** Contains Spoilers** This is a WOW for me, 2 reason first time author and she tackles a the huge issue of PTSD. Having personally worked at a military facility I have a soft spot for all military men and women that put themselves in harms way for us! Ms Youngblood gets kudos for both truly, she also writes this story from both POV of the characters, in the one book. Our main characters are Maura and Pierson who where high school sweethearts and each others firsts for everything... They had a long relationship but when Pierson decides to join the Marines he also decides he must sever ties with Maura. He feels she shouldn't wait and that it's not fair to her to wait he never even gives it a 2nd thought he just leaves. Many years have past for Maura and she has recovered from the loss and even had to deal with worse, the death of her parents. Heading out on the town with long time best friend Ruby they go to Club Aurora while there she swears she see's Pierson, but they leave she feels it couldn't have been true. Ruby confirms she's not loosing her mind she did see him, Maura wonders why is he back in town, for how long, will he leave again. Maura now the owner of a successful catering business is contacted by Pierson's mom she would like her to cater a welcome party for him, Maura is now aware she will have to see him. They briefly chat at his party and she now know's that he is now here to stay, is looking for a home and work, with an impending interview coming up soon. They do start to date again and slowly reconnect with each other, neither had truly ever gotten over the other or even moved on. But their is a difference in Pierson that only upon staying over at his place one night, she is suddenly awaken by Pierson's hand around her throat, scarde for her safety she leaves, After a few days and many messages and some encouragement from her friend Ruby, she talks to Pierson. He then informs her of his years in the military and the emotional scares that remain in his heart and mind. He had forgotten to take a medication he's on and it lead to one of his many nightmarish nights. He apologizes over and over, explains the reasons for the PTSD and the treatment he is receiving. She is willing to give the whole thing another try and slowly things return to normal, but when over his house he has her sleep in his room with the doors locked for her safety, he's having less nightmares but will never risk hurting her again. Soon Maura ask him to try and sleep in bed together and they come to this place, we're he's much more calm, therapy is helping, work is good he's ready to continue his life with her. Peirson starts with asking Maura to move in and then not long after asks her to marry him. As there wedding date comes closer, Peirson is involved in a car accident and ends up in the hospital, Maura hides that this accident has caused the death of 2 people, worried that this could be a huge set back for him. She wonders if she's doing the right thing, but since the accident was in no way his fault she sees no harm in keeping the horrific part it from him. They get married everything is just right, they we're meant to be together and live happily ever after. Both with flurrishing jobs, good friends, a wonderful home and more importantly each other. The authors notes this story will continue but from other characters and I can see it work, there is know need to go back to Maura & Peirson, they grew to be a wonderful couple and tackled so much to get to where they are. A great read a wonderful first book, impressive truly. I was privileged enough to have been gifted this as an ARC and all I can say is, "Wow!"Ms. Youngblood really captured a true to life issue that can curse our soldiers as well as the effects that issue has on those who love them.Maura's life was anything but easy. Pierson, the love of her life dumps her just before leaving for the Marines, ending all contact. Then, her parents are tragically taken from her. Struggling to maintain, Maura finishes college and begins a catering company.Just when she thinks her life is finally falling into place, Pierson waltzes back into town. Tormented by the horrible things he's seen and needing someone who understands him, he reaches out to Maura after five silent years.Can Maura find it in her heart to forgive him for leaving her behind and breaking off all contact with her while he served his country? Or will she run from the war torn soldier who once claimed her heart, body and soul?
What do You think about Coming Back To You (2000)?
