REVIEW
One More Time is an incredibly powerful novel that gripped me and held my attention from start to finish. It is a story about a couple named Charlie and Grace and how their eternal love is tested to the limits. Some of the topics covered are terminal illness, gut-wrenching regrets, alcoholism and PTSD: the after-effects and horrors of war and survivor’s guilt. Also, we see the negative impact from loss of vital family members. But it is not all doom and despair as the warming light of renewal, forgiveness and second chances glistens across these pages. Yes, it is a roller coaster experience. But this strong and persistent emotional ride was like diving into the depths of the ocean and peering into the heart of darkness. Yet once realising all that is possible, learning to let go and rising buoyantly to the surface. Followed by an exhilarating release of joy when everything falls into place. Thanks to Charlie’s new direction, decision and devotion to the woman he loves more than life itself, things begin to turn around.
This novel takes a magical side step in time into the ‘what if.’ In both realms there is plenty of heartbreak and on the edge of your seat drama but the value of changed actions comes sailing through, providing an ending that oozes with the healing power of love. Great challenges befall this couple as they move from the heights of a celebration dance to moments of despair. But just before that, we learn that Grace harbours a secret, one that could affect the people that surround her. It is her 70th birthday, though, and she does not want to spoil the festivities and keeps quiet. As for Charlie: he has made mistakes and decisions that have caused him grief and injured the love of his life. He has loved Grace always and wants to tell her on this special night but a drastic turn of events alters everything. Hanging by a thread, Charlie is faced with a choice and seeks out advice. This choice takes him on a journey that will shake him to the core, sift out the nasties he battles in his soul—and maybe give him another chance. His encounter with a spiritualist sets him on an unexpected path.
One More Time is a mysterious and mesmerising novel filled with intense moments and well- researched traumas. Since it is written extremely well, it was easy to be drawn into the complex lives of Charlie and Grace. In fact, I found my heart pumping faster many times!
This was my first experience with Mandy’s writing and I understand this novel is a side step from her usual rural romance writing, but I hope she writes more of these kinds of stories as I feel she has done an amazing job. Highly recommend. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to HarperCollins Au (Harlequin) and Netgalley for my review copy.
