3 out of 4 stars
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Criss Cross Love is a modern-day fictional novel written by Helen Horn, Skylar Ann, and Marie Jackson. Published in the summer of 2016, the writing trio captures the troubles and hardships that seem to follow Sam, the main character. By having the perspective of the story as coming from the main character, readers can gather a realistic description of what occurs throughout the story.
For wealthy and popular high school student, Sam, spoiled doesn’t even begin to cover the type of lifestyle she’s possessed. Living in the largest home in their community, driving the nicest car of all her friends, and having the wardrobe that would satisfy a queen, Sam has only known wealth for her entire life. Never expecting to lose everything her family has, Sam’s word comes to a crumbling halt when she receives the horrifying news of her father’s death, along with all the secrets he had been hiding. Sam’s situation only goes from bad to worse as she and her mother try to pick up the pieces of their lives to start over. After losing faith in humanity time and time again, Sam has all but given up on ever being herself again. Determined to live a life better than what she’s currently suffocated by, Sam sets out on a life-changing journey that no one could foresee.
The themes within Criss Cross Love were darker than I had imagined when choosing the story. Although I knew loss would be a forefront in the novel, I was unaware at just how emotional I would become while reading. Despite my typical stone-solid front, I had to cry it out with this one. Although the story line within Criss Cross Love was an ever-twisting drama, every aspect of the story felt real and well-researched. There were a few times in the story that I figured I would get to the end and read a section from one of the authors explaining how this was based from a real-life occurrence for one of them. As usual with a story containing adult scenes, foul language, and deep emotional despair, I have to give a reader’s discretion warning.
My only complaint with this story stems from the ending. The beginning, middle, and wrapping up the closing was impeccably written. I was so engaged in the story that I read it completely in one sitting. However, once I got to the ending, it was completely rushed and bluntly ended. The ending served no justice compared to the rest of the story, and I was disappointed with how so many questions were left unanswered. There was also a section towards the very end where the narrating perspective changes abruptly without a notice. I actually had to read that section a few times to understand which character’s perspective it was coming from.
I truly enjoyed reading Criss Cross Love, would gladly recommend it to other readers who enjoy dramatic stories that read like a roller coaster of emotions. Due to the complaint regarding the ending of the story, I rate Criss Cross Love 3 out of 4 stars. I had a tough time with my rating, and would have preferred to give it a full four stars, and with a revised and smoothed out ending, I would.
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Criss Cross Love
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