GABRIELS RAPTURE by Sylvain Reynard

The story continues in Florence, Italy, where we find the lovers still holidaying now the conference has ended. Despite the romantic setting and the passion that has now become a part of their relationship, Julia is still shadowed by doubts that she will never be enough to hold Gabriel.  Returning to Toronto and all the difficulties surrounding their love, they try to keep their relationship hidden from everyone at the university. Sadly, a spurned student of Gabriel's, Christa, who doesn't take rejection lying down, lets jealousy rear its ugly head. Christa's anger at Gabriel and hatred of Julia takes the form of exposing them to the university administration.  Facing a tribunal both, Gabriel and Julia try to solely take the blame. Before the end of the investigation Gabriel makes a deal to spare Julia's future but part of the agreement is breaking all contact with her.  Julia is devastated by what she sees as Gabriel's betrayal, seeing only an attempt to save his own career at her expense. Gabriel tries to explain in a hidden communication but the message is missed by Julia. Gabriel then disappears and Julia believes the worst.  Though she realizes
Gabriel is gone she can't make herself let go and is still haunted by him. Gabriel's travels take him from his childhood home to the places in Italy that he and Julia shared.  His experiences along the way serve as life lessons and give him a  better understanding of himself and what he truly wants: a life with Julia based on love and complete trust. He returns, now the semester is over and his contract is expired, hoping to recapture Julia's love but fearful she won't be able to forgive him.  Once they reconnect Gabriel is convinced that Julia must find the trust to agree to marry him.  Will she be able to not just forgive him but trust him enough to believe in forever?   This is a great conclusion to the story. Read It!  4.5  out of 5 stars