Scan barcode
A review by a_reader_obsessed
The Parable of the Mustard Seed by Lisa Henry
4.0
4 Hearts! -Team review with Adam!
Angsty but not torturously so, Henry delivers a heartfelt and hard won love story.
As per the blurb, John and Caleb meet under the worst of circumstances, and though it's been many years later, their connection is stronger than ever. There’s definitely been slow healing with plenty of setbacks, all of which have shaped these two into who they are today. John has always been a solid force, often showing unconditional support for Caleb and his dad Darren, through the many ups and downs they’ve faced together.
However over time, John’s initial concern for the once teenage Caleb has slowly morphed into so much more. It comes as no surprise that his caring feelings have evolved, but John knows he must keep them close to the vest, mainly because he doesn’t think he’s good enough for Caleb but also, should things not work out, the possible repercussions could be devastating.
What John doesn’t know is that despite Caleb’s many many issues, his traumatic past has obviously and inevitably shaped who Caleb feels most safe with and that person of course, is John. Caleb (though we don’t get his point of view) knows he’s forever altered because of the appalling circumstances he was subjected to for over a decade, but that doesn’t mean he can’t or won’t try to make his life something more than fear and nightmares. He wants a chance to move on, he wants John, and he makes himself perfectly clear on such.
This was a thoughtful and what I assume, realistic look at PTSD and anxiety, where there is no easy fix and definitely, no easy answers. At times both frustrating and heartbreaking, beware triggers for religious oppression, physical and emotional abuse, awful parents being unforgivably evil, and murder. It’s understandable that Caleb is scarred, and while he’s made many strides in overcoming brutal conditioning, sometimes even the smallest obstacles can have huge consequences and stall progress, but not all is lost.
More importantly, despite the overwhelming worry and doubts, one has to take a leap of faith. There's a fine line between wanting to shield and protect and also allowing one to attempt some progress despite the possibility of failure. This was emotional but never unnecessarily overdramatic. There are brief flashbacks consistently scattered throughout showing the past and the evolution of John and Caleb, doling out what has transpired over time. Intermix that with the present and the fallout when Caleb’s tormentors are released from prison, and this becomes more than just a romance. There's good guys to root for and bad guys to get their deserved punishment, and Henry delivers.
Overall though, this is a journey about two men who love each other desperately and at long last, bravely try to make it work. Henry accomplishes a difficult win that’s as tenuous as it is strong and leaves the reader with confidence that John and Caleb will undoubtedly triumph. Whatever challenges they‘ll for sure face, they'll do it together with the support of their friends and family. Again, this was touching and intimate and just very sweet in and amongst the maelstrom of apt turmoil. Highly recommended!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Angsty but not torturously so, Henry delivers a heartfelt and hard won love story.
As per the blurb, John and Caleb meet under the worst of circumstances, and though it's been many years later, their connection is stronger than ever. There’s definitely been slow healing with plenty of setbacks, all of which have shaped these two into who they are today. John has always been a solid force, often showing unconditional support for Caleb and his dad Darren, through the many ups and downs they’ve faced together.
However over time, John’s initial concern for the once teenage Caleb has slowly morphed into so much more. It comes as no surprise that his caring feelings have evolved, but John knows he must keep them close to the vest, mainly because he doesn’t think he’s good enough for Caleb but also, should things not work out, the possible repercussions could be devastating.
What John doesn’t know is that despite Caleb’s many many issues, his traumatic past has obviously and inevitably shaped who Caleb feels most safe with and that person of course, is John. Caleb (though we don’t get his point of view) knows he’s forever altered because of the appalling circumstances he was subjected to for over a decade, but that doesn’t mean he can’t or won’t try to make his life something more than fear and nightmares. He wants a chance to move on, he wants John, and he makes himself perfectly clear on such.
This was a thoughtful and what I assume, realistic look at PTSD and anxiety, where there is no easy fix and definitely, no easy answers. At times both frustrating and heartbreaking, beware triggers for religious oppression, physical and emotional abuse, awful parents being unforgivably evil, and murder. It’s understandable that Caleb is scarred, and while he’s made many strides in overcoming brutal conditioning, sometimes even the smallest obstacles can have huge consequences and stall progress, but not all is lost.
More importantly, despite the overwhelming worry and doubts, one has to take a leap of faith. There's a fine line between wanting to shield and protect and also allowing one to attempt some progress despite the possibility of failure. This was emotional but never unnecessarily overdramatic. There are brief flashbacks consistently scattered throughout showing the past and the evolution of John and Caleb, doling out what has transpired over time. Intermix that with the present and the fallout when Caleb’s tormentors are released from prison, and this becomes more than just a romance. There's good guys to root for and bad guys to get their deserved punishment, and Henry delivers.
Overall though, this is a journey about two men who love each other desperately and at long last, bravely try to make it work. Henry accomplishes a difficult win that’s as tenuous as it is strong and leaves the reader with confidence that John and Caleb will undoubtedly triumph. Whatever challenges they‘ll for sure face, they'll do it together with the support of their friends and family. Again, this was touching and intimate and just very sweet in and amongst the maelstrom of apt turmoil. Highly recommended!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review