Customer Reviews

Raphaela's Gift

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Sydney Laine Allan's debut paints a touching and haunting emotional world of two people isolated from the true power of their hearts. For psychologists, Garret Damiani and Faith LeFevre sure have a lot to learn about allowing themselves to love and be loved, and who better to teach them than a little autistic girl. As they fight to give Garret's daughter Raphaela a glimpse of freedom from the emotional prison of autism, Garret and Faith must find equal strength and courage to shed their own inhibitions and reveal their vulnerabilities. After all, love is the greatest healer, and this story weaves love with hope in a way that gives the romance genre a whole new feel. Although the story meanders a bit along the final stretch, I had to read straight through in a single sitting. Sydney Allan has tremendous talent, and I hope that she will embrace and nurture it as earnestly and faithfully as Garret, Faith, and Raphaela have nurtured one another.

I really loved this book. This author goes on my "must read" list.
The story was very good, and the characters well done. I was cheering for Marian, Raphaella, Faith and Garret to work out. I have no idea if this is an accurate portrayal of autism, but it was very interesting to read.

I have 2 very minor complaints about the book - so minor they didn't detract from the 5 stars I gave it:
1. Passing mention of God, which is not my thing, but it certainly wasn't preachy, just there.
2. The word "regard" was overused for me.

The author fully captures the pains and joys of being a parent of an autistic child. The reader is so caught up in this heart touching story, they must battle the urge to laugh and cry with the characters.

Looking forward to more from this wonderful author!

Dr. Garret Diamani is desperate to help his daughter, even bringing her to a summer camp he believes is a waste of time. His autistic daughter is locked inside herself, and he would give anything to see her smile just once.

Faith Feuvre is an art therapist who has seen the way autistic children respond to art when exposed to it. When she meets Garret, she can see he has little faith the program will work, and he's extremely protective of his little daughter, Raphaela. Faith has her work cut out for her, convincing Garret to let the child examine the canvases she has set about the room. When Raphaela does, her father cannot believe what happens.

Determined to break Garret's icy reserve, she encourages him to interact with his daughter...on the child's terms. While encouraging Raphaela's gift, what Faith doesn't realize is before long, she has fallen in love with both father and daughter.

This book was absolutely wonderful! It was uplifting and gives hope to the parents of autistic children everywhere. Well done, Ms. Allan, and thank you! I cannot rate this book highly enough! Very, very highly recommended!

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. It was very enjoyable to read. A lot of different types of books rolled into one.

I thought this book was well written and was very touching.

However I didn't care for all the erotic scenes in it. I thought the book would have been so much better with out that.

Sydney Allan has a very compelling story in Raphaela's Gift. I enjoyed it tremendously. I do not know anything about autism and won't pretend I do, I can only imagine the roller coaster ride that entails. This book shows how a man and a woman who are both professionals can doubt their abilities based on previous mistakes. They find true happiness once they learn a little more about themselves. Every character in this book had their own demons to deal with and at one point Raphaela almost seemed like the most normal. I will be looking for more books from Sydney Allan.
Marla

First time reviewing a book but had to share with other reader's what a fantastic book it was to read. I did have a bit of a struggle reading the first chapter or so and almost quit reading it, however am so glad I continued. This is a awesome read! It covers everything in a relationship, plus does have the romance which I do love without being overly explicit with it. This book is not for bathroom reading as it is a page turner and those seem to leave you with legs falling asleep and a definite impression on your....
You also get insight into autism, so you learn something, too, all while enjoying a very well written story. For all who love romance novels this is a great read and a phenomenal ending. Meet Garret Damiani, Faith, Marian and Raphaela and the gift of love. It is the first time I have read a Sydney Allan book but will most certainly not be the last.

Thumbs up Sydney Allen. I especially enjoyed the touching dynamics created in your story between all of the characters. No matter the person, you really could relate to each of them. I was overwhelmed with emotion as the parents were given the diagnosis. I was even impressed with how you transformed the mothers character, towards her child, husband and then herself. I highly recommend.

ms. allan pulls back the curtains and scar tissue as her characters emerge. ella steals her way into your heart. i enjoyed this book thoroughly. even the unlikeable characters become acceptable at the end. you'll like garreth and faith and applaud ella and you won't needed tissues. it's touching...not soppy