Hearts in the Storm

Seward’s capability for creating characters that you want to get to know is spectacular. From the very first page, you are intrigued by the nature of Duck, when he experiences his nightmare, and then on the very next page acts as a mischievous young boy when his sister comes to the house to check on him. Duck is controlled by his past, and lives his life in a way that demonstrates as much. Trista as well lives a life governed by her past, and when it is discovered that she has taken up residence next door for a little while, we wonder what kind of relationship is going to form between these two characters from there very first interaction together, which is refreshingly not the normal meet cute that so many other authors rely on as the perfect meeting. Theirs is so awkward and uncomfortable for both parties that it reeks of authenticity which sets the tone for the rest of the work. This book seethes authenticity, and its stormy winds carry with it the fragrance of a fresh perspective.  Throughout the story, small flashes of the past of each character are revealed. Normally I am not a huge fan of a flash back structure, because it just never felt genuine. I have now read a book that can slow in and out of time and space and still truly feel genuine and connected. The flashbacks keep you on the edge of your seat and always leave you wanting more, encouraging you to turn page after page until you have forgotten you are turning pages at all because you are lost in the emotional peaks and valleys of these characters lives. When suddenly all is revealed, you feel like the wind has been knocked out of you and yet a burden has been lifted from you all at the same time. This is a book that takes you on a journey of your own alongside these characters as they are on a journey of discovery of their own. Seward does a fabulous job of transferring what his characters are feeling from the page into our hearts, and that is the reason us readers even pick up a book to begin with. I also appreciated the parallel of the storm coming to shore in the Outer Banks, and the storms that were raging inside the characters. That detail was a stunning and perfect bow to encase such an immaculate work. I am obviously all about the meaning of things over here at The Moral of Our Stories, so the purpose that this book is trying to accomplish directly lines up with what I love. This is writing for a purpose, not simply writing to tell a story. I feel that Seward did not simply set out to write a book, he set out to help mend hearts, and I feel that he has done just that. I give this book 5 out of 5 morals, and would recommend it to anyone and everyone. There was not a single thing about it that I would change, which is high praise coming from this nitpicker of a reviewer. Thank you Mr. Seward for writing this book and sharing your characters and your creativity with the world. It is an honor to have your work on my site. 

Hearts in the Storm by Elmer Seward  On the Outer Banks of North Carolina, while hurricane Renee is about to hit Trista is there vacationing and trying to deal with her tragic loss from five years earlier. There she meets Duck, a man who is also struggling with a tragic past.  The two meet and Tirsta hires Duck to take her on his boat so she can find closure. But they do not expect to be on the ocean in the middle of a horrific storm. Secrets are revealed that were buried deep and they affect both of their lives. Together they are about to battle a severe storm, and ghosts of the past. A well written story of love, loss and friendship. I really liked Trista. I could feel her emotions and inner pain, that made her "real", and I empathized with her. Duck was also struggling with his past, and was very likable as well. The story flowed beautifully with suspense, emotions and secrets. I was engrossed until the last page. I feel that those who love drama/suspense/romance will enjoy Hearts in the Storm.