In this novel, Marisa de los Santos breathes life into the abstract concept of love. Initially, Cornelia falls for all the cliched traps of love stories--handsome leading men, feet being swept off the floor, life-altering kisses. She's like so many of us, waiting and hoping for our chance at meeting our soulmate.What I love about this book is Cornelia's transformation. She realizes that true love is attainable, and it is real. It is, at times, ugly and complicated. Love is hard; it cuts one to the soul. Love is romantic and familial and maternal. One's soulmate could be an old friend or a young child.The ending is not a happy ending, but it is the only possible ending. I wanted to shake Cornelia, to tell her to change her mind, to be selfish. But her decision was the right one. She has been changed--in an earth-shattering way--and has found a purpose in life. I can't wait to read BELONG TO ME, and perhaps I will find more closure.