Life Begins With You

I have not listened to or read any of Erica Lee's work previously, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I found this to be an amazing book with a story that really grips at your heartstrings. The two main characters, Rebecca and Cassie were childhood best friends. Cassie's family life was not good and she began running with the wrong crowd, getting involved with drugs. As they hit high school, they grew apart, although it can be seen throughout the story that they never stopped thinking of each other. Now as adults, Rebecca is the teacher of Cassie's sister, which means they have to interact with each other more. Old feelings rekindle as the two become friends again, but family situations and internal issues cause problems for the two becoming more than friends. I will stop the description there to avoid any major spoilers.

I love the writing in this story, going back and forth from chapter to chapter between the two women. Each had their own issues that were keeping them apart. Each had to work to become vulnerable and open up about their past and the hurts they experienced. This felt more real than a lot of romance stories that I read or listen to, which I found to be very enjoyable. I will definitely be listening to this one again. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a story between two friends who have loved each other for as long as they can remember but need a second chance.