My Thoughts on Leaning on Air by Cheryl Grey Bostrom

 

About:

They last spoke as teens . . .

But on a country road twelve years later, a surprise encounter reunites ornithologist Celia Burke with veterinary surgeon Burnaby Hayes, and they plunge into the most unusual romance of her life.

After a decade of marriage, Celia and Burnaby have found a unique and beautiful rhythm. Then tragedy strikes while Celia hunts for the nest of a research hawk near the Snake River. Reeling with grief, she’s certain Burnaby won’t understand her anguish or forgive the choice that initiated it.

She flees to kindness at a remote farm in Washington’s Palouse region, where a wild prairie and an alluring neighbor convince her to begin anew. But when unexplained accidents, cryptic sketches, and a mute little boy make her doubt her decision, only a red-tailed hawk and the endangered lives of those she loves can compel her to examine her past—and reconsider her future.

A soaring tale of wonder, loss, redemption, and restoration from Cheryl Grey Bostrom, the award-winning author of Sugar Birds.

• A beautifully crafted story set in the Pacific Northwest that brings the setting to life.
• A compelling contemporary novel about love and loss.
• Explores the challenges of a marriage when one partner is on the autism spectrum.
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

My Thoughts:

This is the first novel I have read by author Bostrom. I have not read Sugar Birds yet. However, after reading and enjoying this one, it is going on my tbr. I was very intrigued with this story due to it following a married couple's relationship. Not an ordinary married couple, but a couple where the husband has autism. Burnaby, Burn for short, was an interesting character to get inside the head of. He was matter of fact, took things literally, and yet he tried to fit in the social world the best he could with learning techniques to deal with his odd tendencies and ticks. He was also brilliant, and he loved his Celia with intensity. They way he described their relationship and being together scientifically, was stunning.

Celia has a hard time of it, especially since her mother left her and her father when she was young. She had looked for love and acceptance in all the wrong arms, and when Burn steps back into her life, she knows he sees her for her. She also knows how difficult it will be at times as they teach each other how to love one another. Then tragedy strikes and it is more than Celia can bear. So, she does what she used to do, runs away and walls herself up. 

Celia and Burn had a lot to work through together and on their own. This was at times a heartbreaking read, as it does discuss abandonment, miscarriage, and broken families. However, it is also an uplifting read especially where a marriage is involved. I am glad there are books out there that show marriage as a living, breathing entity of its own, and the fragility of it as well. There was much to take away from this novel.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.