A review by faithnoelleauthor
Always Isn't Forever by J.C. Cervantes

5.0

This story takes the idea of soulmates to a whole new level, and I absolutely loved it. Ruby and Hart's story is a beautiful and emotional one that paints a really good picture of the ways grief can hit different people. Ruby has lost the love of her life in a sudden and tragic way, and months later she's still learning how to let herself heal without completely letting him go. And while Hart is gifted a second chance, he doesn't get to just tell everyone what happened and pick up where he left off. He also has to grieve the loss of his previous life, witnessing the pain his loved ones are in, and also the reality that sometimes loving someone does mean letting them go. We all face those moments where we have to learn to accept what is, even when it's painful. At the same time, Hart refuses to give up on the belief that love is worth fighting for. It's a heartbreaking struggle that is so well-written, raw, and realistic. I definitely felt all of the emotions these characters were experiencing. I really wasn't sure what kind of ending this story would have, and while I won't spoil it, I will say that it was really well done. It's a well-paced, engaging story that swept me in from the very beginning all the way to the very end.

I really loved both Ruby and Hart as characters, and I'm glad the book is told from both of their perspectives. We not only get to see how grief looks for both of them, but we get sweet little flashbacks of their relationship throughout the years (because they met as adorable little kids) and what it was like for them to fall together. Of course, it makes their separation all the more heartbreaking. But it's so easy to care about and root for them both. I enjoyed all of the side characters as well, and even getting to learn more about who Jameson was before Hart became him. And these characters give the story more than just grief and sadness – there's humor, warmth, and hope all throughout. It's an emotional story, but also a really beautiful one about relationship and connection.

Overall, I absolutely recommend this for anyone who loves a story that pulls at the heartstrings while still leaving you with hope. At its core it's a story about love, a force so powerful it can transcend death. And honestly, what better kind of story is there?