OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "True Love Knot" by DonnaLee Overly.]

Imagine what a perfect life could feel like. Think for a moment you are married to your soulmate, you enjoy your job, and it is a gorgeous day outside. The phone rings and someone says, “There’s been an accident! Hurry to the hospital!” In True Love Knot by Donnalee Overly, Gabby Matthews receives the dreaded call. Her husband, Brett, is in the hospital after being trampled by a bull. The doctor explains he suffers a traumatic brain injury and is in a coma. Gabby devotes the next four weeks sitting by her husband’s side, hopeful for a sign he will wake from the coma. After the hospital tests show no improvement, Gabby refuses to give up and has Brett moved to their home. Her father, Wayne King, a wealthy cattle rancher and oil baron, has hired a team of nurses to tend Brett. Gabby stops the night nurse’s shift and begins plunging into a deep depression as she takes care of Brett.

Brett experiences seizures increasing in frequency, but Gabby refuses to give up. One afternoon, she gets a knock at the door, and Richard Wright, her ex, has brought her favorite takeout and offers to keep her company. They catch up on Richard’s campaign to become the governor of Texas. When Gabby cries, Richard consoles her, and the two share an intimate night together. The next morning, Richard leaves, and Gabby berates herself for cheating on her husband. Wayne King decides he needs to have a talk with his daughter, especially after a nurse informs him about Gabby’s deteriorating health.

This is a story that will bring tears to anyone’s eyes. As Gabby stays by her husband’s side, I could feel how much she struggles with her own inner turmoil. She is outraged with God, herself, and Brett. Her isolation is something I can relate to from when I felt depressed in the past. The family support is my favorite part of this entire story. Her father encouraged her love of art and equine therapy. Her friends and stepfamily come to her side to help her deal with her grief, and she has a therapist willing to do house calls. I can barely imagine how devastating the effect of caring for someone who may not survive would make me feel.

I dislike several people in this story. Richard Wright is selfish and arrogant. Marie, Stan’s girlfriend, made me furious with how she disregards Gabby’s step-brother’s feelings. Stan was always willing to help with small things. Wayne King seems wonderful as a father at first, but he makes some choices which have me question his integrity. She doesn't oppose her father's choices, even when they affect her future because she idolizes him.

I'm giving this emotional novel a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. Admittedly, the quality of the story was unaffected by the minor typos I encountered while reading it. The dialogue is engaging, and the book flows well. Overly’s writing style is easy to read, with vivid details that drew me into the story. I felt like the proverbial fly on the wall. The plot is unpredictable as well. The end of this story left me fuming at Gabby’s ultimate decision in her life, and also left room for a sequel.

I would recommend this book to any person who has been a caregiver for a loved one. While there is definite mention of God, especially from Gabby, it doesn’t appear to follow a specific denomination. Readers who are sensitive to topics of suicide, death, and hospital procedures which are detailed may want to forego this book.

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True Love Knot
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Sometimes I think those running up & down, caring for a sick person are actually in more pain than the sick person. The pain must have been too great for Gabby.

This one surely sounds enthralling. It embodies our society nowadays and the confusion floating all around us. Excellent review!

This is a lovely story indeed...An unshakable courage all through her husband's illness was topnotch... that's how love can be strong

It made me cry several times. I was especially empathetic for Stan.

I know how hard caring for a loved one can be. I'm glad Gabby had support. I'm pretty sure that makes the difference. I'm not sure I want to revisit that feeling. But a book with equine therapy seems like the perfect read for you!

I know what it's like to care for loved ones and the most important thing is to be present and loving. But it does take a toll so it’s important to be present with yourself and take care of your needs. And caring for people looks different because not everyone has the resources to have a therapist for support. Nor the time to take care of their loved ones.

Hani Ahmed 4 wrote: ↑19 Jun 2022, 16:55 I know what it's like to care for loved ones and the most important thing is to be present and loving. But it does take a toll so it’s important to be present with yourself and take care of your needs. And caring for people looks different because not everyone has the resources to have a therapist for support. Nor the time to take care of their loved ones.

I agree. And some people don't want you to take care of them.

Lunastella wrote: ↑19 Jun 2022, 14:43 I know how hard caring for a loved one can be. I'm glad Gabby had support. I'm pretty sure that makes the difference. I'm not sure I want to revisit that feeling. But a book with equine therapy seems like the perfect read for you!

Irony: the Equine therapy center was a charity center for veterans.

This one is surely very captivating.Caring for loved ones can be such a task .This book is very recommendable especially because of its therapeutic concept of view.

I have been a caretaker before but for elder relatives, not a spouse. My worst nightmare is receiving that phone call. Still, this sounds like an interesting book and I'd like to read it.

In sickness and in health, Gaby shows how she loves her husband. It's hard work and not everyone can be like her. Thank you for a great review.

Oh, what a heartbreaking story! Gabby was so fortunate to have family support, the love of friends, therapy, and the resources to pay for nursing in the home. Not everyone that goes through these tragedies has all of those benefits. However, it doesn't take away the pain of seeing your loved one suffer. I'm hoping for a happy ending. Terrific review of the book!

It definitely sounds like there are some complex themes in this book. I'd love to give it a try and see what becomes of Gabby and her husband. Great review!