Goodbye Kiev by author Thomas C. Almond

Finding that special someone to share a life withis a struggle for many. Goodbye Kiev by author Thomas C. Almond is hisfictionalized recounting of how he found the woman of his dreams in theUkraine through a marriage agency, and the challenges he faced in theirrelationship. Tom is a 27-year veteran of Portland Fire andRescue. He is divorced and lonely. He is a serious man who knows whathe wants and how to get it. Nothing will stop him from finding love anda lasting relationship. Through the agency, he begins correspondingwith a young woman named Lyubov in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. The monthspass and both Tom and Lyubov are eager to meet. It is decided that theywill meet in Kiev, Ukraine and that Lyubov will bring her son, Sasha.The visit goes by quickly and smoothly. Despite his Russian being lessdeveloped than he would have liked, and Lyubov speaking little English,by the end of this first visit, Tom is sure that he is very much inlove with the beautiful Lyubov. He pops the question and Lyubov saysyes. Another visit is planned for the summer and Tom flies home for theStates. He is happy and in love and anxious to live as a family withLyubov and Sasha in Oregon. Shortly after his journey home, hereceives an amazing letter from Lyubov telling him how much she loveshim and how wonderful he is. But all is not perfect as Tom begins tonotice that her messages take longer and longer to arrive. Then ashocking letter from Lyubov shakes his faith in his feelings for her.She says she doesn't think she loves Tom, she doesn't believe he trulyloves her, and she suggests that he would be happier with another. Tomcan't understand this abrupt change. All Lyubov will say is that shedoesn't want to burden Tom with her problems. Tom plans anothertrip to Ukraine even though he isn't sure Lyubov will see him. He fliesto her hometown in hopes of discovering what the real problem is. Hespends week after week alone and waiting for her to agree to meet him.He is patient but his patience is growing very short. Will hisperseverance pay off or will he ultimately go home broken-hearted andalone? Mr. Almond writes from his heart. Like few male authors Ihave read, he isn't afraid to examine and express his feelings. This isan intriguing tale of love and commitment. I found myself cheering forTom, hoping he would get Lyubov to lower her defenses, to save therelationship. In my opinion, the book stalls a bit at Chapter 6, "TheJournal Home," in which the events of the first five chapters aresummarized. However, Almond quickly gets back on track pushing thestory forward to the climax. This isn't a fairytale romance. Itis a poignant, realistic tale of one man's quest for love. The endingis powerful, emotional, and one you will not soon forget. I recommendedGoodbye Kiev. Publish America (October 27, 2008) 978-1606109946 Goodbye Kiev William Potter

Was this helpful? 0 0 Comments

You're reading Goodbye Kiev by author Thomas C. Almond .