Enjoyable, emotional, easy reading, predictable but keeps the reader guessing as to how it all comes together. A good "chickie story.

There is no denying that there is power in written words -- they come from they heart and are forged in ink for all eternity. But what if the words that colored a picture of eternal love, a prayer for a bright future together and a plea for forgiveness were never delivered -- merely tucked seductively away in a pocket for over 30 years? Mishaps and misfortunes happen every day, but sometimes those acts, omissions or events can alter the lives of many. There always lies the dreaded words, "what if".

This is a story of two love stories told 30 years apart - both end in disappointment and broken hearts. It is 1939 and Christine is in love for the first time in her life, but her intended is unacceptable in the eyes of her father. Christine discovers she is pregnant, out of disgrace her father ships her off to Ireland overnight and her boyfriend, Billy, is called to serve his country.

It is 1973 and Tina works in a second-hand clothing shop. She is married to a man she thinks, or thought, she loved, but his continuous drinking and abusive behavior is becoming more than she can endure. When Tina discovers she is pregnant, her husband vows to change his ways, but old habits are hard to break.

The intermingling of these two stories paints a perfect picture of the depths of a mother's love. Time, distance nor circumstances, can deflect or detour the love a mother feels for her child.

The story was a bit predictable, thus only 3 stars, but it was still a beautiful story, well written and I found myself internally praying for both of these fictitious characters to just be empowered with strength and endurance to keep moving their lives forward.

It's a romance. Christie actually waited for Billie for 35 years? Kind of unbelievable especially when she had someone who would love her. A "happy" but unbelievable ending.