WITH LOVE, LEO is both a heartbreaking and uplifting tale about moving on in the face of loss. Inspired by real-life events, the novel explores what one man does to mitigate the pain and suffering his ill health would bring to his long-time love and be there for her when she needs him most.
We are introduced to an emotionally paralyzed Julia, sitting in her kitchen, still grieving over the departure of her husband, Leo. Having been ill for most of their marriage, his passing is met with mixed emotions by all. The relief of his suffering was not lost on those who cared.
We quickly meet Donna, Julia's best friend, as she arrives with a mission to lure Julia out from under the dark cloud. In the days before he was unable, Leo prepared a plan that he hoped would help his beautiful Julia cope during the transition.
Donna regales Julia with the emotional story of how she was recruited with the help of her and Leo's granddaughter, Nova. During her visit, she explains that Leo predicted how Julia would spend the days following his departure with frightful accuracy. Donna's instructions were simple - to be her best friend.
Masterminded by Leo, her late husband, the plan lay the foundation of what he believed Julia would need most when he
was gone. A path forward.
We learn how Leo coped with the struggles and knowledge of inevitable decline. This knowledge - a weight unto itself - energizes his resolve to ensure Julia remembers she is the most resilient and capable woman he had ever met. Julia will rediscover both her love for Leo and the blessing of living through letters and new friends. Leo's wish is that Julia finds hope for the future, as well as the ability to store and cherish their precious past without being frozen by them.
WITH LOVE, LEO explores a complicated but oh so simple love story between two people even after being separated by life's inevitable stages.
