Carrie Arnold has been the sole caretaker of her son, Jonathan, thanks to a husband who walked out the door when he couldn’t handle his son’s autism. She has been strong in all the years taking care of Jonathan and putting his concerns first, and hers last. Thoughts of being with anyone again are second in her mind. For someone who has become quite independent and strong, life sends her into another tailspin when Jonathan is injured in a hit-and-run, sending him into a coma. Carrie worries if her strength is enough to keep her family solid. Marcus Roark is a physiotherapist handling Jonathan’s case. In time, he and Carrie become good friends, but Carrie feels she is relying too much on Marcus. She begins to develop feelings long buried. Marcus believes she carries too much responsibility and wants to help. She takes on too many tasks, neglecting her own desires, as well as her health. He is willing to accept her and Jonathan in his life. Marcus can only hope to give her the tranquility she desperately needs.

The Music of Marcus is beautiful, poignant and inspiring. The characters are not only refreshing, but lively and delightful. Their emotions can be felt by this reader and the way they are sketched, they play realistic parts that make them strong in all their actions. Lainey Bancroft takes a heartbreaking event and instills life into this compelling read. She pens a storyline with a child with a disability, and how it affects others around them. I admire the fact that she wrote a story like this. Learning to cope, and falling in love again, is something some people just close the door to, and this story shows the connections that many deal with daily, especially when trauma is part of their life. This is an outstanding read.

Reviewed by: Linda L.