Review of And You Must Love Me

And You Must Love Me

Katja Rusanen

eBook Edition Oct 2011

   Renate is almost sixteen when the stories begins. She doesn't have many friends and is not the type of girl that boys chase after. She is not overly interested in boys until a dark stranger taps on the window of her friend's car. Renate has to do some real searching to find out the guys name. In the process, she is strongly warned against getting involved with him. He has the real "bad boy" image, married and has a son. There is something about Ronny that draws at her and she just can't stay away. Ronny turns into the addiction that takes her life on a free for all.

   As time goes on, Renate gets involved with Ronny's cousin Emil and gets caught in a game of cat and mouse as her relationship becomes more serious. Tragedy ensues and Renate becomes the target of malicious whispers in her small village in Norway. She moves away in hopes of starting fresh; but her troubles only intensify. Will she be able to resolve her issues and get off of her destructive path before it is too late?

   This is  a debut novel for the author and the first book in a trilogy. I have to say Katja has come up with a winner here. The story line is well written and flows smoothly ; but gets just a bit wordy at times. Our two protagonists, Renate and Ronny, both have some major issues. Renate falls for a guy who should be out of her reach, but she becomes addicted to him like a drug that she just can't quit. She has numerous other issues; but the biggest seems to be her drinking. Even though the topic of alcoholism is not mentioned, I would say she is bordering heavily on being an alcoholic. She uses it as a major form of escape and frequently drinks herself into oblivion. Ronny is a real bad boy who gets himself entangled in drugs in a big way. Emil, Renate's major love interest has problems of his own of which she is totally unaware until it is too late. This is a wonderful story of coming of age, love, and finding the light at the end of the tunnel. If you enjoy  a good story full of tension and unrest, you will surely enjoy this one. I for one can't wait to see where this one leads.

   I wish to thank the author for providing me with a copy for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in any way except to receive the book to review.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars