Wonderful story! I couldn't put it down and can't wait to continue reading each week's new episode and find out about Willow's life!
( )

For quite a while, I have enjoyed reading books by Chautona Havig. She creates memorable characters, believable plot lines, and pulls her readers into the worlds of her stories. And Past Forward is no exception. Imagine growing up with only your mother around, never really using electricity or other modern conveniences including a phone. So when Willow’s mother dies unexpectedly Willow finds herself thrust into a world she cannot relate to and is content to basically keep going in the same way she has always done them.

Chad Tesdall, as a law enforcement officer, finds himself given the task of taking Willow’s report about her mother’s death. Then he finds himself unexpectedly being thrust into the role of protector and more for Willow. He finds himself drawn into her life through no effort on his part.

I love the simplicity of Willow’s life. The journal’s of Willow’s mother create a memorable and interesting look at Willow’s childhood. Personally, I would love to be able to actually hold the journals in my hand and read them in their entirety.

As Willow experiences many firsts, both of doing things herself at her home and by attending places like church and going to the city, Willow’s world expands in many ways and yet also stays the same. She is unwilling to compromise what she believes in and what she holds true. Chad provides the perfect support, encouragement, and strength Willow needs. Watching Willow grow and come into her own makes this book worth reading. But watching Willow and Chad’s relationship grow makes it even better.

So if you want a story that does not dwell on traditional modern life, but instead offers a glimpse of what a simpler life could look like, check out this book for yourself.

I received a copy of the audiobook for this for my fair and honest review, and I have to say, the audiobook is fantastic. ( )

When Willow Finley walks into the Police Department one hot summer morning she also walks into the life of Policeman Chad Tesdall. On the morning she walks into the police station her mother has died and she is unsure what to do with her body. However it is just the start of her problems, Willow is lost to modern society due to her mother's reclusive lifestyle. While Chad wants nothing more than be done with Willow her finds himself drawn into her life and helping her to adjust to society.

I LOVED this book. I find myself so fascinated with the life that Willow lives, a purposeful, intentional life. A life that isn’t just lived, but is cherished, filled with art, and nature. Willow’s grief over her mother’s death is so raw that you almost feel it yourself. It is hard to watch Chad struggle with coming to terms to being the only person who can reach Willow. Seeing Willow experience life that would be normal for us, but is completely foreign to her is fascinating, it is as is said in the book WOW. I really don’t know how to explain how wonderful this book is. It deserves reading and once you read it you will want to go back a read it again. Chautona Havig, the author, has created an entire fictional Metropolis that has wonderful characters that draw you in and leave you feeling like you live or you at least wish you did. Past Forward is a wonderful introduction to this world!

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. This in way influenced my review, all opinions are my own. ( )

I really enjoyed reading about Willow. It was fascinating to see how her mother had raised her and why she was raised the way she was. I also am really enjoying both Chad and Bill. I like both of these men and think Willow would have a very hard time choosing between the two. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

I like the author's style so I'm willing to put up with the serial novels--especially since she clearly marks them as serial novels (so you know what you're buying). This is the start to the story of Willow Finley--it explores how she's lived up until her mother's death and some of the changes she makes. It explores some of why they lived that way and introduces some of the other characters important to the series. ( )