Just Remember to Breathe by Charles Sheehan-Miles: a review

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Just Remember to Breathe by Charles Sheehan-Miles: a review

Just Remember to Breathe by Charles Sheehan-Miles

Just Remember to Breathe (November 2012 release) is an intricate love story between Alexandra Thompson and Dylan Paris. Issues resulting from dysfunction, among both the wealthy and the poor set these two star-crossed lovers on a journey to find themselves and their way to love and commitment.

The story is written under first person, but from both Alex’s and Dylan’s perspectives. However, point of view headings let you know who is telling that particular part of the story. It’s interesting to see both perspectives and how they relate and differ…

The lives of the two main characters are entwined around each other as if fate won’t let them be apart for long. We’re enticed by glimpses of memories of their first meeting (Junior’s in High School on a trip abroad)and how they fell deeply in love, only to have distance (she’s on the West Coast and he’s in Georgia), social difficulties, and fear of relationships put a strain on their budding love.

I don’t want to spoil the story so I’ll just say that it begins with Alexandra Thompson, daughter of an American Ambassador and controlling mother, now a pre-law student at Columbia. She’s still suffering from a broken heart when she finds that Dylan Paris is now going to be her partner in her work-study program.

Dylan is the son of a poor, alcoholic and abusive father and a reformed alcoholic mother. Hurting and scared after his and Alex’s first “break-up”, he joined the Army and was sent to Afghanistan. When he returned home after much trauma and severe injury, he enrolled in Columbia and finds himself to be Alex’s partner in a work-study program.

Unable to change their work-study programs, they are stuck working together and the rest of the story begins!

It’s a really good love story that deals with issues resulting from their differences and the ramifications of bad decisions and assumptions. The way issues are handled is fascinating and their growing love often compelling. Love stories are amazing in scope and this one covers a whole range of obstacles: fear, date rape, death of friends, PTSD, war injuries, parental pressure – and in only about 190 pages!

I found this story and style to be interesting and packed with action and emotion. A great book to curl up with!

ORDER NOW: Barnes and Noble / Amazon/ The Book Depository KOBO

Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

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18 thoughts on “Just Remember to Breathe by Charles Sheehan-Miles: a review”

    • I loved your story! I usually like my books longer so they get more involved, this was a great read and very impressive writing! Thanks for you work!
      Georgianna

  3. Great review Georgianna. Sounds like it was both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

    And Thank You Charles for dropping by The Reading Cafe. It was a pleasure to read and review your book.

    • For what I consider a “short” book it was really incredible! I’m so used to the 1000 and plus books this was quick but so much in it – I think it takes a lot of talent to put so much in such a short space.

  9. Lovely review Georgianna!!! I think I may really like this story as I do have a small weakness for that whole star-crossed lovers thing. I love how in spite of the differences, the feelings of hopelessness, family intervening (yup been there done that) and even obstacles that get in your way the couple still rise above the odds to prove they have every right to be together….it just gets me…

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