Dawson59
Posted March 27, 2013
Five Stars
Anyone who doesn’t appreciate this work has not traveled this path. I received an email from Shawn asking if I’d be interested in giving his book a go. I looked at the title, checked the Amazon page and responded, “it’d be at least a month before I could get to it.” But something caught my eye. He drove a Vega which triggered a memory of a past love that didn’t work out. Needless to say, I was curious. As I started to read it, my eyes and brain became heavily invested as all I could think was, our books are parallels. So, if anyone thinks this review is biased, you would probably be correct. Like Shawn and Dawn, I to had a high school sweetheart I reunited with twenty-seven years later. Sadly, our reunion only lasted seven short months as her cancer returned with a vengeance.
That aside, I can follow Shawn and Dawn’s story with a finite interest, understanding the pain, the hurt, the joy, the longing, the inability to think, the endless hours wondering how she is doing. I completely understand why his second marriage failed. Do you know how hard it is to be in love with someone when your heart is with someone else? It is utter torture, and Shawn does an excellent job in portraying his emotions towards Adinah. I remember the day my ex-bride-to-be wanted me to throw out the memories and pictures I still had of Debbie. I told her, “She came first. If I find any of those memories missing, this marriage is over.” She never broached the topic again.
Is it wrong to pine for someone while we’re with someone else? On the surface, the answer would be yes, but in the long run, our heart, soul and God are controlling which way the course will travel. No one said it would be easy.
Overall, this is an excellent read especially for those who have loved, lost and been given a “second chance,” to correct the mistakes of the past. Thank you for a great story Shawn and of course, Dawn. Without her, this would be just another high school love gone wrong.
MsHanson
Posted March 9, 2013
Deeply Touching Yet Authentic
Romance seems far too narrow a term for one man's interrupted courtship, spanning the distance
from the moment his eyes first met hers across the yard in Mossyrock, Washington until a chance
meeting a lifetime later, that spark still alive inside him, inextinguishable.
Fate reunited them against incredible odds. Of that, Shawn Inmon was certain. But Dawn
harbored doubts, held very different recollections of their teenage relationship, influenced by
factors beyond her understanding.
Beginning at the end, or rather ending at the beginning, the settings and events are filled in
gradually as the years leading up to their tragic separation traces their path and missteps
along the way. Set against a backdrop of rock n' roll, small town mores, and a naïve faith that
nothing could ever come between them, the author's biographical journal was written on his
heart until a promise extracted by his sister brought this account to the light of day.
An astounding first work, detailed and passionate, certain to captivate with its soul-searing
honesty, emotion and stark experiences shared by any readers who recall their own
star-crossed first love. A testament to faith, hope and the healing power of A True Love
Story, as told from author's view.
The sequel promises to recount this incredible journey through Dawn's eyes.
"Feels Like the First Time" is a true romance story of Shawn and Dawn. If you grew up in the 70's like I did, this book will really hit home for you. With a well written plot, the book is full of emotions and the ups and downs of romance. I was totally captivated from the beginning to end. Highly recommended for everyone that loves a really good true romance story. *5 Stars*
This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.
