“Gravity” By Shayne McClendon
Review by Wendy Dawn
“In Summation”:
JoEllen Astor grew up poor in one of the worst trailer parks in Oklahoma. A childhood spent taking care of her mother and working hard has made her world weary already.
One night, she meets Holden Mayes, a man who thinks she's far too young for a man like him but can't help but want her. He makes a mistake that almost derails their relationship before it ever starts and is determined to make it right...no matter how long it takes.
Their accidental friendship is the only thing that keeps her together when tragedy strikes that shakes the very foundation of Jo's world.
When a man is slow, steady, and determined in his pursuit...how long can you fight your feelings for him?
“The Reviews are in”:
A moving novel that has a clear message, you can overcome your circumstances with hard work and education. A well thought out storyline with realistic characters.
Taking care of herself and her young mother her whole life JoEllen (Jo) is a force to be reckoned with in many ways. She is the head of her household and working to make a better life for herself.
Jo’s mother, Donna, is young and carefree. She has Jo to take care of her. The role reversal is sad in so many ways. A life not lived, chances not given or taken, self worth and self-esteem never present. Donna is a mess.
Donna liked having men stare at her and would often sunbathe in the front yard wearing a string bikini with the American flag on it. Since a lot of their neighbors were also vets, it sent a message loud and clear. ~musings about Jo’s mother Donna
When Jo moves forward into the responsible role, she is very young. She is proud of her accomplishments and will not let anyone take them from her or belittle them.
“Call me kid one more f*cking time and I’m gonna go seriously white trash on you’re a**. I’m twenty-two, a high school graduate, a master welder and carpenter, a web designer, and working to become a master electrician. I pay all the bills in this house and haven’t been a kid since I was four.” ~Jo telling Holden off for calling her a kid
Living in a closet for her entire life, she has never had windows to stare out and daydream. She has never witnessed the beauty around her, keeping her head down and plowing forward to her goals.
Raising her head for the first time, she discovers an unlikely friend, Holden. He has been slowly creeping into her life with the patience of a saint. Pursuing her with out her even realizing what is happening. His patience and restraint are unreal, but his end goal will be worth it.
True love and all it entails can be within their grasp if they only have the courage to grab it with both hands.
This is a moving story of a lost childhood and finding love right under your nose. Plot twists and turns keep you involved in the story. A love that will warm your heart and stay with you long after you have put the novel down.
The Ratings*:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 5
Story/Plot/HEA: 5
*The rating system is based on 1-5, 5 being the best and 1 the worst.
Hero - The main male character of the story. Heroine - The main female character of the story. Story/Plot/HEA (Happy Ever After) - The over all story line and culmination of the main plot or theme.
