In retrospect though, I couldn’t give it anything less than five stars. That, along with the slow pace of the detailed story, made the book feel on the long side. It’s an unquestionably moving story, but the pervasive heartache became a burden to me at times. The book vibrates with a poignancy that is so intense I had to stop reading occasionally and take a breather. I only wish there were more moments of levity. I absolutely loved Nate and Lena’s trip through Europe, as well as Lena’s feisty best friend, Nissa. I wouldn’t file this book in the Christian Romance section of a bookstore, but religion is featured prominently in the story as the characters grapple with questions of faith and the wisdom of hope. The strength that he and Lena exude is remarkable. Nate is amazingly giving, and I defy you to not fall in love with him. Yes, the exclamations of being each other’s soul, breath, other half, love of their life, etc., are repetitive, but ultimately I was left with a profound longing to feel a connection that sure, that deep, and that selfless. Their love feels authentic and very tangible in the presence of amazing joy and in the face of true suffering. Lena and Nate are genuine characters-just an ordinary married couple in their 40s-who made me believe that love can truly grow stronger over time and remain just as passionate. This is one of the most honest romances I’ve read. Their foundation is so firm that when they come to a major crossroads, the challenges presented only deepen their commitment.
They’ve dared to live life fully, always discerning and prioritizing the important things, and never taking each other for granted. Theirs is a sacrificial love, nurtured for over a decade and a half by attention and faithfulness. Nate and Lena share a rare love of a lifetime. The Empty Jar is raw, it’s real, it’s agonizing, and it’s absolutely beautiful. If you’re looking for escapism, this is not the book for you. This is a difficult book to read, and it may not be for everyone. I hope it changes you as much as it changed me. I got to see it up close and personal, and quite honestly, I will never be the same. I’ve seen this kind of love, and I've seen this kind of heartbreak. The kind we all dream about and few find. The kind that won't give up and never lets go. The kind that sees you through the night and holds you when you cry. It’s both achingly tragic and exquisitely beautiful. It’s a journey of pain and loss, of hope and happiness. Yet, it’s the most romantic story I’ve ever told. It’s pain and suffering for something or someone you love. That’s what sacrifice is-beauty and tragedy. No one could’ve guessed that something so beautiful could be so tragic.
We couldn’t have known it would work out this way. Published by Self-Published on May 8th 2016
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