In Natural Disasters, A Love Story, G.F. Cantrell explores human relationships, morals, and love and lust. The main protagonists are Maggie and Finn, but Maggie’s second husband, the manipulative Martin, lies at the core of the story. Finn enters Maggie’s life when flood water damages the upmarket Arizona home she shares with Martin, and he is called to estimate the cost of making good; it’s his job, and he needs the work. Maggie, mother and grandmother, has a history of childhood abuse. Is that why she became a therapist? Is it the reason she cannot take the final step to divorce, or is it fear of Martin? Finn too has a record of failed relationships and a determination to stay free. Does he, or is his attraction to Maggie too strong to resist?

Natural Disasters, A Love Story is an in-depth, exquisite work of literary fiction that moves at a deliberately slow pace, and it deserves to be read unhurriedly; it is full of intriguing ideas that prompt readers to evaluate their own lives. Are we the product of our background and upbringing? Do we unconsciously choose partners that mirror a parent? However, it is also a powerful, graphically passionate narrative: haunting, memorable and, in the end, both surprising and satisfying. Cleverly written from both Maggie's and Finn’s points of view – often in flashbacks showing their feelings and reactions to the same event – G.F. Cantrell’s Natural Disasters, A Love Story truly is a superb love story.

Natural Disasters, A Love Story is a work of women’s fiction by author G.F. Cantrell. Maggie Chisholm, our tough central character, is stuck in a marriage where the love faded long ago, but she has given in to staying despite her apathy, too tired to fight the fight for the divorce she deserves. An older woman who has given up on love, Maggie has shock after shock once the floodwaters burst in and ruin her Arizona home. When Finn arrives, ready to fix her floors, he’s drawn by the spirit he can see trapped in a dull life, and when Maggie befriends him, a host of possibilities and problems arises.

It’s always wonderful to see romance novels where the protagonists are significantly older than your standard fresh out of college kids. Maggie is written in such a compelling, relatable way, stuck in her life in much the way that many women are, and the fact that it takes an epic natural disaster to shake her awake is both ironic and amusing. Her marriage with Martin is fascinating to unpick, and her developing relationship with Finn reads in a highly uplifting way as the story unfolds. I had already guessed that the book would have some religious themes because of the earlier ‘act of God’ in the story, but I felt they were delicately placed and quite appropriate to the plot. Overall, G.F. Cantrell has done a wonderful job, and I can’t recommend Natural Disasters, A Love Story enough to romance fans.

"Great book! Will leave you hoping her next book is published soon
I really enjoyed this book! I have had my share of bad relationships and found the characters and events easily relatable. This story would make a great movie. The ending leaves on a very hopeful note but it left me wanting more. I look forward to your next book!"

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It showed that even at midlife, you can still have a romance that knocks you off your feet. It was realistic yet still elicited a response of excitement and giddiness. It told the story from the viewpoint of both main characters. And, it imparted the gift of self-discovery. The author did more than write a romance novel. She brought insight into true love and what it means to be whole.

"Loved It! I found it engrossing from beginning to end, and the characters felt so real, I didn't want it to end! There were so many emotions that I could relate to. Who couldn't? She's clever, witty, introspective and so easy to relate to. I looked for another book by this author and didn't see one. It's hard to believe that this could be her first, as good as it is, but I'll be on the lookout for her next one."