Always in My Heart

Can love be rekindled in the aftermath of war?

Cara Williams walks the lonely hallway trying to reconcile the present with the past. Four years ago, her husband walked away without a word. When he was declared missing in action, she had no choice but to go on with her life. However, now as she stands before a closed door, the husband she has not seen, and no longer knows, waits on the other side.

Rand Williams has been to hell and back; all he wants is a chance to regain the family he lost. Only his wife is not the woman he left behind; instead of the clinging vine of the past, she is a resourceful, independent woman that seems indifferent to his return. As he struggles to regain his life, his love for Cara still remains, but is it too late to atone for the mistakes of the past?

Always in My Heart is a tender story of mistakes and second chances set against the backdrop of World War II. Barri Bryan has eloquently captured the sentiment and feel of American society during this time and combined it with a poignant romance. The characterization in the story is believable and consistent with societal beliefs of the time. It is easy for readers to visualize the people and the diverse reactions they have towards Rand’s homecoming. Readers will appreciate Barri Bryan’s ability to create likable characters that are far from perfect. The author is realistic in the plotting and emphasizes that there is no quick fix for Cara and Rand’s situation. True to the strength of their personalities, the development of their relationship is wrought with misunderstanding, resentment, and most of all the lingering love neither can ignore. Despite all the changes time has created, there is one constant, these two people love other. The journey Barri Bryan takes the reader on is at times touching, tearful and wrought with heartache, but eventually it is a beautiful reflection of what has always been in these two lovers’ hearts.

Reviewed by: Amanda