a situation? When the truth was revealed I could not help but feel his pain. Ariah was a very outspoken woman. Not the type of characteristic that was expected from women of that era. From the moment Ariah met Bartholomew she knew she found her soulmate. However, in light of the fact that he was married, she knew that he would be off limits. However, unforeseen circumstances placed them in a precarious position that will see them being tested to their limits. At first I didn’t like Ariah as I thought she was deliberately trying to tempt Bartholomew. I found it hard to believe that she was not aware of the torment her actions were causing. However, as I read further I came to realise that she was sweet and caring in nature.
 
I enjoyed reading about the secondary characters. Some were likeable, some not so much. Hester, Bartholomew’s wife was the worst of all. I thought that she must be crazy for that type of behavior. The reason for actions eventually became clear. Then there is Pritchard. He was immature and it was clear that he was not ready for marriage. His reason for wanting to get married was a sure recipe for a failed marriage. What I liked was that at the time when it counted most he proved that he had become a man.
 
The story started out slowly and took some time to build up, but once it did there was no holding back. It had me hooked and I could not wait to find out if true love would prevail. The romance was realistic and it did not come easily for these two. They had to fight for the right to be together. Forever Mine depicts how the guilt of our past actions can destroy our future. At times we may do things that we will regret, but we need to forgive ourselves and move on. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to more from this author.
 
This book was provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review. NO monetary compensation was provided for this review. The opinions expressed in my reviews are my own.