Blog Tour Review: A Note from an Old Acquaintance by Bill Walker

Title: A Note from an Old Acquaintance

Author:Bill Walker

Rating:

Who should read it?Anyone who loves a good, sweet love story. Young adult readers will also enjoy this book.

What I Have to Say: Before I say anything, since I really liked this book, I want to get one small thing I disliked out of the way. There were some points at which I felt slightly awkward reading the book because the dialogue just seemed so outdated. Which is weird considering it's a new book. There were times when I literally pushed the book away from me thinking "WHO says things like that?!?" Maybe it's me. Maybe I just talk differently. Also, Joanna, who is supposed to be a vegetarian Buddhist, wears fur. Which I thought was weird.
Anyhow, now that THAT's out of the way, I can say that this book really was a diamond in the rough. Bill Walker's beautiful and descriptive but simplistic prose brings alive the feelings Brian, the protagonist, suffers in the face of the tragedy through which he suffers. More than anything, though, it brings alive and renders believable the idea that two people could really love each other eternally, even if circumstances change or aren't what is needed to fuel a romance.
Brian Weller, a writer, and Joanna, an artist who is engaged to another man, fall in love, and while the story of them isn't necessarily something special, Bill Walker's telling of it is. So much so that their separation (no, I promise, that's' not a spoiler), when it occurs, is heartbreaking, leaving the reader wondering why life just has to be unfair like that sometimes. Both Joanna and Brian are endearing characters that the reader can't help but care about, and their relationship is so sweet and fresh and new that the reader can't help but smile.
Still, the afore-mentioned fiance, Erik, is a problem. How are we supposed to feel about him? I, for one, was torn. He loved Joanna, and I felt horrible rooting for Brian, knowing how Erik felt. He wasn't necessarily a bad guy; he just didn't understand. It seems to me that even Walker had mixed feelings when it came to him.
And that's one of the things that made this story so touching. Throughout the majority of the book, the reader is torn and twisted in every direction, wanting to feel one way but also wanting to feel another. Wanting at the same time to be okay with something that, in essence, is just not okay, even though it seems to be the only way.
I realize it's kind of cryptic to put things like that, but I don't want to give away anything about this heartwarming, touching, gem of a book, a book that will make you genuinely believe that true love can exist even at the worst of times.

Summary (from GoodReads):Brian Weller is a haunted man. It's been two years since the tragic accident that left his three-year-old son dead and his wife in an irreversible coma. A popular author of mega- selling thrillers, Brian's life has reached a crossroads: his new book is stalled, his wife's prognosis is dire, and he teeters on the brink of despair. Everything changes the morning an e- mail arrives from Boston artist Joanna Richman. Her heartfelt note brings back all the poignant memories: the night their eyes met, the fiery passion of their short- lived affair, and the agonizing moment he was forced to leave Joanna forever. Now, fifteen years later, the guilt and anger threaten to overwhelm him. Vowing to make things right, Brian arranges a book- signing tour that will take him back to Boston. He is eager to see Joanna again, but remains unsure where their reunion will lead. One thing is certain: the forces that tore their love asunder will stop at nothing to keep them apart. Filled with tender romance and taut suspense, A Note from an Old Acquaintance is an unforgettable story about fate, honor, and the power of true love.

Final Question: So my readers, the final question I have for you is this: do you believe in soul mates? Is there really someone out there that is meant for everyone? Or are you more of a cynic?

Look out for an interview and a guest post with Bill Walker - coming soon!

Thanks to Bill Walker and Tracee from Pump Up Your Book! for providing me with a copy of this book to give an honest review.