Sometimes You Just Know


Fiction - LGBTQ
298 Pages
Reviewed on 12/15/2022
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

The painful childhood memories of a mother addicted to alcohol and a father who became unavailable when he was needed most have turned Arnie Violet into a docile pacifist. He avoids all forms of confrontation both at home and especially at work, keeping to himself for fear of any form of public rejection. He is prepared to maintain the status quo until he meets Peter, an outgoing teenager with a beautifully different approach to life. Arnie feels as if this may be the beginning of a beautiful relationship but just when these two individuals are getting better acquainted, tragedy strikes. Having to choose between blackmail and public humiliation, Arnie must decide whether preserving his happiness is worth forsaking the little he holds dear in Bill VanPatten's Sometimes You Just Know.

The courage to stand up and sacrifice yourself for what you believe in features prominently in the storyline of Bill VanPatten's romantic novel. His primary character is impressively fleshed out complete with unexpected flaws. Arnie's fear of what others will think of him if his secret becomes public is revealed in a way so that the reader can easily relate to him and identify with his childhood trauma. Rachel's scheming and antagonistic behavior creates a subplot worthy of further investigation but the high point in this novel for me is the role Adam plays in Arnie's situation. Sometimes You Just Know takes a simple story and delivers a powerful message about finding the inner strength to do what is right even in the face of overwhelming odds. I enjoyed reading this inspiring novel.