In the sun-soaked hills of a 1966 Australian country town, young Connor Smith's life takes a tragic turn with the loss of his parents. He's thrust into the role of protector for his younger siblings, under the care of their loving grandmother. Connor, with his striking good looks and easy charm, becomes the heartthrob of the town, catching the eyes of many girls. Yet, it's the quiet reserved Alice who captures his heart. Her gentle spirit and quiet strength draw him in. As their love blossoms, life deals them a cruel hand. Connor's drafted to the unforgiving jungles of Vietnam, leaving behind a heartbroken Alice. The horrors he faces in the war change him. In a desperate bid to shield Alice, Connor makes a heart-wrenching decision. He severs the ties that once bound them, hoping to spare her the pain of the man he's become. It's a sacrifice that tears at his soul, but he believes it's the only way to protect the woman he loves.
"Stand By You" is a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit. As Connor grapples with the ghosts of war and the ache of lost love, readers will be drawn into a story of resilience, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love.
Can Connor find redemption and reclaim the happiness he once knew? Or will the wounds of the past forever separate him from the one person who holds his heart?
As the years unfold, "Stand By You" weaves a tale of hope, healing, and the unbreakable bonds that tie us to those we love.
Reader Review
Every page of this book is like a little surprise. This beautiful love story took me through a rollercoaster of feelings and emotions. The setting of the story being in the 1960's reminded me of all the struggles that were happening in the world at that point in history. But the beating heart of the story is the love between Connor and Alice. I admired Alice's resilience in not giving up on Connor, despite the hardships he had endured. In the end, the only thing that stands strong is the power of their love. This story is an absolute must-read. I cannot wait to grab the next book in the series. Without a doubt, five stars! - Sofia Goodreads
Author's Note: If you're a romantic and enjoy reading tasteful love stories full of heartfelt emotion, this story will surely please. A love story that brings you to the edge of your seat with its heart-warming twists and turns.