Laura's Reviews > Anything Could Happen

When did I stop dancing around my room? I mean really dancing. I twirl or sway now and again, but where did my reach for the stars need to dance go?

Memories. The memories a book can spark and pull out of me is just one of the many reasons why I read. Some books make me reminisce about where I’ve been or who I was. Others help me see and dream of where I want to go or who I want to be. Every so often a book comes along that does both though—inspires memories of the past and hopes for the future. A book that when you see it on the shelf at home or out & about you have to pick it up, run your fingers over the title and smile. This book is one of those reads for me.

Anything Could Happen by Will Walton creates this warm, wonderful world on the page and off filled with hope and goodness. SO much goodness.

Christmas time in a small, small town is where we meet Tretch Farm and his family. Everyone seems to know everyone else’s business in town, but Tretch is holding on to a secret. Tretch Farm is in love with his best friend Matt Gooby (Such a great name!). But he is not ready to tell his family and friends that he’s gay. He’s not ready to share that part of himself yet. But life is changing so fast. Someone Tretch loves very much may be sick. His brother is off to college soon. So why waste time hiding? Show your true self before regrets settle in. Will Tretch share his whole heart and self with the ones he loves this holiday season?

I want to hug Tretch Farm and all of his adorableness. Hold on to him forever! :) The whole town drew me in actually with sweet, honest to goodness “It’s a Wonderful Life” joy! Coffee shops, homemade candy canes, well-read traveling Santas, angel winged trees, music, books, “y’all”s and moves. So many dance moves! Get up and dance to the music because anything can happen in life. Adventure, love, and loss. Mr. Walton brings it all to life beautifully in this story with warmth and emotion. I could feel how much he cared for these characters. And I loved every single one. Tretch’s Dad and brother hit my very short list of amazing YA Dads and brothers. They made me “aww” more than once. The whole family will make your heart smile and break and remember though. Remember a time when you had to be dropped off and picked up from the dance. Remember a time when you could just walk across the hall and find someone to talk to. Remember or perhaps cherish the time you have now with your family all around you, under one roof, sharing the kitchen table and supporting each other every day. It all can change so fast.

Anywho…I’m going to go before my jaded, broken heart begins to show. :D Just know this story is full of life and care and love. It touched my heart. This line really walloped me actually….(It may sound like a spoiler, but it really isn’t one.)

“You know, all the love my wife gave me during this lifetime stayed right where she put it. Even after she was gone. It stayed right here with me, and I feel it alive as all get-out, every single day."

I will be on the lookout for more from Will Walton for sure.

Off to shake, sway, wiggle and dance….