EDITOR’S CHOICE
A beautifully written, heartfelt journey of love, loss, and redemption, Blue by You masterfully explores the power of second chances.
Larry B. Gildersleeve’s Blue by You is a beautifully crafted tale of love, loss, and redemption that tugs at the heartstrings. This poignant story of Daniel, a man shattered by grief and retreating into solitude, captures the fragility of the human spirit while highlighting our profound capacity for healing and renewal. Anchored by Daniel’s relationship with his devoted dog, Blue, the novel delves into the depths of despair and the unexpected ways life can pull us back into the light.
Gildersleeve masterfully portrays Daniel’s journey from heartbreak to hope, deftly weaving together timelines and landscapes. The seven transformative days that Paula spends with Daniel in his mountain retreat pulse with chemistry and promise, setting the stage for a chance meeting decades later that upends all expectations. The concept of a “do-over” in life—so central to the novel—feels both magical and relatable, offering readers a hopeful perspective on second chances.
The writing is lyrical yet accessible, the emotional weight balanced with moments of tenderness and quiet humour. While the plot occasionally veers into predictability, the depth of the characters and the sincerity of their emotions more than compensate. Fans of Nicholas Sparks and character-driven romances will find much to love here.
Ultimately, Blue by You is a moving reminder that love has the power to transcend time and memory, and that life’s unexpected twists sometimes hold the riches we seek. Highly recommended.
