Leslie Keller Books

This is the second book I've read by this author and it will not be the last. I love her writing style, her characters and voice. She grabs me on the first page and lingers with me after I've read the last. I can't believe I hadn't heard of her before - even though she should be well known as the author of the book-to-movie "Pay it Forward". This story begins with Rusty who worked in the World Trade Center but was late for work the day the towers came down due to the terrorist attacks. Saved by a phone call at the last minute advising him that his mother had passed away unexpectedly he watches as the towers fall. If that event was not traumatic enough, he has lost his mother and now is responsible for his brain damaged brother, Ben. Leaving everything behind in New Jersey he goes home to his small town to try to bury his mother and deal with his brother. Unexpectedly he meets the local baker Nazir and his daughter Anat, who are Egyptian. I remember how s...

I don't know why I selected this book but something about the story captured my interest. I really fought with myself to shut down the Kindle once I started reading it. I just couldn't stop. I rarely say that about any book but this one touched me. Virginia, is a server in a diner who has fallen in love with a man who comes in with his four year old son, Buddy. Buddy has some interesting quirks, and although not stated, is possibly autistic. The story jumps ahead after an event (which I won't mention here in order to avoid spoiling it for you) and we meet up with Virginia nineteen years later. Much has changed in her life but in many ways she is the same.  Buddy too has been through a lot over the years but he too seemed stuck in a time warp. What happens to them and between them is a heartfelt story of loss and love, but mostly one of what happens if you trust your heart. I would definitely recommend this book but be forewarned you may not be able to fall asleep un...