My Review:

An emotional story that flowed beautifully.

The author’s storytelling made this an emotional journey for me. A teacher, Maggie Topper goes the extra mile to connect with a home-bound student, Yuri. I was able to relate to Maggie and the teaching environment.

Two stories are told.

The backstory of Sasha and Katya and how/why the fled Ukraine.

An unexpected tragedy.

A ballet career Kiev.

Parents undying love for their son, Yuri.

A dedicated teacher who re-evaluates her life and what she values the most.

I enjoyed this story overall, the backstory of what happened in the Ukraine was riveting.  Maggie’s story was slower paced and a bit predictable, but held my interest. I liked the way the two stories came together to make this a memorable one for me. I would love to read more from this author.

4 Stars

Book Description:

From the #1 international bestselling author of The Lost Wife and The Velvet Hours comes an emotionally charged story about a mother’s love, a teacher’s promise, and a child’s heart…

Katya, a rising ballerina, and Sasha, a graduate student, are young and in love when an unexpected tragedy befalls their native Kiev. Years later, after the couple has safely emigrated to America the consequences of this incident cause their son, Yuri, to be born with a rare health condition that isolates him from other children. Maggie, a passionate and dedicated teacher agrees to tutor Yuri at his home, even though she is haunted by her own painful childhood memories. As the two forge a deep and soulful connection, Yuri’s boundless curiosity and unique wisdom inspires Maggie to make difficult changes in her own life. And she’ll never realize just how strong Yuri has made her — until she needs that strength the most…

A novel that will make readers examine what it means to live life with a full heart.

Check out all the Book Bestie Reviews!

Berit

Mackenzie

Jennifer

Kendall