This could have been a 5 Star book. I liked the premise of 7 life-altering days. I loved the main characters, both their strengths and their weaknesses. I loved that Evan was able to make a life for himself full of love after such a horrific beginning.

What I didn't like was the handling of a religious brother's sexual abuse of Evan. It was too close to the reality that religious institutions have perpetrated on our children and it made me angry and ill and sad. There is so much that I want to say but it would take pages and pages, and honestly this isn't the right venue.

Seven Days by Andrew Grey chronicles most of the major events in Evan Donaldson's life, beginning as a young rent boy on the streets rescued by Father Val of St. Bartholomew's Academy to his adult life as a school teacher and father.

Grey paints some poignant images of growing up with abuse and the pain of loss. He creates a strong character in Evan Donaldson. Over and over Evan faces obstacles with courage and strength. His takes a painful childhood and makes a life worthy of admiration. Evan faces adversity, but his refuge is always his best friend Clay Mueller.

The two young men meet on Evan's first day at St. Bartholomew's Academy and start a life-long relationship of friendship and support. Their relationship is the backbone of Seven Days. The story follows them through their time at the academy through college and the early days of their careers.

To read the complete review, please visit Creative Ink by BarbManning.net:bit.ly/oPkJah ( )

review to follow ( )

3.5 stars ( )

3.5 stars ( )