A Portrait for Toni by Annette Lyon

Blurb:

Toni has no idea what she’d do without her best friend, Carter. Who else would she be able to vent to about her parents, her job at the dance studio, or her latest relationship woes? When Toni’s father lands in the hospital, Carter, as always, is there for her.

That is, until he starts questioning Toni, saying he thinks she has an eating disorder. Then she starts dating Clint, the hot new guy at the studio, and somehow that puts a deeper wedge between her and Carter. When she’s hospitalized after an on-stage collapse, and Carter stupidly starts in with advice about food and weight, she sends him away—then instantly regrets it.

One night after a performance, Toni tries to mend the hurt between them. She goes to visit Carter at work, in his art classroom at the high school. She doesn’t see him there, and instead, she stumbles onto proof that he has feelings for her that go way beyond those of a friend. Toni is left with the very real prospect of losing Carter forever, unless somehow she can return his feelings—but that’s impossible.

Isn’t it?


My Review:


I have to admit that I started this book having no idea what it was even about.  The ballet slippers intrigued me so I jumped in with both feet.  Honestly I read this book in what totaled up to about one day, and that is saying something because this book is longer than average.  Toni's story pulled me in; it was emotional, heart-breaking and full of conflict.  Lyon attacks the topic of eating disorders head on and leaves no details to be spared.  I appreciated the candidness of the broaching the topic because it is a serious one and it definitely helps others to be aware of what signs to look for and what that person is experiencing and feeling who has an eating disorder. 

I was so, so, so sad for Carter.  Man that guy really knew the meaning of compassion and love.  Honestly I could not believe that he continually kept coming back into Toni's life even when he made it clear he couldn't go on like that anymore.  I felt conflicted for him!  The way Toni finds out about his love for her was so awkward and awful, I could feel it right through the book!  A Portrait for Toni is a gripping story that tackles difficult issues in a head-on and direct manner.  It is a tale of love, forgiveness, pain and acceptance.  If you want a book with substance and grit, this is the one for you!
Rating:  Clean romance with like three curse words

You can pick up your own copy via Amazon.



Happy Reading!!!


Source:  Author for review