The red mud of North Carolina gave birth to Adam Hope. It had been storming for days when Evelyn, a young 17 year old farm girl, saw a human form in the mud. She carried this person into the farmhouse. She isn't quite sure what she saw and doesn't trust her perceptions but this person formed into a woman who looked just like her within days.
They formed a bond, made up a story and Addie was born.
Soon Addie would metamorphosis into Adam, the love of Evelyn's life. They married, had children, worked the farm and developed a horse business. Adam was gifted with horses, unique and different in multiple ways. He was human with supernatural qualities. He was every girl's dream.
Evelyn lived in fear for the day when people would discover that Adam was different from other men. She always wanted to tell her daughters or her mother the truth of Adam's origin but could never find the words to explain it. One day her worst fear is realized at the funeral of one of her daughters. Evelyn and Adam's life permanently changed that day when Adam became ostracized within their small North Carolina community.
The Enchanted Life of Adam Hope is a unique and fierce love story. In many ways it reminded me of the Biblical story of Adam and Eve. Adam was born of the earth and to the earth he shall return. Evelyn emerged from her mother's womb and Adam did not. Riley has created a story that is touching and lovely. In many ways she pushes the boundaries of what we think is human and natural. Allowing for the fact that not everyone fits into the same mold of human perfection. There are variations and qualities that shapes us as human.
Riley does not offer explanations as to why Adam is the way he is. What she creates is a believable ending to a unique life that makes sense. It is up to the readers to decide who Adam is and to believe or not to believe in the story. I loved it and thought is was creative and absolutely fascinating. Like
