good book even though it was sad but had a happy ending ( )

It's only a handful of times that I've read a book after watching its related movie, instead of the other way around. I didn't even know there was a book related to the motion picture awesomeness that is Unconditional.

But when my eyes happened to stumble across it on a bookstore shelf, I immediately grabbed it: a novel by author Eva Marie Everson, based on the screenplay by Brent McCorkle, inspired by true events. The story of Samantha Crawford, Sam, who's three years into grieving for her mysteriously murdered husband when an accident brings her across the path of Joe Bradford, the best friend she hasn't seen since their childhood.

Much like the movie, there isn't anything super sensational or spectacular that makes the novel great. While there are places in the book that have the breath of something lyrical, much of the writing is pretty plain, with a minor overuse of italics.

But, my goodness, the love here, though. It's love that gives this story of friendship and redemption its strength, makes it exceptional. Pure, simple, honest love, like the most natural thing in the world—unhindered by years, by hardship, by tragedy, by race. Nothing forced, melodramatic, or sappy about it. Just love, and the unexpected places it can take us.

Beauty and brilliance can come in many forms. The Unconditional experience is one of them. ( )

Author: Marie Everson
Published By: B & H Books
Age Recommended: YA
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5

Review:

"Unconditional" by Marie Everson was a wonderful well written novel that was a pure delight to read. Samantha and Billy Crawford were married and now he had been murdered. After three years Sam still hasn't come to terms about her husbands' murder. It was truly fate how these two people who had been friends as children...now adults reconnect(Sam and Joe)with one goal and that was to help others. Just how the lives of these two people crossed at such a critical time.. just who will save who?

This novel will deals with death, depression, chronic illness, and most of all saving the children.... only leaving you with a powerful message that will stay with you a long time after your read. The way this author is able to hold your attention as she crafts through and simply draws you in was really dramatic read. It was truly a novel that I found myself laughing and even cried as this moving story progressed.

Will this writer be able to write again after the death of her husband? When her husband died Sam thought that her world had stopped...ready to give up ...but, through knowing and seeing how God will bring you through this ..she could and would make it. How? This is where I say you must pick up "Unconditional" to find out just how this story will turn out.

"Unconditional" is definitely a novel that will make you think and even appreciate what all is evolved in making a difference in the journey of life. I found this novel very intriguing from the start till the end and I would recommend "Unconditional" as a excellent read. ( )

good book even though it was sad but had a happy ending ( )