The Beauty of Sadness - by J P Greene (Paperback)

About the Book

A story of good chemistry and bad timing; of friendships that help us see what we are unable to see for ourselves; and of the quiet persistence of love against all odds.

Book Synopsis

Jake Barnes is a seasonal wildland fire fighter, an avid reader, and a lover of old, simple things. He also lives in the only apartment with a balcony on Main Street. One day in the high summer, with his balcony doors open and an old jazz record playing, he hears a shriek from the street below. As he comes to the aid of four-year-old Nico, Jake meets the boy's mother, Chase. What follows is a star-crossed love story that seems doomed to end before it even really begins, until a near-death experience while working a fire in Canada draws into question some of Jake's long-held priorities and desires. This is a story of good chemistry and bad timing; of friendships that help us see what we are unable to see for ourselves; and of the quiet persistence of love against all odds. Concise, yet breathtakingly vivid, this short novel packs adventure, grief, loss, and beauty into a tale you won't soon forget.

Review Quotes

"Greene's meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the narrative, immersing readers in every moment. The book is a genuine page-turner, making it difficult to set aside once started. Personally, I found it particularly resonant as it echoed aspects of my own love story with my husband, making it all the more meaningful to me.

For those who appreciate a well-crafted romance filled with intricate descriptions and heartfelt emotions, I wholeheartedly recommend 'The Beauty Of Sadness.' It's a must-read for romantic souls seeking a captivating love story." - @WildwoodWriter on Instagram

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"An effortless read from beginning to end! I was so captivated by the story, I dared not even move a muscle and made my way through it all in one sitting. What can I say, I absolutely loved it! A pleasure and delight to read! Greene stays true to his style of writing with moments of poetic, philosophical, sensual, and comedic brilliance. The kind which linger in your head and leave you smiling for long after you put the book down. The depth and charm of his characters will win you over. There is romance, drama, playful banter, basically all the right ingredients to make you fall in love and keep you reading until the end. I expected nothing short of stunning, and boy did Greene deliver! A feel good story that can be picked up and cherished again and again!" - Francesco Mastrangelo @CrownofSparrows on Instagram

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"The storytelling and the intricately woven details transported me to a different world. I especially loved the portrayal of seemingly mundane things and interactions between people and how these "small" things and "small" moments make up our lives.

Jake's story is such a great reminder that oftentimes happiness is right in front of us if we are just willing to let go of our own outdated ideas of what life and love should look like. Really enjoyed this book!" - Olivia Bella, author of Beautiful Alien