I got a complimentary soft copy of Myne Whitman’s latest book - “A Love Rekindled” by a random selection when I participated in the
Lost and Found Blogfest.
I did not set out to read the book immediately. I took my time. When I started reading, I did not want to stop! This novel, was well scripted and I must add, it reminded me of the good old Mills and Boon series!
A Love Rekindled is a story all about LOVE! The love exhibited between Efe and Kevwe is one that was meant to be. I say this because, not all “first loves” can stand the test of time! True Love conquers ALL!
There are so many things that caught my attention in the book. The first is the descriptive manner in which the Author wrote. As I read, I was able to imagine and fix in places and faces. Another thing I like was how the Author analysed business in Nigeria. Nigeria is indeed a land with many opportunities. The fact that Kevwe (a guy born with a golden spoon) decided to start up his own business at an early age is very encouraging.
O! And Efe! I liked the way the Author portrayed Efe's character. This reminded me of my University days! Efe was able to stand her ground and I liked the fact that Kevwe "respected" her person.
I liked the way the Author addressed the issue of tribalism. As a Nigerian, I appreciate where the Author is coming from. The tribe of an individual is a very important factor when considering a life partner for most people. I have always said people should follow their heart and marry for love. Marriage should never be based on tribal sentiments.
I really loved the role Stanley Adetiba played in reconciling the love birds (Efe and Kevwe). This is an excerpt from the book:
Stanley leaned against his seat with an immense sigh, and rubbed his eyes for a long minute. When he spoke, his voice was low. “Don’t make the mistake many of us make. When you love someone, let them know. I’ve made the same mistake a few times myself, but after the last time, I decided not to repeat it. That is why I’m here.
Efe was surprised at his words. She’d thought Stanley would walk away, maybe rail in anger a little. But here he was, dispensing relationship advice to her.
He must have caught the expression on her face because he stopped a little laughed. “Don’t be surprised, Efe. A lot happened while we were apart, and since you left the States.” He laughed again. “Long story, but I now accept that if you love someone, you’ll want them to be happy even if they are not with you.”
“Thank you so much, Stanley.” She stretched out her arms and hugged him. Tears clouded her eyes, but she smiled. “I’m sorry if I caused you any pain.”
“Don’t worry about me.” He laughed again and pushed away from the embrace. “Now call your guy and let him know how you feel. I’m going to the restrooms.”
Efe reached for her BlackBerry and discovered it wasn’t in the usual pouch. She scrambled through her purse and the small carrier she’d be taking on the plane. The phone was nowhere to be found. It would be lying on her bed where she’d dropped it after talking to Stanley earlier. As she repeated the search, her thoughts ran into each other. What to do? She could use Stanley’s phone when he returned. But she didn’t know Kevwe’s number off by heart.
She wiped her open palms over her tears and tried to concentrate. What alternative plan could she make? It was certain Kevwe would call while she was away. She hoped he went to the office too. Her colleagues would certainly not give him her contacts since this was a confidential trip, but they would share her whereabouts if she told them. Yes, she would call them. She berated herself again for forgetting the phone and cursed her stubbornness. There had been lots of opportunities to patch things up with Kevwe this weekend, but she’d allowed bitterness cloud her heart.
“Have you called him?”
Efe raised streaming eyes and blurted her fix.
“Call your office with my phone,” he said without hesitation and handed it to her.
Efe looked down at it and swallowed a scream. There was no network. She’d planned to call her office and leave Nneka’s number and instructions to give it to Kevwe if he called. As her mind emptied and then filled with more thoughts, their flight was called. She hissed and stamped her foot on the plush carpeted floor of the lounge.
“We’ll keep trying,” Stanley reassured.
Taking up her luggage, she followed him towards the boarding area calling herself a fool. Inside, she just wanted to curl up and die.
Stanley’s words made so much sense. There was no need to hold his father’s actions against Kevwe, or allow the past overshadow the future. It gave her a measure of peace knowing Kevwe had always been true, and that neither his father nor her ethnicity would be a barrier to their new-found love.
If Kevwe could meet her halfway, it was possible to purge the past away. Not that all of the past had been bad, there had been some spectacular moments too.
I could go on with my likes, but I have to stop now.
In summary, this is a great story. It is a great book. I would like to buy the hard copy for my library!
10 over 10!
Well done Myne!
