These Hands

Author: Darcy Daniel

Genre: Romance

Publisher: Thorpe Bowker Australia

Date Published: 2024

Book Length: 489

Star Rating: 5 ***** I loved it, and highly recommend

About Book: These hands are magic - but must be kept a secret These hands are love - but keep me loveless These hands are life - but might be the death of me These hands are mine.

Lucas Daniel was born with the power to heal. But it’s not a gift, instead it’s a life sentence filled with isolation and loneliness, leaving him starved of the love and affection he yearns for. During his secluded childhood, he defies his mother’s over-protective rules and tries to befriend Kelsey, the new girl next door. But she thinks he’s a freak and wants nothing to do with him … until she accidentally discovers his secret. They soon form an inseparable bond, sharing their hopes and dreams for the future. Until a devastating event leaves Kelsey’s life hanging in the balance. Lucas does everything he can to save her but leaves her face scarred for life. Believing his secret has been exposed, his mother whisks him away and changes their identities. Now a reclusive country veterinarian, he’s managed to keep his secret for decades. But when Kelsey moves to the same rural town, he just might get everything he's ever wanted, and everything he's ever feared.

My Thoughts: The Hands , in the main is about two people meeting as children, who at the time have their own difficulties and are desperate for friendship and company. Although there is another story running alongside. The book moves from the period of when the children are young, to when they are grown up and tells the story from each of the main protagonist’s point of view.

The story is heart warming yet sad and a testament to Daniels writing. The story flows so easily I didn’t want to  put the book down. The descriptions are exquisite, it is difficult to put into words. There are many twists and turns, and I was left wondering what would happen right up until the end.

In conclusion a story full of opportunities lost and found, sadness and happiness, life and death, love and hate. A book I loved reading and one that I fully recommend.