This Moment by Judith Natelli McLaughlin

A captivating love story about a normal love affair in an abnormal world. This Moment strings together the ordinary and extraordinary moments in the lives of Ryan McGuire and Lydia Errico, moving the couple from dating to marriage to family, leaving us forever filled with equal parts inspiration and devastation…Ryan McGuire, spends nearly his entire life on the up-end of a lucky streak, a concept he is okay with, until he meets Lydia Errico and is intrigued by her passion, candor and sexy ankles. Lydia challenges Ryan, for the first time in his life, to question the value of luck. While not sold on the concept, Ryan is sold on Lydia. Along with their respective families and oldest friends, Lydia and Ryan navigate the ups and downs of life providing us with a glimpse into a love so deep, so strong, it has the power to sustain unimaginable heartbreak. While the book ultimately ends, Ryan and Lydia and their unique love will linger in our souls forever.

This Moment caught me unawares.  I expected a love story, but I received so much more.  Told through Ryan's perspective, which is unique in itself, this is a journey of two souls and how they soar, crash and glide through life's triumphs and tragic moments.  

Ryan didn't expect to fall in love with Lydia, but he did and their love is strong.  The author does an excellent job of character development - they seemed real to me and would relatable.  Able to connect with a character(s) is what can make or break a story.  Because of the investment I had with the characters, I laughed with them, cheered them, worried and cried with them.  

Although the book started a bit slow, it quickly picked up until I was not able to put the book down.  I wanted to know more and I didn't want it to end.  If you enjoy fantastic fiction with 

memorable characters and a keen writing, you'll want to pick up This Moment.  I can't wait to see what McLaughlin writes next!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.