...I have to be completely honest and admit, I didn't think I'd really like this book. I am a hardcore romance book fan. I tend to avoid books like this. Maybe because I find fantasy easier to read about. Most romance books you are pretty much(not always, but usually) guaranteed a Happily Ever After. But this one, you don't know for sure how it will end until it does. But I wouldn't trade this book or experience for the world. It had some funny moments, some sad moments and some happy moments, but most of all, it had reality. It made me look at myself and the way I view things. It made me appreciate what I have and acknowledge what I've lost. ...
From the first sentence, the first paragraph, the first page. . . I was hooked, and Castles in the Sand held my interest to the last page, the last word. Annie Daylon has, in my opinion, a writing style that is clear and convincing, and the scenes and events are written with a wonderful "picture" style which puts the reader right in the action. I "felt" the main character's struggle. The author delivered on all accounts. . . characters are credible; there's elements of mystery, suspense and tragedy, and I found myself rooting for Justin. One of the best fiction books I have read this year. Definitely a five-star review from this reader!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are all perfectly portrayed and the plot plays out at a great pace. Annie Daylon keeps you guessing right up to the end.
In some places, this book has thriller aspects to it, and definitely bits of mystery. But overall, it's a great heartwarming tale of love and how far someone will go for that love.
It's been a long time since I read a book this good. I especially enjoyed the fact that it was based in Vancouver, coming from Vancouver myself, even though Annie describes everything so perfectly I think even people not from this city would feel like they'd visited here after finishing her book!
Without ruining the plot, the main character is a recovering alcoholic and, having lived with one for many years, I can honestly she nailed that part perfectly. It's a sad and lonely book that is ultimately about redemption and tenderness.
I recommend it highly.
We are proud to announce that CASTLES IN THE SAND by Annie Daylon is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
Justin Wentworth lost his parents in an automobile accident when he was 18, and ever since he's been trying to compensate by overspending and focusing on material goods and alcohol—behaviors that eventually cost him his relationship with his wife and son and leave him homeless. While on the streets, he meets Steve Jameson, a graduate student doing his thesis on homelessness. Steve wants to do research on what sort of family troubles lead to homelessness, so he helps Justin and offers to take him to AA in exchange for his story. Justin agrees, even though he doesn't trust Steve, and gradually reveals his story. But as Justin delves deeper and deeper, he uncovers buried truths that might destroy him. Daylon's novel is a cautionary tale about entitlement, debt, and anger. The author ably portrays the behavior cycles that lead to alcoholic self-destruction. However, the characters and the book's conclusion are simplistic. Some readers may find the novel's predictability comfortable, but others will find the story overly familiar.
