FROM DUST by FREYA BARKER

❥❥❥❥

 Reviewed by Gitte and Jenny

✯✯✯✯ Stars

‘The place where my heart sat frozen in my chest for so long is becoming too warm a place.’

We were quite excited to start this story as it ticked everything we were in the need of. There’s not many 30 – 40 something romances out there which we love to read; team that up with a passionate romance, some heavy and dramatic storylines and we were hooked! This is our first Freya Barker but it certainly won’t be our last as we loved her writing.

“You running Syd?”

“Only from my past.”

Syd is a broken slip of a girl, we have to say we were under the impression she was a lot younger than her true age from the descriptions and actions. However, whilst living under dire circumstances escaping tragedy and grief she’s given a helping hand and a second chance at life. To watch this woman emerge from darkness was quite emotional with harrowing secrets unearthed. The road isn’t all unicorns and rainbows as Syd is dealt blow after blow be it directly or indirectly. However, once found she doesn’t stand alone. There were so many fabulous characters in this story but none more so than the mature, passionate and luscious, Gunnar.

“There is no fear with you, only feelings so deep, I’m overwhelmed.”

Now, we have to say that Gunnar – be still our beating hearts – reminded us a little bit of a certain KA hero named Tate. Yes you read that right…Tate. There were moments where we were reminded of Sweet Dreams and those shone like a beacon. Gunnar has in some respects been dealt a pretty bad hand in life too, with the exception of his two gorgeous kids and of course his friend Viv who was instrumental in Syd’s second chance. He was a completely lovable alpha hero and when he loves he truly loves.

“Feels like home. This, them…you. It’s almost too much.”

When their paths meet, the journey Gunnar and Syd embark upon is drama filled and one hell of a healing journey through the power of love and friendship. It was emotional and passionate and we truly felt it through most parts.

So, whilst we enjoyed this story there were times were the writing lost its way and fell quite flat and repetitive. There were also a few inconsistencies as well in regards to the storyline.  This gave us pause at times and to say we needed an epilogue, well….we desperately needed one at the end of this story.

“Everything we do has a ripple effect, just like nothing that happens to us exists in isolation.”

From Dust is a story of healing, forgiveness and embracing life once more. It’s about seeing that light at the end of the very dark and grim tunnel as you try to put yourself together again after such complete and utter devastation. It’s wanting to and being willing to accept the comfort of others and grabbing that healing hand reaching out to pull you out of the darkness.

‘When did this happen? When did I become so estranged from a kind word or a soft touch?’

FROM DUST by FREYA BARKER
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