Synopsis

Sahara Lee is damaged by grief and guilt.

Ten years ago her world was turned upside down and she never recovered. One decision, one choice, one accident killed the person she was before.

The old Sahara had family, friends, and the love of her life. Now Sahara isolates herself from any and everything she once loved. Immersing herself in fashion, art, and music as a way to escape the pain of the past, she accepts her lonely existence as penance for the role she played in the accident.

That is, until she meets Tyree Barker.

Back to Life reminds you that living and existing are two completely different ways to go through life. Grief will break you but guilt, guilt will destroy you. And once that happens, what can bring you back to life?

Review

The story started a bit off for me but greatly improved when I finished the first 5 chapters. The plot was good. It was a bit intense. The characters have contrasting personalities.

The story starts off with Sahara persuading her best friend, Emily, to attend a party to celebrate the successful examination she just finished that day. They got pretty wasted during the party so she called Emmanuel to drive them. At the intersection near their dormitory, an irresponsible driver, bumped into the right side of the car, and Emmanuel’s car in turn collided into the police patrol car which are in front of them. Emily broke her legs killing her chance of dancing ballet. Emmanuel broke his arm and leg sweeping his chance of playing basketball professionally as well. The patrol car that crashed into them contained Sahara’s dad and another police officer. The two died on the spot.

Ten years later… 

Sahara Lee is still stuck in the past. She fled her town after the accident but she hasn’t recovered ever since. Nightmares visit her every night. She’s lucky if she can sleep 4 hours straight without nightmares. It has been difficult. She lives alone and the only thing that gives her satisfaction is her performance at work. She has learned to numb herself from any pain and no one has broken down her wall.

Well, not until Tyree Barker…

Tyree Barker us a businessman and inherited his grandfather’s properties. He moved to the building where Sahara is also living. His grandfather just died and he wanted to start anew. He managed to wedge himself towards Sahara’s heart. He has a good heart and this made Sahara trust him more. She shared her past to him and in return he helped her deal with it. H was there when she has nightmares and when she thinks she can’t take it anymore. He gave her a reason to believe in hope and happiness. He freed her from her past but he hasn’t shared one important part of his past to her that might ruin what they have.

Everything’s been good until news about Chris Cole brings every bitter memory back. Cole, who was the drunken teenager that caused the accident, is up for parole and he has a good chance of being granted one. To prevent this, Sahara has to testify and for her to do so means going back to the hometown she fled 10 years ago. Is she ready to visit her past? What would happen if she sees Emmanuel?

Emmanuel Mills was her first love. She’d been crushing on him for as long as she remembered not knowing that he also feels the same. Manny plans on confessing to her after he finishes his finals but then circumstances came along and when he woke up from his coma, she’s already gone.

This is where the confusion begins, and this is also the part where Sahara becomes annoying. Yes, it may be confusing to choose between the two but she shouldn’t play with the emotions of the two men. I think I anticipated her choice in the end. It was expected considering what she went through. But will there be a happily ever after? What if faith has a funny way of showing that they were really not meant for each other? That would really suck, right?

The ending left me befuddled. From what I’ve read, I smell a book coming soon. So please just release it already because it’s certainly left me hanging!

Rating: 4/5

Disclaimer: This review copy was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.