The Songs That Brought Me Back Have you ever made a mistake? One so monumental you lost everything? I did, and I hate myself for it! All I want to do is close my eyes, and let the darkness consume me. Make it all go away. The end. Ainsley is drowning in the depth of her despair. One wrong decision left her alone, with only regret as her constant companion. To escape it all, she makes another choice. One she hopes will end everything. Instead, she’s thrown into a whole new world filled with opportunities she doesn’t believe she deserves. Ethan gives the appearance of breezing through life. But underneath his bright facade, he’s scarred by loss. When fate leads him into Ainsley’s world at the exact moment she needs someone the most, he can’t ignore the chance to right the wrongs of his past. Ainsley and Ethan will struggle to help each other heal and start anew. They’ll learn that the secret to conquering their pain lies within their power, if only they can do it together. Always together. Sometimes the ending is really the beginning.
My Review
I loved author Mylissa Demeyere's first novel, The Songs of You and Me. I loved this second novel just as much. It is amazing to me how she creates stories as delicately and bright as an artist paints strokes of color on a canvas. The words jump off the page and you're surrounded by this collection of thoughts and feelings that wrap you up in the character's lives.
The story starts with a very tough subject of the main characters attempted suicide. It is done in a way that is heart wrenching, not gratuitous but it's also real. Ainsley is hurting from so many things that happened in the past. The fabulous character of Ethan comes along like a knight in shining armor to help save her. Ethan is also struggling with things from his past but despite that, he and Ainsley are drawn to each other. Through their mutual support of one another their lives can continue on. This story is one of showcasing redemption and forgiveness of others and self and ultimately healing. When we finally read why Ethan was so affected by Ainsley's attempted suicide the reader then understands so much more.
This is a hard subject for some to read and may not be for all people, but I feel this whole story is presented in such a good way that it is a must read novel. It's not a totally squeaky clean read as there is a lot of kissing and some intimate moments without anything too steamy. One of my favorite parts of this novel is when the story shifts to Belgium. How wonderful to get insight into somewhere I've never been.
Kudos to this author for being brave enough to write about this topic as her own father lost his life to suicide. There must have been some healing for her being able to write this story. I also loved that the characters were flawed but became so beloved.This story deals with depression, loss, attempted suicide and finding your way back from the depths of despair. I'm glad that we were able to get a second look at Ainsley who appeared in the first book in not a good light. Second chances are a powerful thing and in this novel we see how redemption and starting over can bring light back into ones soul. This book is recommended reading for adults and maybe older teens at a parents discretion. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Why I wrote Ainsley's story (from Mylissa Demeyere)
Did you know that every forty seconds 1 person dies due to suicide? That’s close to 800,000 worldwide, each year. There are indications that for each adult who dies of suicide there may have been more than 20 others attempting suicide. That’s an estimate of 16,000,000 attempted suicides worldwide amongst adults. (Source: The World Health Organization).
Five days shy of my sixteenth birthday, my father’s body was found after he had killed himself. Needless to say, it wasn’t the sweet sixteen it could have been.
That event had quite an impact on my life and how I decided to face the challenges I meet.
When I wrote The Songs of You and Me, I delved into Jackson’s past. He got to tell his side of how Ainsley’s choices affected him. I never felt I could leave her tale untold. Each story always has at least two sides to it.
Why does a person make such horrible choices as Ainsley did? What drives them to such selfishness? And does a person like Ainsley have it in her to redeem herself?
My dad made the choice not to fight and right the wrongs in his life. It not only ended his life; it impacted many other lives.
Ainsley’s story is my way of showing you what can happen when people who make mistakes decide to try and do better. Because everyone deserves a second chance to right the wrong and start over again.
This is Ainsley’s story of what happens when you choose to not give up.
I hope that whomever reads this, will realize that we all, at one point in our life need and deserve second chances. When we take those chances, and turn our lives around, miracles can happen. I have seen it firsthand and the stories that follow are beautiful. Not perfect, but definitely worth living.
Even when life seems dark, lost, and like there is no other way than ending it, there is ALWAYS another option.
To everyone who has ever felt like there was never another way, this story is for you. My dad didn’t take the other way, but I hope you will find help. Life isn’t always perfect, but it is a wonderful gift. Definitely worth fighting for.
Author Mylissa Demeyere
Mylissa Demeyere was born in Belgium, and resides in the beautiful city of Ghent. She lives in a somewhat organized home with her four beautiful children and the love of her life. If she isn’t working, she’s writing, running, reading, or enjoying time with her kids, who are growing up way too fast.
The Songs That Brought Me Back is her second novel in The Songs Series, with a third book releasing in the middle of 2019.
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Great review!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this review. I needed this today :)
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