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Review: Save My Place by Olivia deBelle Byrd


Save My Place
Author: Olivia deBelle Byrd
Release: September 1st 2014
Publisher: Mercer Univ PR
Source: sent by Bostick Communications in exchange for an honest review
Genre: historical romance
Rating: 4 stars


A LOVE STORY SET IN THE SOUTH AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF THE VIETNAM WAR

 Blessed with an innate optimism and a magical childhood, Elisabeth Belle Sterling discovers that the path to happily-ever-after love is not as easily obtained as she had always imagined. The Camelot-like love she longs for seems like only a dream until she meets the handsome Kincaid Patterson, a West Point graduate who carries a dark secret from his past. Theirs is a passionate and unconditional love that has to confront a painful past, heart-searing separation, and the greatest of all tragedies. But the biggest obstacle is the loss of faith that threatens to undermine all that they have. Set in the South during the 1960s and 70s against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Save My Place is a beautifully written love story of two people who search deep within their souls to save each other.


My Thoughts On the Story...

I have let myself fall in love with this story, in doing so I have stepped into Elizabeth's shoes and right now I'm a mess. As I am writing this review I am crying big fat ugly tears. If I could only take one thing away from this devastatingly beautiful story, it would be the lesson of faith. As long as you have your faith, you can persevere through anything life throws at you! Save My Place has melted my heart in the most lovingly of ways, thank you Olivia deBelle Byrd for writing such an utterly romantic bittersweet story!
When we meet Elisabeth she’s full of optimism, concerning pretty much everything! I loved when she reminisced about her childhood, in many ways it reminded me of myself growing up. While watching Elisabeth grow up it was interesting seeing how she handled some no-so-pretty situations. (Oh and I cannot forget, her love of books makes me smile!)
My favorite thing was the endearing, deep emotional bond between her and Kincaid. They are absolutely perfect for each other in the way that opposites attract. Kincaid pulls her down to Earth and Elisabeth helps him see the beauty in the world.


Now let’s talk setting. Me being an 80’s baby I got to hear the ‘adults’ talk about Vietnam while growing up. Every-time it was brought up by an adult around me it always felt like a distant story. Save My Place transported me back in time and helped me feel connected with a past that the generation before me experienced first-hand. Byrd has a miraculous talent of bringing the past alive!
I also enjoyed the fact that this story is written in first person POV, but in a way where Elisabeth was reflecting on all of the events at a later date. Another POV tidbit, there are these letters she wrote to her husband in the middle of the story. I loved them, we get to see Elisabeth pour her heart and soul into the letters.

One last and final note. Please do not let Elisabeth’s rose-colored glasses fool you, she has more bravery and empathy ingrained in her than even she knows. I admire Elisabeth greatly!
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