In order to find our strengths, we must face our weaknesses. Never have I come across more powerful words than that statement. Almost Always is a proclamation of those words amplified. Ms. Ridgway speaks to the heart and mind with the courageous journey of Griffin Lowell. His adventurous spirit and inquisitive mind has taken him all over the world. His experiences have broken his heart, opened his mind and haunted his dreams, but his greatest challenge is born from writer's block. One women is determined to change all that and maybe find a little adventure of her own. Jane and Griffin learn the value of facing fear while following the heart and end up delivering a little balm to the soul. ( )

Griffin was a reporter imbedded with the military in the war. During that time, he submitted articles detailing the truth of the war. Now that he's back home, he's under contract to write a book on his experiences. Only problem is, he can't. He's suffering from PTSD but won't admit it. He's drawn away from life & his family. Enter Jane, the book doctor. She comes in to help authors organize their thoughts & get on track. Jane has low self esteem & it seems like Griffin is going to roll all over her but Jane has a tough side. When it comes to her career, she's determined to ride it out. After all, her father told her it's better to be competent than loved.

Ms. Ridgeway has a way of delving into a subject & involving her readers emotions from the beginning. She gives us a taste of what those in the war are subjected to with PTSD. I say a taste because I don't think we'll ever truly know what they go through. Her characters are well developed & three dimensional. Even though Griffin can be an egotistical jerk, his softness & affection for his family comes through. The gruff, grumpy ex-reporter living next door adds a lot of color & depth to the story along with his life experiences. Another excellent book by Christie Ridgeway! ( )