
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review


An utterly calamitous beautiful story that will stir a whirlwind of emotions as S.D. Hendrickson douses her readers to absorb her stunning prose and heartfelt gritty story of love, forgiveness, and redemption!!!! Waiting for Wyatt consumes readers to the raw, gritty and tragic tale of living in your own personal prison.

Waiting for Wyatt is the first book that I have read from this author but I have heard so many amazing things about her debut book, The Mason List. So when I was given the opportunity to read this book, I couldn't wait to read Waiting for Wyatt and see why so many readers have fallen for S.D. Hendrickson's writing. And let me just say, Ms. Hendrickson has truly captured my attention as she delivered a raw and powerful read.

In this raw and thought-provoking read, Ms. Hendrickson paints a literary tale that begs readers to really see humanity in the eyes of abused animals. With the incorporation of rescued animals, Ms. Hendrickson allows readers to see the cruel world in the eyes of these animals. We could either stand by and let abuse happen or we can take a chance and see that even broken things can be fixed. And in the case of Waiting For Wyatt, Ms. Hendrickson tells a story of a lost boy.

This book begins with the introduction of Emma Sawyer, who rescued an abused dog from the hands of her landlord. Emma knew she couldn't keep the pet because she technically stole the dog in order to save "Charlie" so she was sent by the shelter to bring the dog to Wyatt. When Emma arrives at the remote compound, where so many abused and unwanted dogs are nursed back to rehabilitation, Emma meets Wyatt Caufield.

There was something about Wyatt that drew Emma to him. He was an enigma. A man who lived alone with a bunch of rescued animals. A man who spoke so little but behind the hard exterior, Emma saw something. She saw a man who was troubled but at the same time, a man who had compassion unlike no other. Soon Emma found herself haunted by Wyatt and his mysterious personality. She couldn't explain the pull she had for him. She knew Wyatt was a man who was hiding and living in his own fear and prison just like the animals that he rescued. So can Emma break down the walls that holds Wyatt prisoner?

When I thought I had the storyline figured out, Ms. Hendrickson surprised me with Wyatt's past. I loved that Ms. Hendrickson allowed readers to really see what an amazing heroine, Emma Sawyer is. She showed us a heroine, who didn't judge but saw a person for their heart. And I think that what drew me to really say what a beautiful person Emma Sawyer is. She was the key to unlock Wyatt's heart or in this case, the prison and cage that Wyatt thinks he belongs to be shackled to. Waiting for Wyatt is not a story of heart and flowers but instead this book begs readers to see that the road to redemption is not an easy feat. But taking the first step, will allow you to break free of the chains holding you down. There are no shortcuts to any place worth going and so Wyatt has to really search within himself to find the peace, forgiveness, and strength to escape his own personal chains.
Waiting For Wyatt is an exemplary story that was able to weave facets of grit, humanity, compassion, heart, hope, forgiveness, and second chances all into this stunning story. Though this book started off a bit slow, Ms. Hendrickson was able to hold me hostage till the very end with her deep and beauteous prose and storytelling. So if you are looking for a book that is brimming with raw emotions, heart, and love then I beg you to take a chance on this comely book that will steal your heart with its theme of humanity, compassion and second chances.

S.D. Hendrickson
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