I have no idea what to say. Not a clue. This book swept me away, and now I find myself sitting here staring at a blank page. This book… This. Book. Past Heaven will evoke every single emotion you can fathom – heartbreaking, hopeful, inspiring. But at the end of the day, this book is about love. Very simply put, but very true. Love, in every form. It’s a beautiful journey that I won’t forget any time soon.
I loved that the story was so unique. I was hooked with the idea that it had a Hollywood hunk. It wasn’t what I expected, but so much better than what I thought I was diving into. It does include a Hollywood actor, but the entire story of Reynolds and Liz’s relationship is much deeper than that. Although it does have a touch of the angst and drama that you might expect from a plot such as this, it doesn’t focus on that. It’s about change. It’s about hope. It’s about the future, and how it meshes with your past. It’s about grieving, but knowing that with the love of another, you can survive. The connection between these two characters appears almost immediately, even though you know, as a reader, that it won’t happen quite as quickly. I think I appreciated the slow burn more with this book than I ever have before. They both needed to get to that point where it was right, and when they reached that moment? Sigh.
I loved that the story was so unique. I was hooked with the idea that it had a Hollywood hunk. It wasn’t what I expected, but so much better than what I thought I was diving into. It does include a Hollywood actor, but the entire story of Reynolds and Liz’s relationship is much deeper than that. Although it does have a touch of the angst and drama that you might expect from a plot such as this, it doesn’t focus on that. It’s about change. It’s about hope. It’s about the future, and how it meshes with your past. It’s about grieving, but knowing that with the love of another, you can survive. The connection between these two characters appears almost immediately, even though you know, as a reader, that it won’t happen quite as quickly. I think I appreciated the slow burn more with this book than I ever have before. They both needed to get to that point where it was right, and when they reached that moment? Sigh.
Like I mentioned, the story revolves around love. Living for it, missing it, needing it, deserving and earning it, respecting it. And throughout all of this, it will make you appreciate it that much more. You’ll hold your significant other a bit tighter after reading Past Heaven. It makes you believe in love and what it feels like to care for someone so intensely.
It also touches on a few different topics, one being individuals with disabilities and their lifestyle. What they go through, how they manage, and their acceptance into society. It was beautifully handled, and Ward seemed knowledgeable on the subject. It always means a bit more for me when real issues are brought into a story, and Past Heaven did just that perfectly. It never feels preachy, but makes you think.
The writing was superb and so very eloquent. Ward always knew just what to say…or not say. I had a friend once describe a book with, “It feels like the author stops and considers every…single…word...she writes.” That’s how it felt while reading Past Heaven. As if Ward put everything into making sure that every single word was right, and I feel like she absolutely achieved that. I wouldn’t change a single thing.
Also, can we talk about this cover for a second?! God, I love this cover so much. I was prepared to buy Past Heaven on paperback even before reading it, because I needed it on my bookshelf. It does a great job of portraying the words on the pages within. So in this case, judge a book by its cover.
Overall, this was such a refreshing tale that stands out from the rest. With such an uncommon storyline and completely different take on the actor-meets-woman tale, it has become a new favorite. The writing is breathtaking, the connection is heartwarming with a touch of sexy, and the intensity of the underlying meaning of it all is more than many books can ever hope to touch. It’s a forever favorite.
<3 Erin
It also touches on a few different topics, one being individuals with disabilities and their lifestyle. What they go through, how they manage, and their acceptance into society. It was beautifully handled, and Ward seemed knowledgeable on the subject. It always means a bit more for me when real issues are brought into a story, and Past Heaven did just that perfectly. It never feels preachy, but makes you think.
The writing was superb and so very eloquent. Ward always knew just what to say…or not say. I had a friend once describe a book with, “It feels like the author stops and considers every…single…word...she writes.” That’s how it felt while reading Past Heaven. As if Ward put everything into making sure that every single word was right, and I feel like she absolutely achieved that. I wouldn’t change a single thing.
Also, can we talk about this cover for a second?! God, I love this cover so much. I was prepared to buy Past Heaven on paperback even before reading it, because I needed it on my bookshelf. It does a great job of portraying the words on the pages within. So in this case, judge a book by its cover.
Overall, this was such a refreshing tale that stands out from the rest. With such an uncommon storyline and completely different take on the actor-meets-woman tale, it has become a new favorite. The writing is breathtaking, the connection is heartwarming with a touch of sexy, and the intensity of the underlying meaning of it all is more than many books can ever hope to touch. It’s a forever favorite.
<3 Erin