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Rock and Roll Trilogy #2
When I Look to the Sky: Carlee's Journey (The Rock and Roll Trilogy) by Barbara S Stewart
Ralph Waldo Emerson “For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else.” That quote was profound to Carlee. She’d experienced great loss, but love surrounded her. Andy worked hard to fill any void she experienced. He made sure that what was missing was full. He learned late in life how to live a life based on someone else's needs. He gave her love and support, his time and his heart. But nothing she knew could have prepared her for the love she found on a once in a lifetime European jaunt with her Papa...
Mass Market Paperback
First published April 13, 2013
22 people are currently reading
890 people want to read
About the author
Barbara S. Stewart
12 books193 followersI'm Barbara, I read. I write. I come from the northeast, born in Havre de Grace, MD, and grew up in Pennsylvania. In my teens we moved to the Space Coast area of Florida. Now I live in Middleburg, Florida (Jacksonville area) with my husband, Gene.
I've worked in the electronics industry, and most recently in healthcare. I give back by volunteering whenever I can, and in 2009, I received The American Cancer Society's HOPE Award for volunteerism.
The stories I write come from my heart. I'm never sure where they are going until I get there. Most often, a song begins to paint a picture that becomes a love story. Sprinkled through my stories are humor and sadness based on real life experiences shared with family and friends. I write with emotion, pulling from memories and events that made me who I am. My readers tell me they feel like they know the characters I share with them. I like to call my writing 'the sound-track of my life.'
A reviewer on Amazon recently said, "This isn't a romance, it's a love story." (readingmaven)
As a writer, I hope you continue this journey, travel with me, see what song inspires me next, and I hope that you see more growth with each page you turn.
I love to read; it's a gift that was shared with me by my mom - Alis. She introduced me to her favorites like Little Women, Christy, and the Nancy Drew books. Books are an escape, a journey into new and different places and I've been many places I never dreamed of. My favorite genre is romance. I to explore and support other authors who paint a picture through words that allow me to feel the story. Some of my favorites are Adriana Trigiani, Maggi Myers, and Nora Roberts.
You can reach Barbara by email bsswrites@yahoo.com
http://www.amazon.com/Barbara-S-Stewa...
I've worked in the electronics industry, and most recently in healthcare. I give back by volunteering whenever I can, and in 2009, I received The American Cancer Society's HOPE Award for volunteerism.
The stories I write come from my heart. I'm never sure where they are going until I get there. Most often, a song begins to paint a picture that becomes a love story. Sprinkled through my stories are humor and sadness based on real life experiences shared with family and friends. I write with emotion, pulling from memories and events that made me who I am. My readers tell me they feel like they know the characters I share with them. I like to call my writing 'the sound-track of my life.'
A reviewer on Amazon recently said, "This isn't a romance, it's a love story." (readingmaven)
As a writer, I hope you continue this journey, travel with me, see what song inspires me next, and I hope that you see more growth with each page you turn.
I love to read; it's a gift that was shared with me by my mom - Alis. She introduced me to her favorites like Little Women, Christy, and the Nancy Drew books. Books are an escape, a journey into new and different places and I've been many places I never dreamed of. My favorite genre is romance. I to explore and support other authors who paint a picture through words that allow me to feel the story. Some of my favorites are Adriana Trigiani, Maggi Myers, and Nora Roberts.
You can reach Barbara by email bsswrites@yahoo.com
http://www.amazon.com/Barbara-S-Stewa...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
September 8, 2014
It has been two months since I read Rock and Roll never forgets. What an absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking story that was, the EPIC love story of Andy and Bethy. By the end of that book my heart had gone through the ringer. But we were given a little gift. Her name is Carlee.
When I Look to the Sky is Carlee’s story. It is about her passage from adolescence into womanhood. She is beautiful both inside and out. Gosh, I just loved everything about her. I have tucked her away in my heart right next to Andy and Bethy. :)
Carlee’s journey is filled with so many precious moments, new beginnings and so much love. Not only did she grow as a person, finding her spot in life, her relationship with Andy became the center of her life.
And though Andy was at the center of her life, she had so many other things that made her the person she becomes. From college, to The Butterfly Camp and now Matthew, she really had it all. Matthew was the new light in her life. ❤
I truly enjoyed every minute of this book. Not just because I fell in love with Rock and Roll Never Forgets but because this story was in the purest form when it comes to love and relationships. I felt a real connection to many things that took place in this book.
I cannot tell you how many times as I was reading that tears would just start falling. They were never anticipated tears because I knew something was coming, they just came. It was either because of something Andy would say, something Carlee would do or the happiness that Matthew brought to both of their lives.
I’ll be reading book #3 Feel like Makin Love real soon. But I am going to let this one settle in my heart. The Rock and Roll Trilogy is a different type of love story. It is beautiful and I highly recommend it.
When I Look to the Sky is Carlee’s story. It is about her passage from adolescence into womanhood. She is beautiful both inside and out. Gosh, I just loved everything about her. I have tucked her away in my heart right next to Andy and Bethy. :)
Carlee’s journey is filled with so many precious moments, new beginnings and so much love. Not only did she grow as a person, finding her spot in life, her relationship with Andy became the center of her life.
And though Andy was at the center of her life, she had so many other things that made her the person she becomes. From college, to The Butterfly Camp and now Matthew, she really had it all. Matthew was the new light in her life. ❤
I truly enjoyed every minute of this book. Not just because I fell in love with Rock and Roll Never Forgets but because this story was in the purest form when it comes to love and relationships. I felt a real connection to many things that took place in this book.
I cannot tell you how many times as I was reading that tears would just start falling. They were never anticipated tears because I knew something was coming, they just came. It was either because of something Andy would say, something Carlee would do or the happiness that Matthew brought to both of their lives.
I’ll be reading book #3 Feel like Makin Love real soon. But I am going to let this one settle in my heart. The Rock and Roll Trilogy is a different type of love story. It is beautiful and I highly recommend it.
October 22, 2013
5 *MY HEART MELTED* STARS
If I thought the last book left me heartbroken then this story definitely helped mend my broken heart and then all it did was melt it!
I know this was Carlee's journey but to see Andy go through all the emotions he did in this story was just so touching. Their relationship is so honest and pure that it makes you want to cry ... only this time it's happy tears.
I know many authors get ideas/inspirations from real life. I sincerely hope there is a real life "Andy" and "Carlee" who are lucky to have each other in their lives because it will be a shame if relationship like theirs was strictly fictional.
I can't wait to dive into Feel Like Makin' Love even though it makes me sad for two reasons: 1. I don't want this story to end & 2.
September 7, 2016
I think my friend, Irene, summed up this book with these words….
Yes, my heart was broken with the first book in this series… but I knew I had to find out how Andy and Carlee got on.
This was Andy and Carlee’s adventure. You can feel the love they have for each other. She is young but she is strong.
It is Carlee’s journey from girlhood to womanhood and all those people who are with her along the way.
Andy is a wonderful father and I want him to have his own HEA also….
I know I recommended the first book to a lot of friends and not sure if you will actually read it. You HAVE to read the first book before getting to this one….
Loved visiting parts of Europe with them. They even came to Brussels…
I am really looking forward to the third book and the journey for Andy. And for Carlee on her new adventure.
Irene’s Review
"If I thought the last book left me heartbroken then this story definitely helped mend my broken heart and then all it did was melt it!"
Yes, my heart was broken with the first book in this series… but I knew I had to find out how Andy and Carlee got on.
Fifty-seven and he’s still got it…
She’d experienced great loss, but love surrounded her. Andy worked hard to fill any void she experienced. He made sure that what was missing was full. He learned late in life how to live a life based on someone else's needs. He gave her love and support, his time and his heart.
This was Andy and Carlee’s adventure. You can feel the love they have for each other. She is young but she is strong.
It is Carlee’s journey from girlhood to womanhood and all those people who are with her along the way.
Andy is a wonderful father and I want him to have his own HEA also….
Andy though of Beth, and all those “shoulda, coulda, wouldas”
I know I recommended the first book to a lot of friends and not sure if you will actually read it. You HAVE to read the first book before getting to this one….
A star, a star, dancing in the night …
Loved visiting parts of Europe with them. They even came to Brussels…
I am really looking forward to the third book and the journey for Andy. And for Carlee on her new adventure.
Irene’s Review
September 13, 2013
"When you sleep under a quilt, you sleep under a blanket of love."
I was scared going into this book, after the emotional roller coaster that was Rock & Roll Never Forgets I had to mentally prepare myself for the emotional onslaught that I knew was going to happen. Happily, it wasn't as bad, thank god!!! I did cry, there were some seriously emotional bits, mainly happy emotions I will say, but there were some sad ones too.
This was mainly Carlee's story and I absolutely adored how her relationship developed with Andy after Beth's death. I couldn't believe the way her dad had treated her, although I could understand why he did in a way. She was just too much of a reminder. But these two were soooo close, Andy never looked after her because he felt he owed it to Beth, he did it because he loved her, unconditionally. Carlee centered Andy, gave him something to live for and they were both so happy together, I loved their relationship so much.
"Take my hand won't you, give me your heart won't you."
This is Carlee and Matthew's story. I loved Matthew, he was perfect for Carlee and I really hope that they have a long and happy marriage, they deserve it.
" I think about more than 'now' when I look at you." He waited a minute before continuing. "I can't wait for every tomorrow with you. What I feel for you is so real. It's like nothing I have ever experienced."
The thing that has me worried is Andy is getting pretty old now, I think that there maybe a potential companionship on the horizon, which I am sort of okay about...but if Barbara kills him off I am seriously going to lose it...I am therefore awaiting book 3 with baited breath.
I was scared going into this book, after the emotional roller coaster that was Rock & Roll Never Forgets I had to mentally prepare myself for the emotional onslaught that I knew was going to happen. Happily, it wasn't as bad, thank god!!! I did cry, there were some seriously emotional bits, mainly happy emotions I will say, but there were some sad ones too.
This was mainly Carlee's story and I absolutely adored how her relationship developed with Andy after Beth's death. I couldn't believe the way her dad had treated her, although I could understand why he did in a way. She was just too much of a reminder. But these two were soooo close, Andy never looked after her because he felt he owed it to Beth, he did it because he loved her, unconditionally. Carlee centered Andy, gave him something to live for and they were both so happy together, I loved their relationship so much.
"Take my hand won't you, give me your heart won't you."
This is Carlee and Matthew's story. I loved Matthew, he was perfect for Carlee and I really hope that they have a long and happy marriage, they deserve it.
" I think about more than 'now' when I look at you." He waited a minute before continuing. "I can't wait for every tomorrow with you. What I feel for you is so real. It's like nothing I have ever experienced."
The thing that has me worried is Andy is getting pretty old now, I think that there maybe a potential companionship on the horizon, which I am sort of okay about...but if Barbara kills him off I am seriously going to lose it...I am therefore awaiting book 3 with baited breath.
October 29, 2013
SPOILER ALERT. I loved Rock and Roll Never Forgets!!! This book was a little bit more difficult to love. Still a good solid read. I loved Andy's relationship with Beth's daughter Carlee. I loved seeing Carlee grow up loved by family (John was a surprise though), & I loved watching Carlee fall in love with Matthew.
However, I was sold on the love of Andy & Beth to the point that I don't want to see Andy fall in love again and give Beth's happily ever after to someone else. I'm going to read the third book with trepidation. I can see the writing on the wall with Geni. Geni, who had a long and happy marriage, is beautiful, wealthy, a social butterfly, has 3 amazing grown sons who also have beautiful families & good jobs, will now also get Bethy's man (she already gets her daughter thru Matthew) . If he takes her to the house in Eluthera or writes a song about her I will not be able to read on. In fact, maybe I'll wait to read reviews before i even buy the third book.
I hope Andy finds friendship, companionship,& someone he cares for, but does not ever fall in love again. There is a line in the first book where Andy explaining to Beth why he hadn't moved on after they had broken up & she had married John, and he said he had to keep new relationships casual because no one compared to her. "She was the one in my life that I could never replace. I found, with each passing day that I didn't want or need to."
However, I was sold on the love of Andy & Beth to the point that I don't want to see Andy fall in love again and give Beth's happily ever after to someone else. I'm going to read the third book with trepidation. I can see the writing on the wall with Geni. Geni, who had a long and happy marriage, is beautiful, wealthy, a social butterfly, has 3 amazing grown sons who also have beautiful families & good jobs, will now also get Bethy's man (she already gets her daughter thru Matthew) . If he takes her to the house in Eluthera or writes a song about her I will not be able to read on. In fact, maybe I'll wait to read reviews before i even buy the third book.
I hope Andy finds friendship, companionship,& someone he cares for, but does not ever fall in love again. There is a line in the first book where Andy explaining to Beth why he hadn't moved on after they had broken up & she had married John, and he said he had to keep new relationships casual because no one compared to her. "She was the one in my life that I could never replace. I found, with each passing day that I didn't want or need to."
Want to read
April 17, 2013It is the dawn of a new day. She is awake, waiting on her second cup of coffee to complete brewing. She sits back in her chair, satisfied that she has done all she can do. A deep breath followed by a heavy sigh, or was it just an exhale of relief. Relief, she thinks. The past week was hectic and kept her mind racing. Anxious nerves led her through every waking moment... people were waiting for her and she couldn't hurry any quicker. THERE WAS TOO MUCH AT STAKE... but now she realizes...
The wait is over and she can breathe, she can allow her baby to take flight and move forward. She can clean and cook and read again - because there isn't this need to finish... now she can begin again...
AND SHE IS HAPPY!
I love you all for waiting - some patiently, and some no so patiently! (WHEN??? How much longer??? I can't wait!) ha ha!
Thank you for being a 'Traveler' on my journey!
Barbara
The wait is over and she can breathe, she can allow her baby to take flight and move forward. She can clean and cook and read again - because there isn't this need to finish... now she can begin again...
AND SHE IS HAPPY!
I love you all for waiting - some patiently, and some no so patiently! (WHEN??? How much longer??? I can't wait!) ha ha!
Thank you for being a 'Traveler' on my journey!
Barbara
April 9, 2017
I absolutely loved book # 2 of the trilogy. I almost didn't read this because book # 1 had me so "shook"! But I'm so glad I did! What a beautiful story of love and redemption. Andy broke Beth's heart and in return he got the chance to make up for it by healing Carlee's heart. When Beth was dying and asked John to allow Andy to come back into their lives, it hurt John so much that he rejected both Beth and Carlee. Fortunately, Andy stepped in and became the father Carlee wanted and needed! Awesome story!
November 18, 2013
This is the kind of story that sadly I don't get the chance to read often enough. The author takes so much time to introduce or in this care re-introduce us to the characters and their back story. It makes you feel like you are actually meeting this people again and when new characters come to life you are shown so much about them and by the end of the book they feel like friends.
When the love is shown you feel it inside and your heart just sings with joy. When the sadness and loss is felt again you claim that hurt for your own as we have all been through situations that will bring that ache back to life.
The authors paints a picture with each brush stroke, or in this case key stroke,that stroke being an emotion that comes to life in brilliant colours that you look into and admire for all that it is.
An amazing love story that warms the heart and yes your very soul.
This book and its author have moved me in ways a book has seldom done and I cannot wait to see the next book to see how things continue to play out. The painting that is the life of these characters is still not finished and I can only hope I am still here to revel in the finished canvas.
A true must read!
When the love is shown you feel it inside and your heart just sings with joy. When the sadness and loss is felt again you claim that hurt for your own as we have all been through situations that will bring that ache back to life.
The authors paints a picture with each brush stroke, or in this case key stroke,that stroke being an emotion that comes to life in brilliant colours that you look into and admire for all that it is.
An amazing love story that warms the heart and yes your very soul.
This book and its author have moved me in ways a book has seldom done and I cannot wait to see the next book to see how things continue to play out. The painting that is the life of these characters is still not finished and I can only hope I am still here to revel in the finished canvas.
A true must read!
April 18, 2013
A beautiful continuation. I was crying tears of joy and sadness throughout the book. I can't begin to share the emotions that this books pulls from me, but the writing is so good that I guess it can do that. It was great to see the man that Andy came to be and the things in life that he shared with Carlee. It was so wonderful for them to be together, as a family should be, Beth should be so proud of both of them. I am glad where the story's journey has ended for now. I am both scared and excited to see where we will go next and how this wonderful and truly moving story ends. Kudos Barbara, I loved it!!!! I am patiently waiting.... ; )
June 16, 2014
I love this series,but I don't think that I can read the next one. While I want to see Andy have a happy ending, I don't think I can let myself have him be with anyone but Bethy..They have the one true love and I'm not willing to let that part of the story go.Maybe I will wait a while and come back.
August 31, 2013
I’m going to be honest. I tried to start When I look to the Sky a dozen times. Rock and Roll Never Forgets broke my heart into a million pieces and I wasn’t sure if I was ready for that kind of emotion. I just took a deep breath and dove in. It was so worth the jump. I absolutely loved Andy and Carlee’s journey. I admit I cried a lot in this book but I smiled a lot more. I can’t wait for Feel Like Makin’ Love. Barbara Stewart is amazing.
September 2, 2013
The story was beautiful, sweet, kind, and inspiring...I don't know how to describe it other than that. Nothing could compare to RRNF, but this was piece of mind after everything that happened and a redemption of sorts for a love that endured so many trials and tribulations. So looking forward to the next story....
November 22, 2013
"For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else"
I cannot believe that I have been missing out on such another amazing book by Barbara S. Stewart, but so very glad that in the end I did not miss out as I have truly gained so much from this book and from this series, and still have one more to read.
I went into this book right from RRNF, book 1 and the tears were still flowing and flowed for some time. And there were also some new tears, some sad some happy but this book truly has helped my heart heal and truly fall so much more in love with Andy.
I went into this book not really sure what to expect and I think I loved it more because of that. I loved seeing Andy and Carlee's relationship and watching her grow up. I loved how much Andy loved her and gave up for her, righting all his previous wrongs with her mother
"When you sleep under a quilt, you sleep under a blanket of love"
This book truly was a blanket of love that helped heal my breaking heart after RRNF. Little by little this book wrapped itself around me, held me tight and hugged me and gave me the love to help my heart heal. Carlee grew up to be such a remarkable young lady, someone her Momma and Papa could be so very proud of, she had been dealt quite a hand to deal with but came out of it all such a amazing person, surrounded by the love of such an amazing family.
The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page
This book truly showed me why I love and enjoy reading so much and why this style book is truly my favorite. In the end although there are moments of sadness and tears to be had, but when you come to the end, I fell like my heart had grown and feel this warm hug around me, that I have lived so much more just by reading this one book and fell my heart and soul to be touched by their story, as if they were real and part of my life.
Another amazing 5star read and diving in to Feel like makin' love, to fall further in love with this amazing series and these wonderful characters.
I cannot believe that I have been missing out on such another amazing book by Barbara S. Stewart, but so very glad that in the end I did not miss out as I have truly gained so much from this book and from this series, and still have one more to read.
I went into this book right from RRNF, book 1 and the tears were still flowing and flowed for some time. And there were also some new tears, some sad some happy but this book truly has helped my heart heal and truly fall so much more in love with Andy.
I went into this book not really sure what to expect and I think I loved it more because of that. I loved seeing Andy and Carlee's relationship and watching her grow up. I loved how much Andy loved her and gave up for her, righting all his previous wrongs with her mother
"When you sleep under a quilt, you sleep under a blanket of love"
This book truly was a blanket of love that helped heal my breaking heart after RRNF. Little by little this book wrapped itself around me, held me tight and hugged me and gave me the love to help my heart heal. Carlee grew up to be such a remarkable young lady, someone her Momma and Papa could be so very proud of, she had been dealt quite a hand to deal with but came out of it all such a amazing person, surrounded by the love of such an amazing family.
The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page
This book truly showed me why I love and enjoy reading so much and why this style book is truly my favorite. In the end although there are moments of sadness and tears to be had, but when you come to the end, I fell like my heart had grown and feel this warm hug around me, that I have lived so much more just by reading this one book and fell my heart and soul to be touched by their story, as if they were real and part of my life.
Another amazing 5star read and diving in to Feel like makin' love, to fall further in love with this amazing series and these wonderful characters.
May 5, 2013
Loved this book so much. I have reread the first book after finishing this one. Cannot wait to read the next one too.... I have read over 350 books this past year and these are in my top five favorites. I am a hospice nurse, and this story so well done. Cannot put books down when reading them. Woulda, coulda, and shoulda theme about true love....decisions made and living with consequences of choices. Just powerful. Andy's relationship with Carlee is beautiful and he truly honors his commitment to her, because of Beth. Wow. Will read all books by this author. Highly recommend. Very moving stories.
June 24, 2013
5 Emotional, rip your heart out, STARS!!!!
This was another beautiful book!! I don't know how I am ever gonna recover from these. Epic. Beautiful story, with love so strong, it brings tear to my eyes, when I think of it.
Carlee is so amazing. I loved reading about her life and finding her true love. The scenes with her and Andy made me cry at almost every one. He loves he so much he's do anything for her. She touches so many lives and they're better for knowing her. She is amazing.
I have to sit back and think and blog a review. But I am so overwhelmed with all these feelings and I can't even think to type them down.
This was another beautiful book!! I don't know how I am ever gonna recover from these. Epic. Beautiful story, with love so strong, it brings tear to my eyes, when I think of it.
Carlee is so amazing. I loved reading about her life and finding her true love. The scenes with her and Andy made me cry at almost every one. He loves he so much he's do anything for her. She touches so many lives and they're better for knowing her. She is amazing.
I have to sit back and think and blog a review. But I am so overwhelmed with all these feelings and I can't even think to type them down.
February 17, 2017
Title: When I look to the sky
Series: Rock and roll Trilogy #2
Author: Barbara S. Stewart
Release Date: 14-04-2013
Rating: 5+++++
Cliffhanger:no
More books to this series:yes
Genres: love, music
tissues: YES, don't start without
6 hours and I finished this great book. Now I can't wait for the 3rd one, but I hope, I prey andy won't forget bethy, he deserves a new love, after he looked after Beth daughter what made himself such a good man. But I guess when I will read he is in love with geni and forget about bethy I won't read that book till the end, he said to often she was his onliest deep love.
Series: Rock and roll Trilogy #2
Author: Barbara S. Stewart
Release Date: 14-04-2013
Rating: 5+++++
Cliffhanger:no
More books to this series:yes
Genres: love, music
tissues: YES, don't start without
6 hours and I finished this great book. Now I can't wait for the 3rd one, but I hope, I prey andy won't forget bethy, he deserves a new love, after he looked after Beth daughter what made himself such a good man. But I guess when I will read he is in love with geni and forget about bethy I won't read that book till the end, he said to often she was his onliest deep love.
April 12, 2014
Amazing Amazing !!!!!!This book was just as good as the first!!!!! loved it !!!! The story is terffic and the the writing was wonderful!!!! this book was so emotional and so heartfelt if felt like you were living right with Andy Stevenson and his daughter Carylee!!! This is and amazing trilogy that Im glad Im reading and I dont want it to end!!!! This was reccommended to me by my book club!!! Im so glad they did cause Im reading one the most loveable sweet trilogies !!!! Barbara Stewart you rock chickie for bringing us this wonderful wonderful trilogy and now one of my favorite authors!!!!
May 19, 2013
I loved Rock an Roll Never Forgets and I loved this too! I can't explain the emotions I felt with both books. I was crying by the 3rd or 4th page on this one. I'm definitely a "crier" but something in this books feels so personal. I felt like I knew them. I can't think of another book that made me feel this way! Thank you Barbara for these beautiful stories. I can't wait for the final installment!
May 30, 2013
Enjoyable book continuing the story of Carlee (Bethy's daughter) and Andy. This is a sentimental book filling in Carlee's growth into womanhood. We are left to ponder about her health and what will happen to Andy by the end of this book. Awaiting the final book in the trilogy to see what happens next...
June 5, 2014
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Be sure to check out more of my reviews at:
http://lustfulliterature.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/lustfulliter...
February 22, 2015
A real tear jerker...
I loved every minute of this book! The characters draw you in with their emotions. I loved the continuation of Andy's story with Carlee. The fatherly devotion he had for her even though she wasn't his daughter had me reaching for a box of tissues. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
I loved every minute of this book! The characters draw you in with their emotions. I loved the continuation of Andy's story with Carlee. The fatherly devotion he had for her even though she wasn't his daughter had me reaching for a box of tissues. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
November 4, 2013
Absolutely amazing book! I could not put the book down from page one. The love story is absolutely amazing. I could literally feel myself in the story, watching it unfold between them all. So excited to see what happens next. Thank you for sharing this amazing story with us
Read
November 28, 2014shelved at 24% as crying too much! but will return to it -
June 12, 2014
Just Wow!! :)
May 6, 2017
It's been awhile since I read the preceding book, Rock and Roll Never Forgets, and I wonder why it took me so long to read book two. Having read a couple books now by Ms. Stewart, I knew I was in for a roller coaster of emotion. This book chronicles life after Andy loses his Bethy and the relationship between her daughter, Carlee and her Papa. While this book is a romance, it is also a beautiful love story of a young girl who lost her mother and the man who stepped up and loved her more than her biological father. Their relationship gives a new meaning to the idea of the father/daughter relationship. Together they face life without the one person they love most in life, Beth.
Through the course of the book, Carlee grows from a sweet young girl into a vibrant, passionate young woman, focussed on helping children who deal with cancer in their lives. For a graduation present, Andy gifts Carlee a European vacation and she chooses to take the man who holds her heart with her, Andy. While there Carlee meets a young man that steals her heart. The story tells their journey to an HEA but I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop. It's not like Ms. Stewart to leave characters happy for too long, lol. I guess, book three will answer more questions.
The characters in this book are like old friends, and are so developed they pop from the page. More than once I had teary eyes. There are some scenes that were so emotional I had to step away for a bit to regroup. If you are looking for a well written emotional series, start with Rock and Roll Never Forgets and continue on to When I look to the Sky to meet that need. You won't be sorry.
Through the course of the book, Carlee grows from a sweet young girl into a vibrant, passionate young woman, focussed on helping children who deal with cancer in their lives. For a graduation present, Andy gifts Carlee a European vacation and she chooses to take the man who holds her heart with her, Andy. While there Carlee meets a young man that steals her heart. The story tells their journey to an HEA but I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop. It's not like Ms. Stewart to leave characters happy for too long, lol. I guess, book three will answer more questions.
The characters in this book are like old friends, and are so developed they pop from the page. More than once I had teary eyes. There are some scenes that were so emotional I had to step away for a bit to regroup. If you are looking for a well written emotional series, start with Rock and Roll Never Forgets and continue on to When I look to the Sky to meet that need. You won't be sorry.
November 16, 2014
This is the type of story that will make you cherish your time with your loved ones. The characters are easy to like. Most are just everyday kind people—people you would like to know.
Andy had a come to Jesus moment when Beth got sick in book one. Now he is taking nothing for granted. He has continued to be a huge part in Carlee's life. This book takes us through Carlee growing up and falling love.
We still have the old characters, and new ones are introduced. We still have the old goings on of making music, but new things come into play. There awesome part is a father/daughter European trip. Seriously the closeness between those two will make you want to just go hold your babies no matter how old they are.
If you are looking for dark, erotic, dramatic or angsty, this isn't it. This is a feel-good story. I would classify it as a romance/growing up/letting go/sweet book. I didn't like it as much as book one, but I still appreciate the peace and wholesomeness of this story. It makes me want to do better with my own life.
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
Andy had a come to Jesus moment when Beth got sick in book one. Now he is taking nothing for granted. He has continued to be a huge part in Carlee's life. This book takes us through Carlee growing up and falling love.
We still have the old characters, and new ones are introduced. We still have the old goings on of making music, but new things come into play. There awesome part is a father/daughter European trip. Seriously the closeness between those two will make you want to just go hold your babies no matter how old they are.
"Carlee Elizabeth," he said, "I didn't think I could ever love or miss anyone more than your mama, but I was wrong. You are the greatest gift she ever gave me. I love you so much, I can't believe it. If you'd been born mine I couldn't love you more," he paused, taking a deep breath. "And I am going to miss you like crazy."
If you are looking for dark, erotic, dramatic or angsty, this isn't it. This is a feel-good story. I would classify it as a romance/growing up/letting go/sweet book. I didn't like it as much as book one, but I still appreciate the peace and wholesomeness of this story. It makes me want to do better with my own life.
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
June 28, 2014
If there was an option to give this book 4.5 stars, I would! Why not a 5? The first book in the trilogy was a 5+ and this one (thank goodness) was a bit of a more mellow ride. Frankly, we needed that. I don't know if I could have kept up the level of emotional involvement across two books: I needed to grieve a bit along with the characters and enjoy a bit of down time.
What did I love about this part of the trilogy? Andy has a chance to give of himself in a way that he missed throughout his life. Watching him love Beth's child was truly beautiful. I was happy for him that he had this 'gift' as he (the author) frames it. Also, Carlee was a wonderful character and I enjoyed her journey (even though it is both heartwarming and heartbreaking).
Was there anything about the book that I didn't love? Yes... I would have preferred less of a travelogue (lots of detail about their trip that didn't interest me that much) and more of an inside peek into how the different characters were feeling throughout certain journeys. For example, Carlee's Dad John was an interesting character that is kept in the shadows of this book. However, his decisions and his hurt shape the entire trajectory of the story. I wanted to hear from him and read interactions between John and Andy as they navigated custody/care of Carlee. I would also have liked more of a balance between Carlee's story and Andy's story. The book shifts gears to Carlee and I wanted to hear more about Andy's grieving process and the time he spent when he wasn't with Carlee (in the beginning he only has her for one weekend/month). Finally, as a reader I enjoy books in a trilogy that can truly stand alone. Oftentimes, I have stumbled into a story in the wrong sequence but have been able to read both forward and back. In the case of "When I Look to the Sky" you have to read book one first in order to enjoy this.
This story is so strong though that I anticipate: the author will do an amazing job wrapping things up for us in Book Three. I can't wait to dig in! Also, if there are still open-ends, there is always room for introspection via novellas that fill in some of the blanks I mention above.
Finally,(sorry for the long review)I am grateful to read a book with both mature characters and young characters. It's great to view love from both a lifetime of perspective and (Beth's words, "woulda, shoulda, coulda's") and from the fresh eyes of new love. What a wonderful juxtaposition.
My congratulations to the author for such a great story! Thank you for sharing this with us and I wish you continued success.
What did I love about this part of the trilogy? Andy has a chance to give of himself in a way that he missed throughout his life. Watching him love Beth's child was truly beautiful. I was happy for him that he had this 'gift' as he (the author) frames it. Also, Carlee was a wonderful character and I enjoyed her journey (even though it is both heartwarming and heartbreaking).
Was there anything about the book that I didn't love? Yes... I would have preferred less of a travelogue (lots of detail about their trip that didn't interest me that much) and more of an inside peek into how the different characters were feeling throughout certain journeys. For example, Carlee's Dad John was an interesting character that is kept in the shadows of this book. However, his decisions and his hurt shape the entire trajectory of the story. I wanted to hear from him and read interactions between John and Andy as they navigated custody/care of Carlee. I would also have liked more of a balance between Carlee's story and Andy's story. The book shifts gears to Carlee and I wanted to hear more about Andy's grieving process and the time he spent when he wasn't with Carlee (in the beginning he only has her for one weekend/month). Finally, as a reader I enjoy books in a trilogy that can truly stand alone. Oftentimes, I have stumbled into a story in the wrong sequence but have been able to read both forward and back. In the case of "When I Look to the Sky" you have to read book one first in order to enjoy this.
This story is so strong though that I anticipate: the author will do an amazing job wrapping things up for us in Book Three. I can't wait to dig in! Also, if there are still open-ends, there is always room for introspection via novellas that fill in some of the blanks I mention above.
Finally,(sorry for the long review)I am grateful to read a book with both mature characters and young characters. It's great to view love from both a lifetime of perspective and (Beth's words, "woulda, shoulda, coulda's") and from the fresh eyes of new love. What a wonderful juxtaposition.
My congratulations to the author for such a great story! Thank you for sharing this with us and I wish you continued success.
February 19, 2014
**JODIE'S REVIEW**
“No matter what you feel, it’s never wrong, remember that. I always say ‘SAM’ I sin charge of our feelings… Sad, Angry, and Mad, and it’s OK to feel any, or all of those.”
I was terrified going into this book, Rock & Roll Never Forgets shattered my heart and took my on a ride of SAD I will never forget. That being said I was prepared going into this one and I knew what Barbara could do to me again. I am happy to report that this one had me in tears, but mainly it healed me.
"Take my hand won't you, give me your heart won't you."
This was Carlee's story and I absolutely adored how we got to see how her and Andy’s relationship was after Beth's death. I was in shock over the way her dad was but I found myself understanding it. After Beth she was his constant reminder. Watching Andy’s love for her was amazing, he had such connection with Carlee. The way Barb let us watch this relationship grow leaves you speechless. I loved that the relationship between these two was balanced. They both had so much love for each other and they both healed each other.
A piece of me
A part of me
My heart a part of yours
But this was also Carlee and Matthew's story.
“Matthew,” she said breathlessly.
“Yes, Dear?” he snickered his touch making her crazy.
“You make my knees weak,”
I loved Matthew and he absolutely did just that, he made my knees weak. He was perfect for Carlee and I couldn’t help but compare their relationship to the love Bethy and Andy had.
"I think about more than 'now' when I look at you." He waited a minute before continuing. "I can't wait for every tomorrow with you. What I feel for you is so real. It's like nothing I have ever experienced."
With that I can’t wait to continue this journey and I can’t wait to jump into “Feel like Makin’ Love” but to be honest I never want this series to end. I am both scared and excited to see where Barb will go next and how this story will end.
“Think about what ‘hope’ means to you. Sometimes you hope for a gift, sometimes you hope for a good grade. “
Hope is defined as a ‘want for something.’
I have a lot of HOPE for this next book.
“No matter what you feel, it’s never wrong, remember that. I always say ‘SAM’ I sin charge of our feelings… Sad, Angry, and Mad, and it’s OK to feel any, or all of those.”
I was terrified going into this book, Rock & Roll Never Forgets shattered my heart and took my on a ride of SAD I will never forget. That being said I was prepared going into this one and I knew what Barbara could do to me again. I am happy to report that this one had me in tears, but mainly it healed me.
"Take my hand won't you, give me your heart won't you."
This was Carlee's story and I absolutely adored how we got to see how her and Andy’s relationship was after Beth's death. I was in shock over the way her dad was but I found myself understanding it. After Beth she was his constant reminder. Watching Andy’s love for her was amazing, he had such connection with Carlee. The way Barb let us watch this relationship grow leaves you speechless. I loved that the relationship between these two was balanced. They both had so much love for each other and they both healed each other.
A piece of me
A part of me
My heart a part of yours
But this was also Carlee and Matthew's story.
“Matthew,” she said breathlessly.
“Yes, Dear?” he snickered his touch making her crazy.
“You make my knees weak,”
I loved Matthew and he absolutely did just that, he made my knees weak. He was perfect for Carlee and I couldn’t help but compare their relationship to the love Bethy and Andy had.
"I think about more than 'now' when I look at you." He waited a minute before continuing. "I can't wait for every tomorrow with you. What I feel for you is so real. It's like nothing I have ever experienced."
With that I can’t wait to continue this journey and I can’t wait to jump into “Feel like Makin’ Love” but to be honest I never want this series to end. I am both scared and excited to see where Barb will go next and how this story will end.
“Think about what ‘hope’ means to you. Sometimes you hope for a gift, sometimes you hope for a good grade. “
Hope is defined as a ‘want for something.’
I have a lot of HOPE for this next book.
December 7, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this 2nd book in this trilogy It told you about all about our andy and Carlene lived there life's and how much love and special times they had together with each other and there family and how the coped with the loss of bethy , and it also took you down the path of Carlee and how she grew up and what she experienced , andy was there for her at all times and they shared a lot of good times traveling Europe , but while in London Carlee met Mathew who turned out to be the love of her life. Andy seen the looks they gave each other and encouraged it in every way , marriage , moving to London finishing University there but with the new life in London Andy and Carlee missed each other terribly and learned to appreciate there times when they was together , this book was emotional in parts especially the wedding and the move to London. I loved it. I rated 5 stars. But like the 1st I'd give it 10. And highly recommend it. Xx. Book 3 ere I come ( feel like making love ).
September 29, 2015
Wow! I read book one in this series to take a break from all the arcs and reviews I've been doing lately. I didn't realize that it was a series and I did not expect to be so emotionally evolved with them. I lost my mother a year ago and so glad that I had forty-five wonderful years with her. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't reach for the phone to talk to her. This particular book in the series brought all those emotions to the surface and I found myself reaching for the tissues as much as I did for the first book. Andy's story continues with Carlee, Beth's daughter. They help each other through the highs and lows and both come out as better for it. Carlee meets Matthew, the love of her life. Similar to Andy and Beth's story, the learn each other through a long distance relationship. Eventually they come together and find their way to the alter. Now that she has her happy ending, can Andy find one for himself? If you haven't already purchased the third book, I have know idea what your waiting for! Barbara Stewart, thank you for this and helping me with my own loss.
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