Learning to Live and Love After Tragedy: A Review of Surf Road

This review was initially shared on Dec 6, 2023, on a former platform. In my quest to maintain harmony and unity, I've decided to repost this review, preserving its essence and integrity.

Book: Surf Road (Fire Island Series 3)
Author: Hazel Jacks
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
E-Book
Dual First Person POV
Release Date: 12/08/23 Pre-Order Now! 


Disclosure: I would like to clarify that this review is based on an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) provided by the talented author, Hazel Jacks. I want to assure my readers that this is not a paid review, and all opinions expressed here are my honest and unsolicited thoughts on the book. If you have any queries or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly.





 
Hazel Jacks has crafted an extraordinary and captivating narrative that follows the journey of two individuals as they navigate the complexities of life, haunted by the fear of further loss.

Surf Road delves into the intertwined lives of Eamon McLeod and Sadie Baker, two individuals who couldn't be more different but find themselves sailing in the same tragic boat. Eamon, devastated by a fatal car accident that claimed his girlfriend's life and left his best friend paralyzed, carries the burden of guilt. Meanwhile, Sadie grapples with the loss of her mother to breast cancer and the looming fear that she may face the same destiny.

Trauma has a unique way of affecting each of us, and that's one of the aspects I found most compelling about this book. Hazel Jacks skillfully paints a vivid picture of two individuals with contrasting personalities, each grappling with their own tragic events. Eamon, burdened by guilt from a fatal car accident, has lost hope in a brighter future, choosing instead to drown his sorrows in fleeting encounters, alcohol, and drugs. Sadie, on the other hand, uses the loss of her mother as a catalyst for personal empowerment, undergoing a preventative double-mastectomy and leaving behind a toxic relationship.

Together, Eamon and Sadie embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery, learning to lean on one another while embracing life without fear. This exploration of their paths is both heartwarming and gut-wrenching, especially when Eamon finally confronts his past and its impact on their tight-knit island community. What sets this book apart is its refusal to provide a miraculous recovery or neatly tied-up happy ending. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of seeking therapy, self-love, and embracing the fear of loss in order to transform it into something beautiful. 

If you're seeking a book that goes beyond surface-level satisfaction, Surf Road is a must-read.