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Honeysuckle Love
Clara Greenwich is too young to take on the sole responsibility of caring for herself and her younger sister. She’s just sixteen. She should be focused on school, hanging out with friends, falling in love. Instead, she’s working to pay off the mound of bills her mother left behind when she vanished at the start of the school year. Left alone with her ten-year-old sister, Beatrice, Clara discovers that she is now the parent, the provider, and the responsibilities grow to be more than she can handle.
Complicating matters is senior Evan Morningstar who starts pursuing Clara at the beginning of her junior year. She’s confused by this. Evan is a popular, likeable guy. She describes herself as a nobody—a quiet, intensely shy girl who suffers from social anxiety. She wants love like any teenage girl, but she’s terrified to let Evan get close, to discover her secrets. His gentle persistence wins out, however, and she has no option but to open her heart to him.
When Clara’s responsibilities prove too great, she begins a slow descent into depression, making dangerous choices that threaten her relationships. She can stay trapped in her despair or discover redemption—how to forgive the past and love again.
(This is a Mature YA novel that contains explicit language and sexual situations.)
Complicating matters is senior Evan Morningstar who starts pursuing Clara at the beginning of her junior year. She’s confused by this. Evan is a popular, likeable guy. She describes herself as a nobody—a quiet, intensely shy girl who suffers from social anxiety. She wants love like any teenage girl, but she’s terrified to let Evan get close, to discover her secrets. His gentle persistence wins out, however, and she has no option but to open her heart to him.
When Clara’s responsibilities prove too great, she begins a slow descent into depression, making dangerous choices that threaten her relationships. She can stay trapped in her despair or discover redemption—how to forgive the past and love again.
(This is a Mature YA novel that contains explicit language and sexual situations.)
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2012
11 people are currently reading
985 people want to read
About the author
S. Walden
9 books1,825 followersS. Walden used to teach English before making the best decision of her life by becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Georgia with her very supportive husband who prefers physics textbooks over fiction and has a difficult time understanding why her characters must have personality flaws. She is wary of small children, so she has a Westie instead. She is the USA Today bestselling author of Going Under. When she's not writing, she's thinking about it.
She loves her fans and loves to hear from them. Email her at swaldenauthor@hotmail.com and follow her twitter feed at @swaldenauthor.
Summer Walden
She loves her fans and loves to hear from them. Email her at swaldenauthor@hotmail.com and follow her twitter feed at @swaldenauthor.
Summer Walden
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
April 7, 2013
Please, please, please read Honeysuckle Love! How is it rated low??????????? I LOVED this book! This may be my favorite read of 2013 so far. I can't think of any book read this year that I was unable to put down or one that kept me up hours after bedtime.
I chose Honeysuckle Love after reading S. Walden's Going Under, which I loved as well, but not as much as Honeysuckle Love. Honeysuckle Love is a heartbreaking read dealing with many social issues facing Americans teens today- extreme poverty, bullying, mental illness, and more but I don't want to spoil the read. Shy, awkward 16 year old Clara and her 10 year old sister, Beatrice, are abandoned by their single mother, Ellen, with no word and no goodbye. Ellen leaves her teen daughter with insurmountable bills, no electricity or gas, and the responsibility of raising her little sister. To make matters worse, the popular MEAN GIRLS at school are making her life hell. I wanted so badly to reach through the book and bitch slap those girls. Why, why are kids so cruel to each other???? I loved this quote:
"...she couldn't understand why girls who appeared to have everything- good looks, pretty clothes, nice cars- were so mean. Clara thought that if she had those things she would be the happiest girl in the world, and the world would know it because she would be kind to it."
Despite the heavy topics in this book, there are many heartwarming and beautiful scenes- any scene with Clara and Beatrice together is awesome. Beatrice is the complete opposite of Clara; she is bubbly and direct where Clara is mistrusting and reserved. Their love for each other is obvious and a joy to read. And then there is Evan. Evan is every high school girl's dream boy- gorgeous, hot, smart, friendly, and popular. Evan is drawn to the reserved Clara much to her bewilderment and to his frustration, because Clara erects many walls to keep Beatrice and her secrets safe.
The persistent Evan eventually breaks through the walls but even his love isn't enough to keep a financially desperate Clara from making a painfully gut-wrenching decision that will affect her well-being. God, Clara I just wanted to hug you and take away your misery. I wonder how many American teens make the same decisions Clara made, just to survive?
Does Honeysuckle Love sounds to gloomy for you? It's not. Clara is very inspiring as she struggles with all her might to fight for Beatrice, her love for Evan, and eventually herself. Don't worry there is a happy ending.... it just takes a beautifully written yet painful journey to reach it.
I chose Honeysuckle Love after reading S. Walden's Going Under, which I loved as well, but not as much as Honeysuckle Love. Honeysuckle Love is a heartbreaking read dealing with many social issues facing Americans teens today- extreme poverty, bullying, mental illness, and more but I don't want to spoil the read. Shy, awkward 16 year old Clara and her 10 year old sister, Beatrice, are abandoned by their single mother, Ellen, with no word and no goodbye. Ellen leaves her teen daughter with insurmountable bills, no electricity or gas, and the responsibility of raising her little sister. To make matters worse, the popular MEAN GIRLS at school are making her life hell. I wanted so badly to reach through the book and bitch slap those girls. Why, why are kids so cruel to each other???? I loved this quote:
"...she couldn't understand why girls who appeared to have everything- good looks, pretty clothes, nice cars- were so mean. Clara thought that if she had those things she would be the happiest girl in the world, and the world would know it because she would be kind to it."
Despite the heavy topics in this book, there are many heartwarming and beautiful scenes- any scene with Clara and Beatrice together is awesome. Beatrice is the complete opposite of Clara; she is bubbly and direct where Clara is mistrusting and reserved. Their love for each other is obvious and a joy to read. And then there is Evan. Evan is every high school girl's dream boy- gorgeous, hot, smart, friendly, and popular. Evan is drawn to the reserved Clara much to her bewilderment and to his frustration, because Clara erects many walls to keep Beatrice and her secrets safe.
The persistent Evan eventually breaks through the walls but even his love isn't enough to keep a financially desperate Clara from making a painfully gut-wrenching decision that will affect her well-being. God, Clara I just wanted to hug you and take away your misery. I wonder how many American teens make the same decisions Clara made, just to survive?
Does Honeysuckle Love sounds to gloomy for you? It's not. Clara is very inspiring as she struggles with all her might to fight for Beatrice, her love for Evan, and eventually herself. Don't worry there is a happy ending.... it just takes a beautifully written yet painful journey to reach it.
June 26, 2017
Casi explota mi cerebro.
Mis emociones en un constante sube y baja.
Llegó un punto que dije, "no puedo más, qué estrés. ¿Es que no hay nada bueno y lindo en este libro?".
Pero menos mal seguí leyendo. Fue tan... realista. Hasta cierto punto.
Los libros de esta mujer no decepcionan.
Te hacen sufrir.
Mis emociones en un constante sube y baja.
Llegó un punto que dije, "no puedo más, qué estrés. ¿Es que no hay nada bueno y lindo en este libro?".
Pero menos mal seguí leyendo. Fue tan... realista. Hasta cierto punto.
Los libros de esta mujer no decepcionan.
Te hacen sufrir.
April 16, 2017
Este bendito libro....
Se supone que un buen libro te transmite todas las emociones de los personajes, ¿cierto? Bueno, a pesar de que siento que le faltó algo, me hizo sentir todo lo que Clara decía. Sí, hubo muchas situaciones en las que era desesperante su actitud, pero si de verdad te pones en sus zapatos, creo que es completamente natural reaccionar así. Quien me diga que con 16 años puede pasar de ser herman@ a padre sin romperse, simplemente miente.
Lo he dicho y lo sostengo, soy idealista, por lo que CIERTA parte me marcó (quien ya lo haya leído sabrá a lo que me refiero). No sé que haría en un caso similar, pero el sólo hecho de pensarlo me llena de miedo. La desesperación hace cosas divertidas con la gente...
Pienso en ello, y sigo sintiendo como si YO hubiera perdido algo irrecuperable.
Creo que nada de lo anterior tiene sentido, pero ahora mismo tengo MUCHOS sentimientos encontrados y tantos pensamientos volando en mi cabeza, que sólo los tengo que dejar salir en el orden que sea...
Se supone que un buen libro te transmite todas las emociones de los personajes, ¿cierto? Bueno, a pesar de que siento que le faltó algo, me hizo sentir todo lo que Clara decía. Sí, hubo muchas situaciones en las que era desesperante su actitud, pero si de verdad te pones en sus zapatos, creo que es completamente natural reaccionar así. Quien me diga que con 16 años puede pasar de ser herman@ a padre sin romperse, simplemente miente.
Lo he dicho y lo sostengo, soy idealista, por lo que CIERTA parte me marcó (quien ya lo haya leído sabrá a lo que me refiero). No sé que haría en un caso similar, pero el sólo hecho de pensarlo me llena de miedo. La desesperación hace cosas divertidas con la gente...
Pienso en ello, y sigo sintiendo como si YO hubiera perdido algo irrecuperable.
Creo que nada de lo anterior tiene sentido, pero ahora mismo tengo MUCHOS sentimientos encontrados y tantos pensamientos volando en mi cabeza, que sólo los tengo que dejar salir en el orden que sea...
May 23, 2017
Con Honeysuckle love doy por leída todas las novelas de S. Walden. Lamentablemente, porque las disfruto como posesa. Podría decir que mis favoritas siguen siendo Hoodie y Going Under (en ese orden), lo cual quiere decir que también me gustó esta novela.
De esta autora podría destacar su perversidad: es mala, cruel. Porque escribe historias duras, llenas de sensibilidad, personajes fuertes, problemas comunes, posibles. Y no escatima en hacer sufrir, en hacer a sus personajes cometer locuras. Casi al desagrado. Me tiene en constante aprietos, con un nudo de nervios pensando que no puede ser por ahí donde va, y obviamente, es ahí donde va; el sufrimiento.
Y la historia de Clara y Beatrice es, además de sencilla, conmovedora, dulce y esperanzadora. Y el romance: tierno. Evan es una cosa linda. Me alegra que Clara se haya decidido por el chico que perdonó y pidió perdón.
De esta autora podría destacar su perversidad: es mala, cruel. Porque escribe historias duras, llenas de sensibilidad, personajes fuertes, problemas comunes, posibles. Y no escatima en hacer sufrir, en hacer a sus personajes cometer locuras. Casi al desagrado. Me tiene en constante aprietos, con un nudo de nervios pensando que no puede ser por ahí donde va, y obviamente, es ahí donde va; el sufrimiento.
Y la historia de Clara y Beatrice es, además de sencilla, conmovedora, dulce y esperanzadora. Y el romance: tierno. Evan es una cosa linda. Me alegra que Clara se haya decidido por el chico que perdonó y pidió perdón.
April 18, 2013
I should have known to go ahead & add this one to my Favorite's list just because of who the author was! I read this one because I loved Going Under. I was not let down in any form by this book. Shocked.....Yes I Was! About the time I thought I had it all figured out BAM she shocked me again! Honeysuckle love was about the dark subject of depression. Just the thought of being on my own with a younger sibling at the age of 16/17 is depressing enough, much less actually having depression run in my family.
June 27, 2017
Me tiene dudosa no sé si darle 3 o 4 estrellas.....
Sinopsis: Clara Greenwich es demasiado joven para tomar la responsabilidad de cuidar de sí misma y de su hermana menor. Sólo tiene dieciséis años. Debería estar concentrada en la escuela, saliendo con amigos, enamorándose. En vez de eso, trabaja para pagar el montículo de facturas que su madre dejó atrás cuando desapareció a principios del año escolar. Al quedarse sola con su hermana de diez años, Beatrice, Clara descubre que ahora ella es la madre, la proveedora, y las responsabilidades crecen para ser más de lo que ella puede manejar.
Para complicar las cosas el senior Evan Morningstar empieza a perseguir a Clara al comienzo de su penúltimo año. Ella está confusa por esto. Evan es un chico popular y simpático. Ella se describe a sí misma como nadie, una chica tranquila, intensamente tímida que sufre de ansiedad social. Quiere el amor como cualquier chica adolescente, pero está aterrorizada de dejar que Evan se acerque, que descubra sus secretos. Su suave persistencia gana, sin embargo, y ella no tiene más remedio que abrir su corazón para él.
Cuando las responsabilidades de Clara resultan demasiado grandes, comienza un lento descenso a la depresión, tomando decisiones peligrosas que ponen en peligro sus relaciones. Puede quedar atrapada en su desesperación o descubrir la redención, cómo perdonar el pasado y amar de nuevo.
*Esta es una novela YA madura que contiene lenguaje explícito y situaciones sexuales).
Género New Adult / Young Adult / abuso
Okey como pueden ver por la sinopsis la chica de la historia queda con toda la responsabilidad de cuidar de ella y de su hermanita, Beatrice, y de mantener la casa y a ellas y de paso pagar las deudas contraídas antes de que su mamá se fuera.
Wow este libro fue muy intenso para mí, fue traumático en cierto punto... esperaba algo mas relajado... pero me mantuvo tensa mitad del libro. Es un libro muy duro donde quieres odiar a todos.
Empezó bien la chicas intentando sobrellevar el que estaban por su cuenta y que al parecer su madre se había olvidado de ellas. Clara intentando ver como mantenerse y de paso ver si pueden pagar los servicios básicos de la casa (porque hasta la luz le cortaron), con lo poco que gana en una tienda.... de verdad que estar en esa situación es desesperante para una chica de 16 años y no debe ser nada sencillo.
Beatrice me pareció encantadora, sus comentarios muy graciosos y a veces muy maduros para su edad, como ella decía: era un alma vieja y me encanto la relación que tenían estas hermanitas.... muy real porque también discutían.
Y Evan... bueno creo que aparece en la vida de Clara en un momento duro y difícil de la vida de Clara y aunque se equivoco en cierto momento por como se comportó y reaccionó... el me pareció que tuvo muuuuucha paciencia con Clara (llegó un momento en que se puso desesperante)... demasiada diría yo.... y no sé si eso significaba que la amaba de verdad o era un idiota.... espero que la primera!!
Aquí llegamos a al momento que me tiene tanto en conflicto... porque es muy duro y difícil....:
*le echo la culpa a la madre porque si ella no hubiera hecho eso de irse y día así no más o por lo menos las hubiera dejado al cuidado de otra persona adulta... Clara no se hubiera quebrado de esa manera y tomado decisiones tan pero tan terribles.
*le echo la culpa a Clara por ser tan orgullosa y no pedir ayuda a personas que quizás la hubieran ayudado y sin perder nada... pero no se volvió loquita, se sintió acorralada y creo que eso no la hizo pensar con claridad.
Como ya dije Clara muchas veces me desesperó, no entendía sus razonamientos y bueno la chama tenía problemas...
Tengo que decir que eso que hizo Clara me chocó bastante y ya antes de llegar ahí se me estaba haciendo difícil seguir con la lectura porque ya se veía lo que iba a pasar y no quería que llegara a eso.... en un momento tuvo que dejar de leer y ponerme con otra historia sencilla y sin muchas complicaciones, porque se me hizo duro ver como un personaje la embarraba pero feo y jodía su vida.... por no saber pedir ayuda.
Quiero decir otras tantas cosas pero mi cerebro todavía lo está procesando.... El final lo sentí muy cuento de Disney eso sí, después de tanto peo!!... como dijo una amiga: "fue un final feliz pero raro" jajajaja exactamente Lau!!
Sinopsis: Clara Greenwich es demasiado joven para tomar la responsabilidad de cuidar de sí misma y de su hermana menor. Sólo tiene dieciséis años. Debería estar concentrada en la escuela, saliendo con amigos, enamorándose. En vez de eso, trabaja para pagar el montículo de facturas que su madre dejó atrás cuando desapareció a principios del año escolar. Al quedarse sola con su hermana de diez años, Beatrice, Clara descubre que ahora ella es la madre, la proveedora, y las responsabilidades crecen para ser más de lo que ella puede manejar.
Para complicar las cosas el senior Evan Morningstar empieza a perseguir a Clara al comienzo de su penúltimo año. Ella está confusa por esto. Evan es un chico popular y simpático. Ella se describe a sí misma como nadie, una chica tranquila, intensamente tímida que sufre de ansiedad social. Quiere el amor como cualquier chica adolescente, pero está aterrorizada de dejar que Evan se acerque, que descubra sus secretos. Su suave persistencia gana, sin embargo, y ella no tiene más remedio que abrir su corazón para él.
Cuando las responsabilidades de Clara resultan demasiado grandes, comienza un lento descenso a la depresión, tomando decisiones peligrosas que ponen en peligro sus relaciones. Puede quedar atrapada en su desesperación o descubrir la redención, cómo perdonar el pasado y amar de nuevo.
*Esta es una novela YA madura que contiene lenguaje explícito y situaciones sexuales).
Género New Adult / Young Adult / abuso
Okey como pueden ver por la sinopsis la chica de la historia queda con toda la responsabilidad de cuidar de ella y de su hermanita, Beatrice, y de mantener la casa y a ellas y de paso pagar las deudas contraídas antes de que su mamá se fuera.
Wow este libro fue muy intenso para mí, fue traumático en cierto punto... esperaba algo mas relajado... pero me mantuvo tensa mitad del libro. Es un libro muy duro donde quieres odiar a todos.
Empezó bien la chicas intentando sobrellevar el que estaban por su cuenta y que al parecer su madre se había olvidado de ellas. Clara intentando ver como mantenerse y de paso ver si pueden pagar los servicios básicos de la casa (porque hasta la luz le cortaron), con lo poco que gana en una tienda.... de verdad que estar en esa situación es desesperante para una chica de 16 años y no debe ser nada sencillo.
Beatrice me pareció encantadora, sus comentarios muy graciosos y a veces muy maduros para su edad, como ella decía: era un alma vieja y me encanto la relación que tenían estas hermanitas.... muy real porque también discutían.
Y Evan... bueno creo que aparece en la vida de Clara en un momento duro y difícil de la vida de Clara y aunque se equivoco en cierto momento por como se comportó y reaccionó... el me pareció que tuvo muuuuucha paciencia con Clara (llegó un momento en que se puso desesperante)... demasiada diría yo.... y no sé si eso significaba que la amaba de verdad o era un idiota.... espero que la primera!!
Aquí llegamos a al momento que me tiene tanto en conflicto... porque es muy duro y difícil....:
*le echo la culpa a la madre porque si ella no hubiera hecho eso de irse y día así no más o por lo menos las hubiera dejado al cuidado de otra persona adulta... Clara no se hubiera quebrado de esa manera y tomado decisiones tan pero tan terribles.
*le echo la culpa a Clara por ser tan orgullosa y no pedir ayuda a personas que quizás la hubieran ayudado y sin perder nada... pero no se volvió loquita, se sintió acorralada y creo que eso no la hizo pensar con claridad.
Como ya dije Clara muchas veces me desesperó, no entendía sus razonamientos y bueno la chama tenía problemas...
Tengo que decir que eso que hizo Clara me chocó bastante y ya antes de llegar ahí se me estaba haciendo difícil seguir con la lectura porque ya se veía lo que iba a pasar y no quería que llegara a eso.... en un momento tuvo que dejar de leer y ponerme con otra historia sencilla y sin muchas complicaciones, porque se me hizo duro ver como un personaje la embarraba pero feo y jodía su vida.... por no saber pedir ayuda.
Quiero decir otras tantas cosas pero mi cerebro todavía lo está procesando.... El final lo sentí muy cuento de Disney eso sí, después de tanto peo!!... como dijo una amiga: "fue un final feliz pero raro" jajajaja exactamente Lau!!
August 23, 2015
I'VE NEVER CRIED SO MUCH READING A BOOK! 5 PUFFY EYES STARS
I just finished it and i had to write my review right now because I'm so emotional I think my feelings need to be shared.
WARNING: Read this on a free day of the week, I read it on a Saturday THANK GOD because I don't think my boss would be too happy watching me with red and puffy eyes.
First of all: Why does this book has that rating? it deserves a way more! I cannot think of someone not liking it! It is such and emotional ride YOU GUYS I wasn't prepared for it! I was looking for my next read, and well I came across with S. Walden recommendation I remembered her immediately because Good is one of my favorite forbidden love books; so here we go...
Oh Clara, Clara! You are one of the strongest and bravest heroines I've come across with but at the same time one of the saddest-I want to hug you and cry with you- stories, I also have a little sister and I guess I connected with Clara because I couldn't see myself in the same situation without tears in my eyes, and I guess even if i didn't have a little sister, the character of Bea was so fantastic you will end up wishing you had one.
They felt so real, it wasn't another Instant love-high school sweethearts book. It was slowly developed and it is heart wrecking. Clara one day arrived home and life forced her to be an adult. I think it was so sad because I couldn't stop myself from thinking how many siblings have been separated when they suddenly had no one, or how can people live in conditions such as Clara and Beatrice's. They teach you to be grateful for what you have and how to see the bright side in the darkest moments (Yes cliche but it's true I swear)
About Evan, he made me wish for a boyfriend like him with all my soul. He was just a teenager with a crush on Clara and when he finds out about her secret he doesn't run out, he just sticks with her even though he has no idea what to do or how to deal with Clara's emotional stability. They were just teenagers but had to face a way more than a normal one should do. Added to that: The spectacular Beatrice! With her I can not use common words because if she was real she would be mad! The most charming kid ever, an old soul in the body of a ten year old.
About their mom, i hated her I really did. It doesn't fit in my mind how can anyone do that to their children but I guess you don't have the right to judge when you don't know what's going on with that person. I'm too proud and like Clara, I didn't want her to be forgiven because It made her daughter take decisions that would change her life. At the end I did forgive her because if Clara did, how could I not?
DO YOU A FAVOR AND READ THIS BOOK, YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.
I just finished it and i had to write my review right now because I'm so emotional I think my feelings need to be shared.
WARNING: Read this on a free day of the week, I read it on a Saturday THANK GOD because I don't think my boss would be too happy watching me with red and puffy eyes.
First of all: Why does this book has that rating? it deserves a way more! I cannot think of someone not liking it! It is such and emotional ride YOU GUYS I wasn't prepared for it! I was looking for my next read, and well I came across with S. Walden recommendation I remembered her immediately because Good is one of my favorite forbidden love books; so here we go...
Oh Clara, Clara! You are one of the strongest and bravest heroines I've come across with but at the same time one of the saddest-I want to hug you and cry with you- stories, I also have a little sister and I guess I connected with Clara because I couldn't see myself in the same situation without tears in my eyes, and I guess even if i didn't have a little sister, the character of Bea was so fantastic you will end up wishing you had one.
They felt so real, it wasn't another Instant love-high school sweethearts book. It was slowly developed and it is heart wrecking. Clara one day arrived home and life forced her to be an adult. I think it was so sad because I couldn't stop myself from thinking how many siblings have been separated when they suddenly had no one, or how can people live in conditions such as Clara and Beatrice's. They teach you to be grateful for what you have and how to see the bright side in the darkest moments (Yes cliche but it's true I swear)
About Evan, he made me wish for a boyfriend like him with all my soul. He was just a teenager with a crush on Clara and when he finds out about her secret he doesn't run out, he just sticks with her even though he has no idea what to do or how to deal with Clara's emotional stability. They were just teenagers but had to face a way more than a normal one should do. Added to that: The spectacular Beatrice! With her I can not use common words because if she was real she would be mad! The most charming kid ever, an old soul in the body of a ten year old.
About their mom, i hated her I really did. It doesn't fit in my mind how can anyone do that to their children but I guess you don't have the right to judge when you don't know what's going on with that person. I'm too proud and like Clara, I didn't want her to be forgiven because It made her daughter take decisions that would change her life. At the end I did forgive her because if Clara did, how could I not?
DO YOU A FAVOR AND READ THIS BOOK, YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.
October 1, 2016
4.5 stars. Another wonderful read by S. Walden. I don't think I've ever been quite as depressed as I was in the beginning and middle of this story, only to be totally jubilant at the heartwarming ending.
Honeysuckle Love is about two young girls, 16 and 10 when the books starts. Their depressed mother has abandoned them. Gone and left them on their own to worry about bills, keeping the electricity and gas on, feeding and caring for themselves. They learn to cook on their woodstove and take cold showers as the electricity and gas are eventually turned off. They are afraid to really tell anyone for fear that they will be turned over to foster care and possibly separated.
They do get some help from a caring neighbor and the older girl falls for just a wonderful, popular guy at school who does the best he can to try and help their situation while also keeping their secret.
Finally, the older girl falls apart trying to keep everything together and when her mother finally returns the girl has a breakdown. Its a real struggle for her to just be a teenager again and she pushes everyone away, including her boyfriend (with some help from a total prom disaster).
One of the joys of this book is how the author brought it to a conclusion. No insta-reconciliation here. Just a slow, methodical conversation here, confession there, a hand held in the hallway -- and love wins out. Beautiful.
Honeysuckle Love is about two young girls, 16 and 10 when the books starts. Their depressed mother has abandoned them. Gone and left them on their own to worry about bills, keeping the electricity and gas on, feeding and caring for themselves. They learn to cook on their woodstove and take cold showers as the electricity and gas are eventually turned off. They are afraid to really tell anyone for fear that they will be turned over to foster care and possibly separated.
They do get some help from a caring neighbor and the older girl falls for just a wonderful, popular guy at school who does the best he can to try and help their situation while also keeping their secret.
Finally, the older girl falls apart trying to keep everything together and when her mother finally returns the girl has a breakdown. Its a real struggle for her to just be a teenager again and she pushes everyone away, including her boyfriend (with some help from a total prom disaster).
One of the joys of this book is how the author brought it to a conclusion. No insta-reconciliation here. Just a slow, methodical conversation here, confession there, a hand held in the hallway -- and love wins out. Beautiful.
January 12, 2017
I don't know why but this author always have one mindset of female lead who is first shy, then brave and at last becomes psychotic. While the male lead merge in the background while the heroine is in psychotic rage and wait for them to come to their senses so they can enter the plot again. Well I only understood Bea and later she also "betrays" Clara and obviously clueless about it. Evan is like a secondary character showing appearances to prove that he's also in the story. I don't know what was the point of story. Maybe remain calm and don't be a psycho in such circumstances? All in all it was a difficult read for me.
March 30, 2013
Wow! Don't be fooled by the name and cover. This is not a sappy romance.
16yr old Clara has been left to fend for herself and her funny and clever 10yr old sister Bea. Her Dad isn't around and her Mom has left them unexpectedly. Overwhelmed by bills; Claras fighting to survive. Clara gets a small dose of help from her neighbour, sister and sudden love interest Evan. But how long til it all comes crashing down?
Be warned this book contains a heavy amount of bullying, desperation and depression. When her life is good it's wonderful, when it's bad... it's devastating.
16yr old Clara has been left to fend for herself and her funny and clever 10yr old sister Bea. Her Dad isn't around and her Mom has left them unexpectedly. Overwhelmed by bills; Claras fighting to survive. Clara gets a small dose of help from her neighbour, sister and sudden love interest Evan. But how long til it all comes crashing down?
Be warned this book contains a heavy amount of bullying, desperation and depression. When her life is good it's wonderful, when it's bad... it's devastating.
April 12, 2013
Heartbreaking beautiful story of feelings of: depression, hopelessness, selflessness, forgiveness and of course the all important meaning of real love.
Warning---will make you cry for the cruelties of life that some people have to endure.
*lots of angst
*mild heat
Recommend :)
Warning---will make you cry for the cruelties of life that some people have to endure.
*lots of angst
*mild heat
Recommend :)
June 8, 2013
What a beautiful and yet heartbreaking story! I loved it.
March 4, 2016
S. Walden, you have amazed me with your writing skills on kind of hard topics.
Honeysuckle Love tells the story of 16 year old Clara
and her 10 year sister Beatrice.
There mother Ellen, left them with no explanation and tons of bills to pay. They are struggling with these bills and the fact that their mother has left them.
Clara is socially awkward, she is quiet, keeps to herself and works two jobs to take care of her sister and keep a roof over their heads.
Beatrice, is the exact opposite. She is fun, funny, and uses all of these books words 10 year olds shouldn't even know yet.
Then comes Evan.
Blonde haired, periodt colored eyes senior that meets Clara and her younger sister and is already taken with the both of them.
He automatically wants to know more about Clara and obviously date her. But Clara wants to keep away from Evan, he's popular and wicked smart.
That's when the bullying happens.
These girls are beautiful, rich, popular and down right hateful. The things they do are terrible.
Clara already has to deal with a persistent Evan, bills, food, shelter, her mother missing, and the threat of having depression like her mother.
Everything starts getting better, her neighbor is helping her and Evan starts helping and everything starts to get better, until it doesn't.
Then Clara does something and it is the lowest she has done.
When things are good, they're amazing and when they're bad. Man, they are just downright painful.
I admire what Clara went through. She is really strong for doing what she tried to do for herself and her sister. I was in a similar situation like Clara and Beatrice with the bills and it was really hard, but I got through it.
This is a really amazing book that does have love, friendship, forgiveness, the highs and lows of real life.
I won't tell you how it ends but I really did like it.
And I will always think of Clara, Beatrice and them wishing on the honeysuckle flower.
Honeysuckle Love tells the story of 16 year old Clara
and her 10 year sister Beatrice.
There mother Ellen, left them with no explanation and tons of bills to pay. They are struggling with these bills and the fact that their mother has left them.
Clara is socially awkward, she is quiet, keeps to herself and works two jobs to take care of her sister and keep a roof over their heads.
Beatrice, is the exact opposite. She is fun, funny, and uses all of these books words 10 year olds shouldn't even know yet.
Then comes Evan.
Blonde haired, periodt colored eyes senior that meets Clara and her younger sister and is already taken with the both of them.
He automatically wants to know more about Clara and obviously date her. But Clara wants to keep away from Evan, he's popular and wicked smart.
That's when the bullying happens.
These girls are beautiful, rich, popular and down right hateful. The things they do are terrible.
Clara already has to deal with a persistent Evan, bills, food, shelter, her mother missing, and the threat of having depression like her mother.
Everything starts getting better, her neighbor is helping her and Evan starts helping and everything starts to get better, until it doesn't.
Then Clara does something and it is the lowest she has done.
When things are good, they're amazing and when they're bad. Man, they are just downright painful.
I admire what Clara went through. She is really strong for doing what she tried to do for herself and her sister. I was in a similar situation like Clara and Beatrice with the bills and it was really hard, but I got through it.
This is a really amazing book that does have love, friendship, forgiveness, the highs and lows of real life.
I won't tell you how it ends but I really did like it.
And I will always think of Clara, Beatrice and them wishing on the honeysuckle flower.
March 12, 2013
This review and more at Sab The Book Eater
Reading this book took me on one heck of a ride! I went through so many emotions that at one point I just wanted to sit in a corner, hug my tablet, and stare into nothingness. This book is sad, really sad. I'm not going to sugarcoat it in any way. But what made me like this book was how strong the message was, and how the author developed the characters as the story progressed. The overall feel of the book may have been sad, but there was a point to it all.
Clara's obviously too young to handle so much responsibilities but she took them on anyway. Even if their living arrangements were horrible, Clara and Bea's bond remained intact. That's actually one of the reasons why I liked the book - the author was able to show how strong Clara's relationship was with her sister all throughout. I really enjoyed every chapter that involved Beatrice. She's such a fun character! She's witty and she talks like a grown up but she still had stubborn moments which shows that she's still very much a kid. I think having such a well-painted picture of Clara and Bea's sisterhood brought balance to the story. It made all the sadness bearable for me.
While this book is primarily about Clara's sad home life, it's also about falling in love for the first time. Evan... oh yeah. Evan is definitely on my list of Book Boyfriends. I think he also brought balance to the story. I loved how Clara slowly learned to trust Evan and to accept him in her life. The tenderness and compassion he showed to Clara was refreshing amid all the chaos.
One of the brilliant parts of the book is actually shown on the 1st picture of the guest post! When I got to that part it was sad and shocking but it was so beautiful in a tragic way! I know it doesn't make sense but trust me, when you read the book and you reach that part you'll know that it deserves a slow clap. It truly was "pretty damn perfect!" I actually liked the parts wherein Clara started entering the depths of her depression, simply because of how well-written it was. All the emotions were there and it was told carefully in such a way that I felt a deeper sense of connection to all the characters and to the story.
This is the first time that I actually enjoyed a sad book. It was sad... but beautifully written. It showed the harsh reality of life and how far people would go when pushed to the limits and when given no other choice. I liked that in the end, Clara was able to redeem herself through love and trust, with the help of the people around her.
Reading this book took me on one heck of a ride! I went through so many emotions that at one point I just wanted to sit in a corner, hug my tablet, and stare into nothingness. This book is sad, really sad. I'm not going to sugarcoat it in any way. But what made me like this book was how strong the message was, and how the author developed the characters as the story progressed. The overall feel of the book may have been sad, but there was a point to it all.
Clara's obviously too young to handle so much responsibilities but she took them on anyway. Even if their living arrangements were horrible, Clara and Bea's bond remained intact. That's actually one of the reasons why I liked the book - the author was able to show how strong Clara's relationship was with her sister all throughout. I really enjoyed every chapter that involved Beatrice. She's such a fun character! She's witty and she talks like a grown up but she still had stubborn moments which shows that she's still very much a kid. I think having such a well-painted picture of Clara and Bea's sisterhood brought balance to the story. It made all the sadness bearable for me.
While this book is primarily about Clara's sad home life, it's also about falling in love for the first time. Evan... oh yeah. Evan is definitely on my list of Book Boyfriends. I think he also brought balance to the story. I loved how Clara slowly learned to trust Evan and to accept him in her life. The tenderness and compassion he showed to Clara was refreshing amid all the chaos.
One of the brilliant parts of the book is actually shown on the 1st picture of the guest post! When I got to that part it was sad and shocking but it was so beautiful in a tragic way! I know it doesn't make sense but trust me, when you read the book and you reach that part you'll know that it deserves a slow clap. It truly was "pretty damn perfect!" I actually liked the parts wherein Clara started entering the depths of her depression, simply because of how well-written it was. All the emotions were there and it was told carefully in such a way that I felt a deeper sense of connection to all the characters and to the story.
This is the first time that I actually enjoyed a sad book. It was sad... but beautifully written. It showed the harsh reality of life and how far people would go when pushed to the limits and when given no other choice. I liked that in the end, Clara was able to redeem herself through love and trust, with the help of the people around her.
January 17, 2013
Honeysuckle Love by S. Walden
First I have to say that this story Honeysuckle Love by S. Walden was fantastic, it is well written, heartbreaking, emotional, and tragic and of course you have to add Love. Honeysuckle Love is a very hard book to put down and I will say I didn’t stop reading it till I knew how the story ended. S. Walden makes you feel emotions with her words and truly end up caring for Clara, praying throughout the novel that things are going to turn around for her and her sister.
We meet Clara and Beatrice and find out right away that their mother has left them, Clara is not really sure where her mom went but she does believe she will return eventually. So for now they must not tell anyone they are on their own, and Clara somehow has to keep things a float. We see Clara trying to pay the bills, buy food for her and her sister and pray the electricity doesn’t get cut off.
Meanwhile she still has to attend high school and work part-time. Here is where we first meet Evan who likes Clara and in his haste to get to know her he turns her life upside down and not always for the good.
I have to say that I loved Clara’s younger sister Beatrice, her character made me laugh at times thinking back to my younger sister it was heart warming.
This novel Honeysuckle Love is a fantastic story about love, loss, depression and mental illness and you are reminded how when you’re struggling and can’t always see a way out and how making a bad decision sometimes feels like the only choice you have.
S. Walden is an incredible author and writes a story that makes you shed a few tears, and it was quite shocking at times, but one thing you have to give Clara is she never really gave up trying. I have rated Honeysuckle Love a 4 star rating and would recommend anyone who reads this review to go purchase this novel as it’s a fantastic story.
First I have to say that this story Honeysuckle Love by S. Walden was fantastic, it is well written, heartbreaking, emotional, and tragic and of course you have to add Love. Honeysuckle Love is a very hard book to put down and I will say I didn’t stop reading it till I knew how the story ended. S. Walden makes you feel emotions with her words and truly end up caring for Clara, praying throughout the novel that things are going to turn around for her and her sister.
We meet Clara and Beatrice and find out right away that their mother has left them, Clara is not really sure where her mom went but she does believe she will return eventually. So for now they must not tell anyone they are on their own, and Clara somehow has to keep things a float. We see Clara trying to pay the bills, buy food for her and her sister and pray the electricity doesn’t get cut off.
Meanwhile she still has to attend high school and work part-time. Here is where we first meet Evan who likes Clara and in his haste to get to know her he turns her life upside down and not always for the good.
I have to say that I loved Clara’s younger sister Beatrice, her character made me laugh at times thinking back to my younger sister it was heart warming.
This novel Honeysuckle Love is a fantastic story about love, loss, depression and mental illness and you are reminded how when you’re struggling and can’t always see a way out and how making a bad decision sometimes feels like the only choice you have.
S. Walden is an incredible author and writes a story that makes you shed a few tears, and it was quite shocking at times, but one thing you have to give Clara is she never really gave up trying. I have rated Honeysuckle Love a 4 star rating and would recommend anyone who reads this review to go purchase this novel as it’s a fantastic story.
January 21, 2019
This author has been a favorite of mine since I read her good series. I've reread it a couple times. The thing I love about this author is she writes about subjects most steer clear of. She puts it all out there and somehow throws romance in the mix. So I applaud her. I didn't love this one because I wasn't to much into the teenage love and insta love in this one. But again this is a YA novel with sexual situations. But that wasn't even the meat of the story it was much deeper than that. And that's what I loved about this story. It was raw and true in ways. I was right there with Clara and Beatrice while they were just trying to survive. I connected with Clara because I felt the same way she did in high school only difference luckly nobody messed or said anything to me. Girls can be so cruel.
April 21, 2013
This is my second book from this author, and I really enjoy her writing style. As with the other book, I appreciated that she took risks with her main character, not following a predictable story line. I like that tough topics were the basis, but there was also humor, and romance. Definitely one to recommend.
April 17, 2013
I just loved this one very much. A beautiful story about Clara, her very smart 10 yrs old sister, Bea and her love story with one of the popular guy in her school,
This is the second book from S.Walden that i read after ' going under'. i might say that i fall in love with her writing. ;-)
This is the second book from S.Walden that i read after ' going under'. i might say that i fall in love with her writing. ;-)
December 12, 2012
The story is so incredibly sad that even the HEA didn't enlighten the gloomy mood I was in after reading this.
August 16, 2014
This was painful to read in many parts but there was light at the end of the tunnel
August 5, 2015
2.5/5 stars
June 11, 2018
I wasn’t crazy about this. It’s hard to criticize something that deals with such painful real life issues but something was off about it.
In the beginning I thought that it was just badly written. The dialogue was juvenile, more so than what I would expect despite the fact that the little sister was only 10 years old. Although maybe it just took me a while to get used to it, because later I thought the writing style and the dialogue was fine.
I thought there was a very significant loose end regarding the three girls who were nice to Clara. I mean she stormed off from the mall and those girls were pretty apologetic and understanding about the reason for it, yet Clara never actually put forth any effort to become friends despite their efforts and also the fact that she was making wishes for friends this year.
I also found it contradictory that Clara did what she did to earn money for the property taxes. I think if it was just herself that she needed to take care of she might have gone that route because of her pride but since she also had the responsibility of her younger sister I think she would have borrowed it first. The only rational explanation I can come up with was that she was already in the first stages of her mental breakdown.
I also felt like the sex was a bit too I don’t know, not graphic (although it was a bit) but maybe just too gratuitous for a book that’s not a romance novel. It was weird.
And finally, there was no electricity for months- yet not one single scene in which it was explained how Clara charged her cell phone. I’m going to assume she had a car charger.
In the beginning I thought that it was just badly written. The dialogue was juvenile, more so than what I would expect despite the fact that the little sister was only 10 years old. Although maybe it just took me a while to get used to it, because later I thought the writing style and the dialogue was fine.
I thought there was a very significant loose end regarding the three girls who were nice to Clara. I mean she stormed off from the mall and those girls were pretty apologetic and understanding about the reason for it, yet Clara never actually put forth any effort to become friends despite their efforts and also the fact that she was making wishes for friends this year.
I also found it contradictory that Clara did what she did to earn money for the property taxes. I think if it was just herself that she needed to take care of she might have gone that route because of her pride but since she also had the responsibility of her younger sister I think she would have borrowed it first. The only rational explanation I can come up with was that she was already in the first stages of her mental breakdown.
I also felt like the sex was a bit too I don’t know, not graphic (although it was a bit) but maybe just too gratuitous for a book that’s not a romance novel. It was weird.
And finally, there was no electricity for months- yet not one single scene in which it was explained how Clara charged her cell phone. I’m going to assume she had a car charger.
July 25, 2017
Nada más leerlo me vino al pensamiento La magia de las pequeñas cosas de Estelle Laure, pensé que quizá fuesen cosas mías, pero no, y es que efectivamente, toda la trama es igual, básicamente cambia dos o tres cosas, quitando eso, son iguales... Y en este caso la copia (La magia de las pequeñas cosas), supera un millón de veces la original, ya que lamentablemente no he podido con Honeysuckle Love, los personajes principales me daban lo mismo, Clara a pesar de todo lo que sufrió no pude empatizar con ella. A Evan lo encontré demasiado raro, había algo siniestro en él. La única que salvaba era Beatrice.
Y si hubiese leído este libro primero, la puntuación hubiese sido la misma...
Si la trama de este libro os llama, os aconsejo que leáis más el primero, puesto que deja de lado todo lo absurdo de este libro, que hay mucho....
Y si hubiese leído este libro primero, la puntuación hubiese sido la misma...
Si la trama de este libro os llama, os aconsejo que leáis más el primero, puesto que deja de lado todo lo absurdo de este libro, que hay mucho....
did-not-finish
July 28, 2020DNF
November 1, 2023
her losing her mind she’s so me
November 24, 2023
4 Stars
July 16, 2024
A beautiful poignant read. It is a story about a seventeen-year old's perserverence in the face of not only the world but also the world inside her head. The last few chapters are hard to read, but so very real in their essence. I have loved S. Walden's books ever since I first read Hoodie as a young adult, and they're still as great as they were when I was a kid.
They have aged wonderfully.
A modern classic about dealing with mental illness, first love, the harsh world, and being a parent when all the burdens fall on you.
They have aged wonderfully.
A modern classic about dealing with mental illness, first love, the harsh world, and being a parent when all the burdens fall on you.
May 4, 2013
S. Walden has done it again with another beautifully written story about the will to survive for the one you love. Brilliant read!
Honeysuckle Love centers around sisters Clara and Beatrice, ages 16 and 10, who were left by their mother with unpaid bills and no money. Clara makes its her mission to take over as caretaker and work to pay off their bills and provide for her sister. As she's struggling to make ends meet, she meets high school senior Evan who is absolutely smitten with her. Clara, a true loner with no friends, struggles with her feelings for the popular guy in school. As her home life problems begin to weigh heavily, Clara starts to slip from reality. Honeysuckle Love was as much about surviving immeasurable obstacles as it was about learning to love.
I cannot begin to describe how much I love the beautiful writing of this author. While the story of Evan and Clara is sweet, the sisterly bond between Clara and Beatrice stole the show for me. I loved these two girls and the relationship they shared. One would be so lucky to care for their sibling the way they do for each other. And Beatrice is an amazing character. She added life and imagination into this story at a time when their world seemed so bleak. Her obsession of vocabulary to her overly dramatic personality had me completely in love with this unique little girl. At times Clara seemed a bit cold and callous, but it's so easy to forget the stress that she had to deal with. Her personality is much more shy and reserved than her sister, wary of the intentions of everyone. But her relationship with Bea brought out the wonderful qualities she possesses; she's incredibly loyal and kind, prideful and strong. With no power or heat, she's working multiple jobs to keep her and Bea out of a foster home. All she wants is for Bea to be safe and happy.
Clara's relationship with Evan was a nice distraction to all the horrible responsibilities placed on her shoulders. He admires her strength and resilience. At a time when Clara has lost all support, Evan wants nothing more than to be invited into her life. His silent presence throughout all the tragic events she had to endure made him such a wonderful character. From her pushing him away to her losing her grasp on reality, Evan never wavered in loving Clara. His devotion to her made him one of the better book boyfriends I've read.
And like all other books of S. Walden, there were some seriously heartbreaking parts in this story. I ached for the desperation Clara endured and that loss of her innocence that followed. It was utterly disturbing to read. I kept waiting for the author to turn her around, to have her find another way, but she didn't. And it was brutal. Part of me hates the harsh reality that Walden's books provide. They are unforgiving in their attempt to not sugarcoat the messiness of life. But as hard as it is to read, they are simply brilliant. Her stories stay with you long after your finished. And I can think of no better compliment to give than that.
Honeysuckle Love centers around sisters Clara and Beatrice, ages 16 and 10, who were left by their mother with unpaid bills and no money. Clara makes its her mission to take over as caretaker and work to pay off their bills and provide for her sister. As she's struggling to make ends meet, she meets high school senior Evan who is absolutely smitten with her. Clara, a true loner with no friends, struggles with her feelings for the popular guy in school. As her home life problems begin to weigh heavily, Clara starts to slip from reality. Honeysuckle Love was as much about surviving immeasurable obstacles as it was about learning to love.
I cannot begin to describe how much I love the beautiful writing of this author. While the story of Evan and Clara is sweet, the sisterly bond between Clara and Beatrice stole the show for me. I loved these two girls and the relationship they shared. One would be so lucky to care for their sibling the way they do for each other. And Beatrice is an amazing character. She added life and imagination into this story at a time when their world seemed so bleak. Her obsession of vocabulary to her overly dramatic personality had me completely in love with this unique little girl. At times Clara seemed a bit cold and callous, but it's so easy to forget the stress that she had to deal with. Her personality is much more shy and reserved than her sister, wary of the intentions of everyone. But her relationship with Bea brought out the wonderful qualities she possesses; she's incredibly loyal and kind, prideful and strong. With no power or heat, she's working multiple jobs to keep her and Bea out of a foster home. All she wants is for Bea to be safe and happy.
Clara's relationship with Evan was a nice distraction to all the horrible responsibilities placed on her shoulders. He admires her strength and resilience. At a time when Clara has lost all support, Evan wants nothing more than to be invited into her life. His silent presence throughout all the tragic events she had to endure made him such a wonderful character. From her pushing him away to her losing her grasp on reality, Evan never wavered in loving Clara. His devotion to her made him one of the better book boyfriends I've read.
And like all other books of S. Walden, there were some seriously heartbreaking parts in this story. I ached for the desperation Clara endured and that loss of her innocence that followed. It was utterly disturbing to read. I kept waiting for the author to turn her around, to have her find another way, but she didn't. And it was brutal. Part of me hates the harsh reality that Walden's books provide. They are unforgiving in their attempt to not sugarcoat the messiness of life. But as hard as it is to read, they are simply brilliant. Her stories stay with you long after your finished. And I can think of no better compliment to give than that.
March 26, 2013
WOW!! What a story.I was blown away with emotion. This was an amazing read and pulled at my heart from the beginning. I cried so much that I ended up with a headache. This is a story about two sisters who are young (10 and 16) and have their mother walk out on them leaving them to fend for themselves because their father is not in the picture. She literally leaves them with a stack of unpaid bills. Not just stupid bills like credit cards I'm talking electric, gas, water, property tax bills. Their world is turned upside down. It's up to Clara who is 16 to act as mother and provider to her 10 year sister Bea. Clara is awkward and introverted. Bea is outgoing and much older than her age - so much so that you forget she is only 10. Clara keeps to herself at school and doesnt have friends. She is poor so she is not at all sytlish like the others so you can imagine what her high school days are like. They suck. Clara is trying to figure out how to go to school, work and get these bills paid off. I'm sure you can imagine that she's 16 and can only make so much money ... so basically she is really up the creek without a paddle. She tries. Her and her sister have such a bond that will amaze you and show you that love is powerful. They end up living without electricity, heat, hot water, and gas. They sleep on on the floor by the fire, they cuddle, they survive the best they can. Clara realizes at some point that she is failing. She's trying to keep this a secret so that they dont get taken away. She's trying to work and go to school. She feels like she is failing. To top it all off the popular boy in school, a senior, notices her and they begin to date which is weird to Clara because she doesnt feel worthy and she has a big secret. Eventually Clara sells her soul to pay bills. I can't really say much more without giving away anything in the story. But this book contains love, hurt, rejection, teenage bullying, faith, hope, dreams ... its all in here. You will be amazed at how this child has strength but also has such weakness. You will forget that she is in fact a child. You will watch her rise, fall and rise again.
Read this book.
Read this book.
February 22, 2016
See? SEE? THIS is how you write a drama suspense novel. It was heartbreaking, romantic, tragic and it filled me with fear and thrill.
On the one hand, you have these beautifully crafted and developed characters and the relations between them. I don't know how Ms. Walden does it, but seriously, every one of her books that I've read have amazingly complex characters. And they are never the same characters, you will never see a fucking Mary Sue or any sort of stereotypical relationship in any of her books (at least those that I have read so far-which are four btw).
Spoilers ahead: On the other hand, you have a tragic fucking story. That's right. A TRAGIC story. I mean, having your mother leave you and having to be the breadwinner, and all the while falling in love for the first time and feeling helpless to both of those predicaments is insane! Especially when you are only sixteen and being bullied at school. I mean, the things our heroine did for the sake of her little sister and herself... I don't wanna get into that. I was heartbroken and I burst into tears. Jesus. And the mother. My god. On the one hand I wanted to hate her... yet, my heart hurt for her as well. See, I suffer from the same illness as her and for a while I was bedridden. I didn't know what was wrong with me. I had just gone to college and I was living alone for the first time, no parents and no roommates. And I was depressed, severely so. I was bedridden for 3 months, until some friends helped me snap out of it. Because of my severe depression I also often think I don't want children, don't want to put them in a predicament where I might hurt them. So, I felt for the mother, the daughters and in general bawled my eyes out. It was a tough read for sure. Not knowing where and how it would end. Would it be a happy ending or a sad ending. I wasn't sure... I also won't say, cause that's the beauty of this story.
Read it!!! You must! I don't understand the low ratings this tale has gotten. This author is DA BOMB.
On the one hand, you have these beautifully crafted and developed characters and the relations between them. I don't know how Ms. Walden does it, but seriously, every one of her books that I've read have amazingly complex characters. And they are never the same characters, you will never see a fucking Mary Sue or any sort of stereotypical relationship in any of her books (at least those that I have read so far-which are four btw).
Spoilers ahead: On the other hand, you have a tragic fucking story. That's right. A TRAGIC story. I mean, having your mother leave you and having to be the breadwinner, and all the while falling in love for the first time and feeling helpless to both of those predicaments is insane! Especially when you are only sixteen and being bullied at school. I mean, the things our heroine did for the sake of her little sister and herself... I don't wanna get into that. I was heartbroken and I burst into tears. Jesus. And the mother. My god. On the one hand I wanted to hate her... yet, my heart hurt for her as well. See, I suffer from the same illness as her and for a while I was bedridden. I didn't know what was wrong with me. I had just gone to college and I was living alone for the first time, no parents and no roommates. And I was depressed, severely so. I was bedridden for 3 months, until some friends helped me snap out of it. Because of my severe depression I also often think I don't want children, don't want to put them in a predicament where I might hurt them. So, I felt for the mother, the daughters and in general bawled my eyes out. It was a tough read for sure. Not knowing where and how it would end. Would it be a happy ending or a sad ending. I wasn't sure... I also won't say, cause that's the beauty of this story.
Read it!!! You must! I don't understand the low ratings this tale has gotten. This author is DA BOMB.
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