I honestly don't know why my rating isn't higher. This story takes a potentially maudlin, miserable situation and shines bright, colorful light all over it. Several passages inspired me. But something held this novel back from crossing over from "okay" to "special". Maybe the "color" component came up a bit short for me; it often felt forced or missing for long stretches. Anyway, most would probably love this sweet, uplifting love story! Don't mind me!