Broken Wing by Judith James

ROR Winter Challenge #15. Title with a "W"

440 pages

Rating: 5+++

Judith James has created two characters that will be remembered for years to come. Broken Wing is the story of a very wounded young man and a very caring and giving young woman who find friendship out of hardship and love out of friendship.

Gabriel has suffered at the hands of some very cruel and sick people. All that keeps him going is the promise he has made to himself to keep young Jaime safe from the same fate that he has experienced. Gabriel doesn't not relish the idea of Jaime's family finally coming to retrieve them both after five years. Why would this well to do family want him knowing what he is.

Sarah sees Gabriel in a different light. She wants to help him mend and get past his tortured upbringing and life. They forge a friendship through astronomy, meeting at night in Sarah's room. Sarah has become a safe haven for Gabriel and his tormented past. The friendship blossoms into a very strong love, one that neither is willing to let go of. Gabriel leaves Sarah, his safety net and love of his life, to make a fortune and return to her. Circumstances prevent an immediate return. Can their love hold through this estrangement?

I think I experienced every emotion possible while reading this book. It has been a journey of torment, friendship, healing, forgiveness and love! I am in total awe as I write this review. To witness such love blossom between two people in this way, to witness the healing process that Gabriel had to face, and the difficulties life dealt this couple comes without words to describe. I am utterly speechless and so overcome with awe. I now understand why Cindy said that she could not pick up another book for a few days. I didn't want the story to end! Broken Wing has surpassed so many of my expectations when reading a romance novel, well any novel at all. I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone I know.