Unforgettable by Rebecca H. Jamison

As teenagers, Celia and Manny planned their future together in the branches of a mango tree. Soon afterward, Manny leaves Fogo Island for college, expecting to marry Celia and take her to America once he graduates. However, during Manny’s schooling, the volcano near Celia’s village erupts, burying her home.

They lose contact with each other, and Celia comes to believe that Manny has fallen in love with someone else. When their lives intersect again, too much has changed for their plans to ever become a reality, yet the promises they made and the desires of their hearts persist, becoming unforgettable.

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There were many things I enjoyed in this book.  The beginning where we get to see Celia and Manny's love bloom was sweet.  I loved the bits about life on the island and how the people there took care of each other- both on the island and as they set up in new, foreign communities.  That island family spirit carried with them everywhere they went.

I love when stories help me to gain a new or better perspective in life.  This one was a good reminder of the struggles of immigrants to a new country.  It increased my compassion.

I'm not sure what exactly was off for me in this book but I didn't love it as much as I wanted to.  Good story elements were all there, I just had a hard time connecting to the writing and sometimes I felt like the story was dragging a bit.  As I said before though, there were many things I did enjoy.  I'd give this a solid 3/5 stars.

Content:  abuse, described (which may be a trigger for some people), mention of affairs with no details, mental breakdown, mild peril, fighting, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.