Emma Ward has spent the last year after graduating from high school trying to make ends meet in hopes of making it into college. While her parents are able to help with such costs, she's intent on going it alone in hopes of showing them she can truly make it on her own. When she comes to the realization that her future is still undecided, she makes the decision to spend sometime in Riverview with her Aunt Daisy.

This decision, unfortunately, does not sit well with her mother. Regardless of that fact, she continues with her plans and looks forward to what the future has to bring. Upon arriving on her Aunt's doorstep, Emma feels optimistic. With a new place and a new beginning, she's sure that something good is just around the corner.

When her aunt welcomes her with open arms, Emma looks forward to their time together. Old memories are soon remembered as the two reminisce about the past. Slowly letting go of her fears, she makes herself at home and sets out to explore her new home. While out one day, she comes across Nicholas Shaw, a boy who stirs her senses and makes her want to get to know him that much better.

Intrigued by him completely, she allows herself to befriend him, never once imagining he'd change her world completely. As the days go by, their relationship deepens and she finds herself falling in love with Nicholas as the minutes pass. Her world is everything she'd ever imagined and more until the moment Nicholas becomes ill.

Her entire world comes crashing down when Nicholas is diagnosed with cancer. Unwilling to take the easy way out, she's determined to show him that she'll be there for him no matter what. She does her best not to lose control as their relationship and faith is tested at every turn. Despite the bleak outlook, Emma knows she doesn't have to face Nicholas' ordeal alone. With the help of her friends and family, she realizes that miracles are always around the corner, only if you believe in them.

This was such a heart-felt and endearing story. I enjoyed every minute of it and cried when I learned Nicholas had fallen ill. Having lost several family members to cancer, I can very well understand Emma's feelings and the hopelessness that ensues when we think we're about to lose someone we love.

The love, pain, heartache, and despair are felt so clearly throughout the story. Marie is able to draw the reader into the world she's created for her characters in such a way that it leaves you wanting to know more with every turn of the page. Marie's writing flows quite beautifully and keeps us completely riveted. It's that vivid! Totally recommend the book for reading.