What do you think?
Rate this book
Storms of Life #1
Haven from the Storm
“If you’re going to make me cry, at least be there to wipe away the tears…”
Most were asleep in their beds the night Lily Grace’s entire world was ripped apart, leaving only darkness and torment in its place. The only remaining person she depended on abandoned her without a second thought…or so that’s what Lily has believed for the past four years.
Dean Haven has returned for one reason—to win Lily’s love again. He’s already broken her heart because of the demons that haunt him. Can his desire for Lily keep him from succumbing to those demons again?
Dean has no idea what awaits him when he tries to fight his way back into Lily’s life. Everything he remembers has changed, including Lily.
Is love enough when you’re forced to weather the storms life has blown your way?
Due to content and subject matter, suggested for readers 16 years of age and older.
Most were asleep in their beds the night Lily Grace’s entire world was ripped apart, leaving only darkness and torment in its place. The only remaining person she depended on abandoned her without a second thought…or so that’s what Lily has believed for the past four years.
Dean Haven has returned for one reason—to win Lily’s love again. He’s already broken her heart because of the demons that haunt him. Can his desire for Lily keep him from succumbing to those demons again?
Dean has no idea what awaits him when he tries to fight his way back into Lily’s life. Everything he remembers has changed, including Lily.
Is love enough when you’re forced to weather the storms life has blown your way?
Due to content and subject matter, suggested for readers 16 years of age and older.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2013
15 people are currently reading
1444 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Dosher
12 books252 followersSarah Dosher was born and raised in rural Oklahoma where she currently resides with her cowboy husband and twins (one cowboy and one cowgirl).
She is addicted to books and The Golden Girls. Her love for characters inspired her to write her first novel, Haven from the Storm.
Visit her website at sarahdosher.com.
She is addicted to books and The Golden Girls. Her love for characters inspired her to write her first novel, Haven from the Storm.
Visit her website at sarahdosher.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
March 27, 2013
You must pour your heart and soul into your dreams...or else why bother.
August 24, 2013
To see full review click here (you might need mind bleach).
Amazon wants to teach me a lesson: being frugal makes me a sucker.
Haven From the Storm cost me nothing, but I felt like I lost a part of my soul. Or at least my tolerance levels were diminished tremendously this weekend.
But normally it's listed as $11.99 and I thought...well, that must be its good because generally speaking the more expensive a book is on Ammy the quality will probably (not always) be better.
I was wrong.
I'm always wrong.
But I really feel like I need to smack myself on the head with this one or get my eyes check because look at that cover...I mean, this should be an obvious sign that the protagonist is TSTL. Who stands out getting a Glamor Shot done in the middle of a tornado.
Lily apparently.
Well, I'm assuming that's Lily with some good coverup on since we hear constantly about how her face is covered with bruises because her daddy likes to hit her for no apparent reason.
Rolls eyes.
Look, domestic violence is a serious topic. And the way this book handles it...makes me wonder again former fan fic?
I know it might seem like I suspect a lot of these freebies as former fan fics but....there's a reason for it.
They rely heavily on common fan fic tropes. This one the abuse trope. Where the MC is beaten where a normal person would've already gone J Lo from Enough already or be dead if this was a normal domestic abuse situation.
And of course there are the legalities to consider that Dosher doesn't, like the fact that in Oklahoma you're required to report any suspicion of child abuse.
But what does Stephenie Meyer say again...oh, that's right it's fiction and because of that we can throw all logic out the window.
If you read my reviews you know already I don't buy that shit.
Especially when it comes to books about domestic violence. I feel like when you write about situations that are as serious as this you need to provide accurate information so any victim or potential victim can know what their options are. Yes, I know it sounds a bit PSA. But sometimes you have to be a bit PSA. At least here. And I really have a bone to pick with that lazy excuse Dosher gave about how no one could do anything...really? I have no words.
That wasn't the nastiest thing about this book.
What does that go to?
The romance.
Which one of these things is the most disturbing to you:
1) Hero, who is four years older than heroine, has been in love with her since she was fourteen when he was eighteen. And has obsessed about her for four years in college with no contact.
2) That he expects her to start kissing him and be all Bella Swan like when he comes back four years later.
3) That he comes into her house unannounced and uninvited.
4) That the heroine is mad at the hero-who she had no relationship with at the time-for leaving and getting and education.
5) That he's her new student teacher and that everyone including school staff seems okay with their relationship.
All I have to say is did Mary Kay Laterno write this?
No.
Thankfully.
But this sort of relationship screamed icky to me. I don't care if it's twue luv. And that there are lots of couples with age differences between them. The fact is this guy is her teacher. Yes, he might've been her dead brother's b.f.f. once upon a time and a childhood crush. But she is a child. He's an adult. And yes, she just turned eighteen. But still student teacher relationship. There are potential power issues here. He's a figure of authority and really the way he comes off is creepy.
But I'll give it to Dean on this-I should mention that this book takes place in tornado ally, the hero's name is Dean, and there's an Impala in this book- all the characters in this book were sort of creepy so maybe he wasn't that bad.
I mean with abusive drunk dad, school officials and townspeople who don't give a shit that Miss TSTL is getting her ass kicked by her daddy, he's not that bad.
But still.
And really, why doesn't Ms. TSTL leave? She's over eighteen she has her inheritance-oh, don't even get me started on the potential trust and guardianship issues in this book. If she can afford state of the art security system for her door, a mini fridge, some bongos, and all the luxuries of life (okay, maybe not the bongos but I just like the word bongos) she should be able to afford a down payment for rent. Heck, I bet that painted up old biddy who lets her sometimes borrow her car would let her rent a room from her at a reduce cost.
But of course our heroine is just more concerned about buying a mini fridge.
Was there anything decent about it? The grammar was okay for the most part. The writing overall was pretty bland though. I had a hard time distinguishing who was who even though it was clearly marked. This book in general was just meh and full of idiots.
So I did what logical people do, I gave up on it.
Which is sort of sad because this book could've been good. Domestic abuse is a very relevant issue but how it was handled and how the romance was handled soured my entire reading experience.
Amazon wants to teach me a lesson: being frugal makes me a sucker.
Haven From the Storm cost me nothing, but I felt like I lost a part of my soul. Or at least my tolerance levels were diminished tremendously this weekend.
But normally it's listed as $11.99 and I thought...well, that must be its good because generally speaking the more expensive a book is on Ammy the quality will probably (not always) be better.
I was wrong.
I'm always wrong.
But I really feel like I need to smack myself on the head with this one or get my eyes check because look at that cover...I mean, this should be an obvious sign that the protagonist is TSTL. Who stands out getting a Glamor Shot done in the middle of a tornado.
Lily apparently.
Well, I'm assuming that's Lily with some good coverup on since we hear constantly about how her face is covered with bruises because her daddy likes to hit her for no apparent reason.
Rolls eyes.
Look, domestic violence is a serious topic. And the way this book handles it...makes me wonder again former fan fic?
I know it might seem like I suspect a lot of these freebies as former fan fics but....there's a reason for it.
They rely heavily on common fan fic tropes. This one the abuse trope. Where the MC is beaten where a normal person would've already gone J Lo from Enough already or be dead if this was a normal domestic abuse situation.
And of course there are the legalities to consider that Dosher doesn't, like the fact that in Oklahoma you're required to report any suspicion of child abuse.
But what does Stephenie Meyer say again...oh, that's right it's fiction and because of that we can throw all logic out the window.
If you read my reviews you know already I don't buy that shit.
Especially when it comes to books about domestic violence. I feel like when you write about situations that are as serious as this you need to provide accurate information so any victim or potential victim can know what their options are. Yes, I know it sounds a bit PSA. But sometimes you have to be a bit PSA. At least here. And I really have a bone to pick with that lazy excuse Dosher gave about how no one could do anything...really? I have no words.
That wasn't the nastiest thing about this book.
What does that go to?
The romance.
Which one of these things is the most disturbing to you:
1) Hero, who is four years older than heroine, has been in love with her since she was fourteen when he was eighteen. And has obsessed about her for four years in college with no contact.
2) That he expects her to start kissing him and be all Bella Swan like when he comes back four years later.
3) That he comes into her house unannounced and uninvited.
4) That the heroine is mad at the hero-who she had no relationship with at the time-for leaving and getting and education.
5) That he's her new student teacher and that everyone including school staff seems okay with their relationship.
All I have to say is did Mary Kay Laterno write this?
No.
Thankfully.
But this sort of relationship screamed icky to me. I don't care if it's twue luv. And that there are lots of couples with age differences between them. The fact is this guy is her teacher. Yes, he might've been her dead brother's b.f.f. once upon a time and a childhood crush. But she is a child. He's an adult. And yes, she just turned eighteen. But still student teacher relationship. There are potential power issues here. He's a figure of authority and really the way he comes off is creepy.
But I'll give it to Dean on this-I should mention that this book takes place in tornado ally, the hero's name is Dean, and there's an Impala in this book- all the characters in this book were sort of creepy so maybe he wasn't that bad.
I mean with abusive drunk dad, school officials and townspeople who don't give a shit that Miss TSTL is getting her ass kicked by her daddy, he's not that bad.
But still.
And really, why doesn't Ms. TSTL leave? She's over eighteen she has her inheritance-oh, don't even get me started on the potential trust and guardianship issues in this book. If she can afford state of the art security system for her door, a mini fridge, some bongos, and all the luxuries of life (okay, maybe not the bongos but I just like the word bongos) she should be able to afford a down payment for rent. Heck, I bet that painted up old biddy who lets her sometimes borrow her car would let her rent a room from her at a reduce cost.
But of course our heroine is just more concerned about buying a mini fridge.
Was there anything decent about it? The grammar was okay for the most part. The writing overall was pretty bland though. I had a hard time distinguishing who was who even though it was clearly marked. This book in general was just meh and full of idiots.
So I did what logical people do, I gave up on it.
Which is sort of sad because this book could've been good. Domestic abuse is a very relevant issue but how it was handled and how the romance was handled soured my entire reading experience.
July 19, 2015
This book was full of emotion. I felt devastation and loss, abandonment and abuse, hope and redemption and love. Lily has suffered so much in her life and she is just trying to hold on until she graduates from high school so that she can escape. Dean is the one person left from her life that Lily truly loves, but can he overcome his own personal issues to give Lily the love she deserves?
Sarah Dosher is a new author and she shows great promise. This book was amazing. I have had the privilege of beta reading her work and even without editing, this is surely a diamond in the rough.
Sarah Dosher is a new author and she shows great promise. This book was amazing. I have had the privilege of beta reading her work and even without editing, this is surely a diamond in the rough.
January 31, 2013
I had the absolute pleasure of beta reading this delightful debut novel. Lily and Dean have a very sweet love story, but the reader gets a front row seat at the turbulence that life throws their way. After events cause Dean to leave town, he finds many things have changed for Lily when he makes his way back to her. I found myself rooting for them to get back together from the very beginning.
The other characters in the story are equally as likeable. I immediately loved Adley's personality and found myself wanting to have her as my friend. Violet has such a sassy side that I couldn't help but to smile at most of the things she said.
The ending was so intense and shocking that it totally took me by surprise. It was hard to put the book down and couldn't seem to read it fast enough.
This book is a tightly woven tale of love and the bonds of friendship -- that helps to bring out the inner strength that is sometimes buried deep. It'll leave you filled with hope and the sense that sometimes the best things in life just can't be rushed.
The other characters in the story are equally as likeable. I immediately loved Adley's personality and found myself wanting to have her as my friend. Violet has such a sassy side that I couldn't help but to smile at most of the things she said.
The ending was so intense and shocking that it totally took me by surprise. It was hard to put the book down and couldn't seem to read it fast enough.
This book is a tightly woven tale of love and the bonds of friendship -- that helps to bring out the inner strength that is sometimes buried deep. It'll leave you filled with hope and the sense that sometimes the best things in life just can't be rushed.
March 20, 2013
5 Oh wow, that hit a nerve Stars
Touching!!
Amazing!!
Beautiful!!
Emotional!!
I was absolutely hooked from beginning to end while reading Haven from the Storm. This is a story that gives you so much: loss, love, abuse, abandonment, friendship, hope, redemption, and most of all, the importance of learning how to trust again.
“The best way to find out if you can trust someone, is to trust them.” – Ernest Hemingway
Lily and Dean are the main characters and have a very sweet love story, but there is so much that stands in their way. For the most part, the supporting characters were just as likeable. I absolutely adored Violet, Dean’s grandmother, who pretty much took on that role for everyone else. Violet was full of spunk and sass. She was just how you would picture a grandma to be, very outspoken and protective over her grandchildren. Adley was taken in by Violet and soon became the friend that Lily so desperately needed. Derek became a part of the family when he started dating Adley and would soon prove to be a very important person in Lily’s life as well. Now, to those I didn’t like one bit. Michael Grace was the definition of a terrorist and then we have Mindi. Oh Mindi, what can I say about her? I know, she was a flat out BITCH! There is one other character that I think deserves to be mentioned and that is Red. I developed such a soft spot in my heart for Red. He absolutely NEEDED to be in this story!
Meet Liliana Grace
She was such a sweet and strong girl, but the life she was living was far from picture perfect!
Imagine having your whole world ripped away from you in one split second. This is exactly what happened to Lily. Due to a devastating natural disaster she lost most important person in her life, her protector.
“Real loss only occurs when you lose something that you love more than yourself.” - Anonymous
Lily was left to fend for herself because the father, who should have been protecting her, did everything but that. Michael Grace was a very EVIL man. He was a raging alcoholic, with a dangerous temper. Jealousy and hatred was what this man was made of. Day in and day out, Lily had to find ways to escape her father’s wrath and sadly, she didn’t always succeed. He destroyed her in more ways than one. He stole her soul.
Meet Dean Haven
When the tough gets going, Dean turns the other way and runs from it. This is exactly what separated him from Lily. It had been four years since they last saw each other. Four years that Lily longed for the safety and protection that only Dean could provide her with now that everyone else was gone.
“I don’t expect you to be flawless. I just need you to be my safe place…my Haven in the storm.” - Lily
Dean was a very strong and caring man, but he too was a lost soul. One thing that Dean wasn’t lost and unsure about was Lily. He never stopped thinking about Lily while he was gone and now he wanted to make it right. He would do anything for her, but would Lily allow him?
“How can you do this to me now? You can’t fight your way back into my heart. You shattered everything I thought I knew about us. I used to think if I missed you enough, you’d come back to me. I put you above everyone else and that’s why I have to walk away now. I can’t do that again.” - Lily
The road was bumpy for these two. There were obstacles such as Lily’s father and Dean’s job that stood in their way. A lack of trust and fear also caused problems for them. Lily was afraid to let Dean back in because she feared that he would leave her again. Dean had to learn how to stop running in order for this to happen.
“You can’t leave people and expect them to still be there when you decide to come back. You can’t treat people like shit and expect them to still love you.” – Derek
Lily had to find her inner strength to stand up to her father. She couldn’t let his abuse consume her life anymore. It was time for her to protect and defend herself.
“…woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself…” – Susan B. Anthony
She had to stop lying to everyone about the abuse. There was no way she could keep covering it up if she wanted to save herself.
“Secret’s held too tight, can consume you.” – Sarah Dosher
Lily and Dean had to deal with more loss.
“Death favors no man.” – Unknown
They were given second chances.
“Sometimes your second chance is more than just a new beginning.” – Sarah Dosher
And there was one thing for sure this time, no matter how long the storm lasted, they had each other!
I highly recommend this book! Honestly, I sat and cried after I finished because I was forced to think about the very sad and terrifying reality for so many women (and men).
The truth is you ARE strong enough to stand up for yourself, but sometimes you NEED somebody else to give you that courage to finally do it. You ARE worth it! Please don’t ever let anyone steal your soul and self worth from you! It’s a vicious cycle that only you have the power to stop before it’s too late! When people are given the hope that things can change, I believe that has the ability to move mountains! Don't keep this a secret, TELL someone! But most of all, believe in yourself and if you have somebody else believing in you and wanting to help, LET them!
Just a little FYI: There will be a second book!! YAY!!!!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Sarah, for letting me read your wonderful story! I hope that at least ONE person tells you that you have given them hope! <3
Touching!!
Amazing!!
Beautiful!!
Emotional!!
I was absolutely hooked from beginning to end while reading Haven from the Storm. This is a story that gives you so much: loss, love, abuse, abandonment, friendship, hope, redemption, and most of all, the importance of learning how to trust again.
“The best way to find out if you can trust someone, is to trust them.” – Ernest Hemingway
Lily and Dean are the main characters and have a very sweet love story, but there is so much that stands in their way. For the most part, the supporting characters were just as likeable. I absolutely adored Violet, Dean’s grandmother, who pretty much took on that role for everyone else. Violet was full of spunk and sass. She was just how you would picture a grandma to be, very outspoken and protective over her grandchildren. Adley was taken in by Violet and soon became the friend that Lily so desperately needed. Derek became a part of the family when he started dating Adley and would soon prove to be a very important person in Lily’s life as well. Now, to those I didn’t like one bit. Michael Grace was the definition of a terrorist and then we have Mindi. Oh Mindi, what can I say about her? I know, she was a flat out BITCH! There is one other character that I think deserves to be mentioned and that is Red. I developed such a soft spot in my heart for Red. He absolutely NEEDED to be in this story!
Meet Liliana Grace
She was such a sweet and strong girl, but the life she was living was far from picture perfect!
Imagine having your whole world ripped away from you in one split second. This is exactly what happened to Lily. Due to a devastating natural disaster she lost most important person in her life, her protector.
“Real loss only occurs when you lose something that you love more than yourself.” - Anonymous
Lily was left to fend for herself because the father, who should have been protecting her, did everything but that. Michael Grace was a very EVIL man. He was a raging alcoholic, with a dangerous temper. Jealousy and hatred was what this man was made of. Day in and day out, Lily had to find ways to escape her father’s wrath and sadly, she didn’t always succeed. He destroyed her in more ways than one. He stole her soul.
Meet Dean Haven
When the tough gets going, Dean turns the other way and runs from it. This is exactly what separated him from Lily. It had been four years since they last saw each other. Four years that Lily longed for the safety and protection that only Dean could provide her with now that everyone else was gone.
“I don’t expect you to be flawless. I just need you to be my safe place…my Haven in the storm.” - Lily
Dean was a very strong and caring man, but he too was a lost soul. One thing that Dean wasn’t lost and unsure about was Lily. He never stopped thinking about Lily while he was gone and now he wanted to make it right. He would do anything for her, but would Lily allow him?
“How can you do this to me now? You can’t fight your way back into my heart. You shattered everything I thought I knew about us. I used to think if I missed you enough, you’d come back to me. I put you above everyone else and that’s why I have to walk away now. I can’t do that again.” - Lily
The road was bumpy for these two. There were obstacles such as Lily’s father and Dean’s job that stood in their way. A lack of trust and fear also caused problems for them. Lily was afraid to let Dean back in because she feared that he would leave her again. Dean had to learn how to stop running in order for this to happen.
“You can’t leave people and expect them to still be there when you decide to come back. You can’t treat people like shit and expect them to still love you.” – Derek
Lily had to find her inner strength to stand up to her father. She couldn’t let his abuse consume her life anymore. It was time for her to protect and defend herself.
“…woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself…” – Susan B. Anthony
She had to stop lying to everyone about the abuse. There was no way she could keep covering it up if she wanted to save herself.
“Secret’s held too tight, can consume you.” – Sarah Dosher
Lily and Dean had to deal with more loss.
“Death favors no man.” – Unknown
They were given second chances.
“Sometimes your second chance is more than just a new beginning.” – Sarah Dosher
And there was one thing for sure this time, no matter how long the storm lasted, they had each other!
I highly recommend this book! Honestly, I sat and cried after I finished because I was forced to think about the very sad and terrifying reality for so many women (and men).
The truth is you ARE strong enough to stand up for yourself, but sometimes you NEED somebody else to give you that courage to finally do it. You ARE worth it! Please don’t ever let anyone steal your soul and self worth from you! It’s a vicious cycle that only you have the power to stop before it’s too late! When people are given the hope that things can change, I believe that has the ability to move mountains! Don't keep this a secret, TELL someone! But most of all, believe in yourself and if you have somebody else believing in you and wanting to help, LET them!
Just a little FYI: There will be a second book!! YAY!!!!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Sarah, for letting me read your wonderful story! I hope that at least ONE person tells you that you have given them hope! <3
April 17, 2013
Haven from the Storm is such an emotion-wrenching, heartbreaking story of forgiveness and moving on from pain. Lily Grace lost everything the night a storm ripped her family apart, leaving her alone in the world save for the bitter and violent father who hated that she even exists. I'll get to him in a bit, he earned himself a special mention. The last straw for her was when the one boy who she could always count on, who she gave her heart to, turned his back on her and never looked back. Now it's four years later, and after braving her way through the loneliness, loss, abuse, and destruction that is her life, Dean Haven has suddenly returned and has his sights set on her. But Lily had to put so many walls up around her heart after it was shattered, and I was glad that she didn't just accept him coming back without a fight. Dean not only had to prove himself worthy of her love, but also prove that he wasn't about to make the same mistake again, and that was never really a guarantee.
"Sometimes you gotta get outta your own way before you can find your path." LOC 1860
Lily just broke my heart from the moment her first thoughts graced the page. She was a young teen when her life was flipped upside down, and from that day on she never felt love, happiness, or security again. Everything she did was with the one goal of leaving her miserable home town that never recovered from the devastating tornado, so when Dean showed back in town it all came crashing down around her. I couldn't hate Dean even after how much he'd hurt Lily, because it was clear how much he hated himself for it. It was clear to him that Lily would need him, and his running would be the epitome of letting her down; but he had no idea just how much his leaving would affect her. Leave it to his old and wise grandmother to see all and know all, because she was really the thread that started sewing these two back together through all of the hurt and anger. I loved that she told Dean what a selfish idiot he'd been without sugarcoating it, she was a feisty broad and just what they needed!!
There is a deeper issue buried at the surface of all this turmoil between Dean and Lily, and that is the father that she was left to live with. To say that I hated this man would be the understatement of the year, because he truly is a despicable excuse for a man. The one issue I have with these abuse stories is that they tend to get theatrical and over-exaggerated, and there was a bit of that here. It takes away from the heartbreak and the emotions the reader can go through when scenes are dramatized to the point of being a bit unrealistic, so there were moments that didn't affect me like I would want them to. My heart still raced as the drama and suspense played out, though, and seeing Lily and Dean go through so much torment kept me wrapped up to the very end.
This was truly a beautiful story and I very much enjoyed it, so I'm looking forward to reading Sarah Dosher's next work in the Storms of Life series.
I could feel my defenses crumbling little by little every time I so much as thought about him. My heart was finally speaking loud enough that my head could hear it. ~Lily
This and other of my reviews can be found at: http://www.autumnreview.com/search/la...
"Sometimes you gotta get outta your own way before you can find your path." LOC 1860
Lily just broke my heart from the moment her first thoughts graced the page. She was a young teen when her life was flipped upside down, and from that day on she never felt love, happiness, or security again. Everything she did was with the one goal of leaving her miserable home town that never recovered from the devastating tornado, so when Dean showed back in town it all came crashing down around her. I couldn't hate Dean even after how much he'd hurt Lily, because it was clear how much he hated himself for it. It was clear to him that Lily would need him, and his running would be the epitome of letting her down; but he had no idea just how much his leaving would affect her. Leave it to his old and wise grandmother to see all and know all, because she was really the thread that started sewing these two back together through all of the hurt and anger. I loved that she told Dean what a selfish idiot he'd been without sugarcoating it, she was a feisty broad and just what they needed!!
There is a deeper issue buried at the surface of all this turmoil between Dean and Lily, and that is the father that she was left to live with. To say that I hated this man would be the understatement of the year, because he truly is a despicable excuse for a man. The one issue I have with these abuse stories is that they tend to get theatrical and over-exaggerated, and there was a bit of that here. It takes away from the heartbreak and the emotions the reader can go through when scenes are dramatized to the point of being a bit unrealistic, so there were moments that didn't affect me like I would want them to. My heart still raced as the drama and suspense played out, though, and seeing Lily and Dean go through so much torment kept me wrapped up to the very end.
This was truly a beautiful story and I very much enjoyed it, so I'm looking forward to reading Sarah Dosher's next work in the Storms of Life series.
I could feel my defenses crumbling little by little every time I so much as thought about him. My heart was finally speaking loud enough that my head could hear it. ~Lily
This and other of my reviews can be found at: http://www.autumnreview.com/search/la...
March 25, 2013
My first thought when I finished this book was, WOW. What a fantastic first book that is written so incredibly well. Let me start by saying that I have a thing for books that discuss hard topics. I like a read that gives you something to think about and takes you to a place that most do not.
Lilly has been through hell and back. Her mother and brother died in a tornado and she is left to fend for herself with her father. Dean is the boy she loved as a child and still harbors feelings for. Lilly's father is horrific. She hides away in her room and only comes in or out when he's not home. Lilly is as strong as they come. She never complains, or asks for help and takes it day by day just waiting until she can leave the small town and her father behind. Lilly has many layers to her. She's sweet and kind and rolls with the punches. If only we could all have a little Lilly in us all...
Dean never once forgot about Lilly but has come back to town to take her back and to beg for her forgiveness knowing that they truly belong together. Dean is a hunk. He is sweet, genuine and remorseful. He takes responsibility for his actions and doesn't waste time telling Lilly exactly how he feels.
Adley is Lilly's best friend whom you can't help but fall in love with right off of the bat. She has Lilly's back and would fight tooth n' nail for her.
Violet is Dean's Grandmother and matriarch of the story. To me she was the heart and the glue. She is a spitfire of a lady that tells it like it is but loves fiercely and unconditionally.
What a powerful read that deals with the topic of physical, verbal and emotional abuse. It's a story also about love and family. I am so proud to have had the chance to be an ever so small part of this journey with Sarah. It's a fantastic read that I didn't want to put down. It was over before I knew it and I seriously can not wait to see what else Sarah has up her sleeve...
Lilly has been through hell and back. Her mother and brother died in a tornado and she is left to fend for herself with her father. Dean is the boy she loved as a child and still harbors feelings for. Lilly's father is horrific. She hides away in her room and only comes in or out when he's not home. Lilly is as strong as they come. She never complains, or asks for help and takes it day by day just waiting until she can leave the small town and her father behind. Lilly has many layers to her. She's sweet and kind and rolls with the punches. If only we could all have a little Lilly in us all...
Dean never once forgot about Lilly but has come back to town to take her back and to beg for her forgiveness knowing that they truly belong together. Dean is a hunk. He is sweet, genuine and remorseful. He takes responsibility for his actions and doesn't waste time telling Lilly exactly how he feels.
Adley is Lilly's best friend whom you can't help but fall in love with right off of the bat. She has Lilly's back and would fight tooth n' nail for her.
Violet is Dean's Grandmother and matriarch of the story. To me she was the heart and the glue. She is a spitfire of a lady that tells it like it is but loves fiercely and unconditionally.
What a powerful read that deals with the topic of physical, verbal and emotional abuse. It's a story also about love and family. I am so proud to have had the chance to be an ever so small part of this journey with Sarah. It's a fantastic read that I didn't want to put down. It was over before I knew it and I seriously can not wait to see what else Sarah has up her sleeve...
March 29, 2013
A great story in the making, I just wish...
I wish I would have eaten more twinkies when I had the chance. I wish tighty whities would make a comeback. I wish diet Dr Pepper really did taste more like regular Dr Pepper. And yes, I wish for more Twilight!
With Haven from the Storm, I wish for more story. It was a great story with all the potential in the world. I picked it up and didn't put it down until the end, but...but...I needed the rest of the story. I needed the foundation for Lily and Dean's relationship.
Dean's return to town and his strong feelings towards Lily seemed so immediate, so instant. They have a history, I just wish we could have gotten to experience more of it. The reader gets told about it throughout the book but even with that, there seemed to be so much missing. I didn't understand so much of their feelings because I didn't experience them. Their history needed to be developed more. There was also a few gaps in the plot. Things mentioned that were never quite explained. Parts where I was left not understanding. I kept expecting a flashback to explain this, some insight to develop that, but it never came. I needed to know the origin of their feelings. That was the true heart of the story. The heart of their relationship. I just needed more past. It would have made everything that came after so much more amazing.
I think the "extra" story may have definitely been inside the head and heart of the author. Hell, it may have even been written down at some point. I just think that maybe some things might have been edited down a little too much.
That aside; Haven from the Storm was a truly unique story full of emotion. One with pain and heartache. One that will catch your attention and hold it. It really has a great plot and truth be told, if the relationship between Lily and Dean would have been developed more I just might have run out of stars...just sayin.
READ ON!
I wish I would have eaten more twinkies when I had the chance. I wish tighty whities would make a comeback. I wish diet Dr Pepper really did taste more like regular Dr Pepper. And yes, I wish for more Twilight!
With Haven from the Storm, I wish for more story. It was a great story with all the potential in the world. I picked it up and didn't put it down until the end, but...but...I needed the rest of the story. I needed the foundation for Lily and Dean's relationship.
Dean's return to town and his strong feelings towards Lily seemed so immediate, so instant. They have a history, I just wish we could have gotten to experience more of it. The reader gets told about it throughout the book but even with that, there seemed to be so much missing. I didn't understand so much of their feelings because I didn't experience them. Their history needed to be developed more. There was also a few gaps in the plot. Things mentioned that were never quite explained. Parts where I was left not understanding. I kept expecting a flashback to explain this, some insight to develop that, but it never came. I needed to know the origin of their feelings. That was the true heart of the story. The heart of their relationship. I just needed more past. It would have made everything that came after so much more amazing.
I think the "extra" story may have definitely been inside the head and heart of the author. Hell, it may have even been written down at some point. I just think that maybe some things might have been edited down a little too much.
That aside; Haven from the Storm was a truly unique story full of emotion. One with pain and heartache. One that will catch your attention and hold it. It really has a great plot and truth be told, if the relationship between Lily and Dean would have been developed more I just might have run out of stars...just sayin.
READ ON!
February 2, 2013
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review Wow, what a book. I loved it, read it in two sittings, only two because I did need sleep. Your novel is lovely, you tense is perfect, transitions are smooth, with the exception of a few spelling/word errors this book was perfect.
March 24, 2013
This book holds nothing back in the emotion department. Right out of the gate you need to reach for a box of tissues. One of my favorite quotes from this book is “keep in mind that even those who love you can unknowingly inflict pain when they themselves are hurting”.
It is so much more than just Dean and Lily’s love story, it a story about the bonds we form and how they mold our lives. Lily has experienced so much loss and abuse in her short life. Dean leaves Kolby on the day of his best friend’s funeral because running is what his family has always done. With the exception of Grandma Violet and she is the solid rock in all their lives. You will fall in love with all the characters and be rooting for Dean and Lily the entire way.
Just when you think Dean and Lily will soon have their HEA you get to the last chapter and…. Well you will have to read the book to find out the rest.
I truly love alternating point of view books and Dosher does a seamless job giving us just what we want.
Sarah Dosher is a talented author and it was my pleasure to read her debut book. I look forward to seeing where her career takes us.
It is so much more than just Dean and Lily’s love story, it a story about the bonds we form and how they mold our lives. Lily has experienced so much loss and abuse in her short life. Dean leaves Kolby on the day of his best friend’s funeral because running is what his family has always done. With the exception of Grandma Violet and she is the solid rock in all their lives. You will fall in love with all the characters and be rooting for Dean and Lily the entire way.
Just when you think Dean and Lily will soon have their HEA you get to the last chapter and…. Well you will have to read the book to find out the rest.
I truly love alternating point of view books and Dosher does a seamless job giving us just what we want.
Sarah Dosher is a talented author and it was my pleasure to read her debut book. I look forward to seeing where her career takes us.
January 31, 2013
I was super excited to be given the opportunity to read an early copy of this book and review it for the author. After reading the prologue, I was hooked. The story takes several turns and kept my attention throughout the entire ride. The amazing story is told from more than one point of view, which I loved. I was able to fully understand each wonderful character and feel what they were feeling. I felt sad, hurt, and alone, at times, but also happy, love-stricken and empowered during this journey with Lily and Dean. What a fantastic freshman novel for this aspiring writer!
February 6, 2013
I was honored to be given the opportunity to beta read Haven from the Storm. The first scene of this book sucked me in fast! I love books that hook me like that in the first chapter. This is a sweet love story that must overcome many obstacles. You will appreciate Dean Haven's persistence and fall in love with him along the way! Don't miss this beautiful story!
March 29, 2013
Is it march yet??? Also I looove the cover. Edit 29/03/2013 review to come
March 23, 2013
I am still trying to compile my thoughts to form coherent sentences.....Ok WOW! Yes. I am wowed by everything that happened in this book. Haven from the Storm hits on topics that aren't touched on all too much. Physical, mental, and emotional abuse. Very serious and sad issues. Lily Grace is our heroin and she has lived one hellish life. She was fourteen when the three people she most loved and care about were taken from her: her mother, her brother Easton, and Dean Haven. Now she is just trying to make it through each day.
I was instantly taken with Lily Grace. She is real, she has a heart that has been battered, a life that has been utterly ruined, and love for a man who walked away when she needed him the most. But she keeps on keeping on. I felt like I walked a mile in Lily's shoes while reading this book. All because I was able to feel every emotion that ran through her. I saw the ugly that is her abusive drunkard of a father too. He has done a number on her, but not on her soul. She still is still a beautiful person inside and out. Lily Grace captivated me. She didn't play the victim, she played the survivor!
How do I sum up the delicious we call Dean Haven? He is totally a swooncicle, no lie! Everything he says comes from his heart. I love him. He made my heart smile, cry, but he also made it very happy. And then throw in the nickname that he uses for Lily. Boy that got me weak in the knees every freaking time. She is his 'Sunflower'. His term of endearment for her. And Dean just loves her unconditionally. He makes this apparent more than once. Thank goodness too, because sometimes when it comes to love stories the guy can be a real tool. Not Dean Haven. Nope. He is passionate, caring, and a whole lot of scrumptious! I loved that he wasn't backing down from Lily, he actually made that extra effort to prove to her that they were meant to be together and that they are really soul mates. He fought a good battle!
SO now I wanna talk about the amazing friends.....They were the three best friends that anyone should have...I know, I know....Totally different story, but it works. So as I was saying, the three best friends or people that Lily Grace ABSOLUTELY HANDS DOWN NEEDED. They are Adley, Derek, and Violet. They touched my heart and warmed me all over. These three are all very unique in their own ways. Adley is eccentric, adorable, and down right sassy! Derek is a big hunk of cute, sarcastic, and awesome. And then you have Ms. Violet. She is a firecracker. But she also has a heart the size of Alaska. Not only is she Dean's Grandmother, but she took in Adley when no one else would, and all but adopted Lily when tragedy struck. She truly is a Guardian Angel to Dean, Lily, and Adley. While reading about Violet and her love for all things Lily, Adley, and Dean, I cried. She is the Grandmother that everyone needs or wants. These people as you have just read about are now a family. The only family that Lily, Adley, Violet, and Dean have. Each other. They all took a piece of my heart and I can only hope that you feel the same happiness and hope that I did while reading this book.
I am in love with this story. LOVE IT! I went through a ton of emotions reading this book. Believe me when I say this, it is not for the faint of hearts. I mentioned this before, this book touches on physical, mental, and emotional abuse. A very real and raw subject for most. I hope that any victim of abuse who may read this book can see that you are able to overcome all obstacles, you can be the survivor. It may have taken Lily four years, but she finally found her strength. And you can too. Ms. Dosher I read this book twice, and the second time is when it really set in and just amazed me. It is a powerful story. And I believe you hit the ball out of the park with this book! I look forward to reading anything that you put out in the near future! Also be sure to be on the lookout for the release of Haven from the Storm, it will be available on 3/30/13 on Amazon!
Some of my favorite Quotes from Haven from the Storm:
"She didn't merely weather the storm, she actively ruled it."-Dean
"I didn't expect you to be flawless. I just need you to be my safe place...my Haven in the storm."-Lily
"Sometimes you gotta get outta your way before you can find your path."-Unknown Man
"Sunflower, I may have left this town, but I never left you. You were still with me, always in my heart, with every step I took. Don't ever doubt that."-Dean
I was instantly taken with Lily Grace. She is real, she has a heart that has been battered, a life that has been utterly ruined, and love for a man who walked away when she needed him the most. But she keeps on keeping on. I felt like I walked a mile in Lily's shoes while reading this book. All because I was able to feel every emotion that ran through her. I saw the ugly that is her abusive drunkard of a father too. He has done a number on her, but not on her soul. She still is still a beautiful person inside and out. Lily Grace captivated me. She didn't play the victim, she played the survivor!
How do I sum up the delicious we call Dean Haven? He is totally a swooncicle, no lie! Everything he says comes from his heart. I love him. He made my heart smile, cry, but he also made it very happy. And then throw in the nickname that he uses for Lily. Boy that got me weak in the knees every freaking time. She is his 'Sunflower'. His term of endearment for her. And Dean just loves her unconditionally. He makes this apparent more than once. Thank goodness too, because sometimes when it comes to love stories the guy can be a real tool. Not Dean Haven. Nope. He is passionate, caring, and a whole lot of scrumptious! I loved that he wasn't backing down from Lily, he actually made that extra effort to prove to her that they were meant to be together and that they are really soul mates. He fought a good battle!
SO now I wanna talk about the amazing friends.....They were the three best friends that anyone should have...I know, I know....Totally different story, but it works. So as I was saying, the three best friends or people that Lily Grace ABSOLUTELY HANDS DOWN NEEDED. They are Adley, Derek, and Violet. They touched my heart and warmed me all over. These three are all very unique in their own ways. Adley is eccentric, adorable, and down right sassy! Derek is a big hunk of cute, sarcastic, and awesome. And then you have Ms. Violet. She is a firecracker. But she also has a heart the size of Alaska. Not only is she Dean's Grandmother, but she took in Adley when no one else would, and all but adopted Lily when tragedy struck. She truly is a Guardian Angel to Dean, Lily, and Adley. While reading about Violet and her love for all things Lily, Adley, and Dean, I cried. She is the Grandmother that everyone needs or wants. These people as you have just read about are now a family. The only family that Lily, Adley, Violet, and Dean have. Each other. They all took a piece of my heart and I can only hope that you feel the same happiness and hope that I did while reading this book.
I am in love with this story. LOVE IT! I went through a ton of emotions reading this book. Believe me when I say this, it is not for the faint of hearts. I mentioned this before, this book touches on physical, mental, and emotional abuse. A very real and raw subject for most. I hope that any victim of abuse who may read this book can see that you are able to overcome all obstacles, you can be the survivor. It may have taken Lily four years, but she finally found her strength. And you can too. Ms. Dosher I read this book twice, and the second time is when it really set in and just amazed me. It is a powerful story. And I believe you hit the ball out of the park with this book! I look forward to reading anything that you put out in the near future! Also be sure to be on the lookout for the release of Haven from the Storm, it will be available on 3/30/13 on Amazon!
Some of my favorite Quotes from Haven from the Storm:
"She didn't merely weather the storm, she actively ruled it."-Dean
"I didn't expect you to be flawless. I just need you to be my safe place...my Haven in the storm."-Lily
"Sometimes you gotta get outta your way before you can find your path."-Unknown Man
"Sunflower, I may have left this town, but I never left you. You were still with me, always in my heart, with every step I took. Don't ever doubt that."-Dean
September 16, 2013
**4 Solid Stars**
What an interesting and emotionally charged book this was. This is the type of book that really pulls at your heartstrings. What Lily and Dean both went through in their lives was horrible. These two both came from horrible parents. Well I guess I can't say they were all horrible, it sounded like Lily's mom was ok but really didn't stand up for herself and just took what Michael gave her. Dean's mom on the other hand was just a coward and left right after he was born and he never knew his father because he died in a drunk driving accident before he was born. So see if it wasn't for Grandma Violet and Easton, Lily and Dean would've had no one growing up. If that doesn't tug at your heart then maybe knowing the amount of abuse that lily has to endure from her father will. What this poor girl had to live through was horrible. I don't want to say to much about the story because I don't want to take away from the feel of the book. You really just need to read this book. I will say that it was a really good book. This book kept me interested all the way through. The author even threw in some little surprise tidbits towards the end that I didn't see coming. This was a fairly quick read. I was able to finish it in a day.
Lily.....oh my goodness what to say, my heart broke for her most of this book. It started right away in the prologue and continued to break for all kinds of reasons as the story continued. Like I said before what Lily has endured in her life I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, but it was great to see her come out the other side a stronger person because of it. I was so happy to see that she was willing to fight for herself and what she wanted and loved in her life. Lily was also a stubborn person, which sometimes I wanted to smack her and say just let Dean help. I understood that she was just protecting the ones she loved but sometimes you need to protect yourself as well. As for Dean....I have mixed feelings about him. I liked him but he really pissed me off in a certain part of this story. I truly believed that his feelings for Lily were genuine but he was his own worst enemy. I can't explain what I mean you just have to read the book. I will say that I was happy that Lily made Dean work for her forgiveness, she didn't just jump into his arms when he comes back into town, even though she wanted too. It was nice to see her protecting her heart from being hurt again.
Adley, Derek, and Grandma Violet were fantastic side characters. Derek was always good for some comic relief when things got a little to serious, but he also wasn't afraid to tell you what an jerk you might be. Adley was a sweet soul who was a great support for Lily. I would love to read a story about her and Derek in the future :) Grandma Violet was such a loving person. She took Dean in when he was born and raised him from birth. But she also took in Adley when she had nowhere to go. And when Lily needed the support she was there to hold her hand through whatever she needed. As usual there are those characters that we hate....well Michael and Mindi were those characters in this book. Michael was Lily's father and he was just the scum of the earth. And Mindi, she is just a tramp without a clue. What she did to Lily was deplorable. I loved when Lily confronted her and took her down a notch.
So yes I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a friends to lovers emotional love story with just a bit of suspense to keep you turning the page. I have to say that I really liked the epilogue to this book. I liked that we got a glimpse of the future.
Reviewed for www.bookbitchesblog.com
What an interesting and emotionally charged book this was. This is the type of book that really pulls at your heartstrings. What Lily and Dean both went through in their lives was horrible. These two both came from horrible parents. Well I guess I can't say they were all horrible, it sounded like Lily's mom was ok but really didn't stand up for herself and just took what Michael gave her. Dean's mom on the other hand was just a coward and left right after he was born and he never knew his father because he died in a drunk driving accident before he was born. So see if it wasn't for Grandma Violet and Easton, Lily and Dean would've had no one growing up. If that doesn't tug at your heart then maybe knowing the amount of abuse that lily has to endure from her father will. What this poor girl had to live through was horrible. I don't want to say to much about the story because I don't want to take away from the feel of the book. You really just need to read this book. I will say that it was a really good book. This book kept me interested all the way through. The author even threw in some little surprise tidbits towards the end that I didn't see coming. This was a fairly quick read. I was able to finish it in a day.
Lily.....oh my goodness what to say, my heart broke for her most of this book. It started right away in the prologue and continued to break for all kinds of reasons as the story continued. Like I said before what Lily has endured in her life I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, but it was great to see her come out the other side a stronger person because of it. I was so happy to see that she was willing to fight for herself and what she wanted and loved in her life. Lily was also a stubborn person, which sometimes I wanted to smack her and say just let Dean help. I understood that she was just protecting the ones she loved but sometimes you need to protect yourself as well. As for Dean....I have mixed feelings about him. I liked him but he really pissed me off in a certain part of this story. I truly believed that his feelings for Lily were genuine but he was his own worst enemy. I can't explain what I mean you just have to read the book. I will say that I was happy that Lily made Dean work for her forgiveness, she didn't just jump into his arms when he comes back into town, even though she wanted too. It was nice to see her protecting her heart from being hurt again.
Adley, Derek, and Grandma Violet were fantastic side characters. Derek was always good for some comic relief when things got a little to serious, but he also wasn't afraid to tell you what an jerk you might be. Adley was a sweet soul who was a great support for Lily. I would love to read a story about her and Derek in the future :) Grandma Violet was such a loving person. She took Dean in when he was born and raised him from birth. But she also took in Adley when she had nowhere to go. And when Lily needed the support she was there to hold her hand through whatever she needed. As usual there are those characters that we hate....well Michael and Mindi were those characters in this book. Michael was Lily's father and he was just the scum of the earth. And Mindi, she is just a tramp without a clue. What she did to Lily was deplorable. I loved when Lily confronted her and took her down a notch.
So yes I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a friends to lovers emotional love story with just a bit of suspense to keep you turning the page. I have to say that I really liked the epilogue to this book. I liked that we got a glimpse of the future.
Reviewed for www.bookbitchesblog.com
March 29, 2013
Find this review along with many others at www.madisonsays.com! Also, there is a giveaway going on over there for this one, so hurry up and check it out!
OH MY GOODNESS!!!, Haven From The Storm was absolutely an amazing story! There were so many surprising elements that made it a definite page turner for me. My emotions were stirred throughout and I became so overwhelmingly invested in the character's lives. Without a doubt, this phenomenal, heart wrenching story of second chances lands itself in my 5 star reads.
"I knew I'd never lose anyone again, because I'd never allow anyone that close again.
I could protect myself...I had no other choice."
Lily Grace's life was turned upside down without a moments notice. Just about everyone she loves is ripped from her life. The only remaining person that she can depend on, abandons her when he can't cope with the pain. The next four years only get worse for Lily and eventually serve to harden her heart.
Dean Haven merely fulfilled his family's prophecy of running when life gets too tough. Now, four years later, he has returned home, hoping to mend the mistakes he made when he left Lily alone. But, Dean doesn't know all that has happened with Lily and just how much his leaving hurt her.
"Sunflower, I may have left this town behind, but I never left you. You were still with me, always in my heart, with every step I took. Don't ever doubt that. "
Upon his arrival, he quickly discovers things about Lily and her life over the past four years that completely surprise and anger him. But he is determined to change her mind about him. Unfortunately, life just won't give them a break and presents challenge after challenge for them to get past. With these obstacles, Dean's true nature of flight not fight appears. Can Dean learn to fight for what he loves and will Lily even wait around long enough to find out?
"I don't expect you to be flawless. I just need you to be my safe place...my Haven in the storm."
This one pulled at my heart strings. The sensitive issue of abuse was a focus of this story that broke my heart. And as the story was winding down, it created such a surprising and haunting series of events that had me on the edge of my seat. My throat tightened and tears fell out of need for a happily ever after for Lily. I don't know if anyone has ever been more deserving than her. The loss, guilt, and torment that she had experienced in her life broke my heart into a million pieces. I just wanted so badly for Dean to fulfill his promises and be her saving grace.
I truly loved this amazingly emotional story. Haven From The Storm touched my heart and I urge you to read it. You won't be disappointed!
OH MY GOODNESS!!!, Haven From The Storm was absolutely an amazing story! There were so many surprising elements that made it a definite page turner for me. My emotions were stirred throughout and I became so overwhelmingly invested in the character's lives. Without a doubt, this phenomenal, heart wrenching story of second chances lands itself in my 5 star reads.
"I knew I'd never lose anyone again, because I'd never allow anyone that close again.
I could protect myself...I had no other choice."
Lily Grace's life was turned upside down without a moments notice. Just about everyone she loves is ripped from her life. The only remaining person that she can depend on, abandons her when he can't cope with the pain. The next four years only get worse for Lily and eventually serve to harden her heart.
Dean Haven merely fulfilled his family's prophecy of running when life gets too tough. Now, four years later, he has returned home, hoping to mend the mistakes he made when he left Lily alone. But, Dean doesn't know all that has happened with Lily and just how much his leaving hurt her.
"Sunflower, I may have left this town behind, but I never left you. You were still with me, always in my heart, with every step I took. Don't ever doubt that. "
Upon his arrival, he quickly discovers things about Lily and her life over the past four years that completely surprise and anger him. But he is determined to change her mind about him. Unfortunately, life just won't give them a break and presents challenge after challenge for them to get past. With these obstacles, Dean's true nature of flight not fight appears. Can Dean learn to fight for what he loves and will Lily even wait around long enough to find out?
"I don't expect you to be flawless. I just need you to be my safe place...my Haven in the storm."
This one pulled at my heart strings. The sensitive issue of abuse was a focus of this story that broke my heart. And as the story was winding down, it created such a surprising and haunting series of events that had me on the edge of my seat. My throat tightened and tears fell out of need for a happily ever after for Lily. I don't know if anyone has ever been more deserving than her. The loss, guilt, and torment that she had experienced in her life broke my heart into a million pieces. I just wanted so badly for Dean to fulfill his promises and be her saving grace.
I truly loved this amazingly emotional story. Haven From The Storm touched my heart and I urge you to read it. You won't be disappointed!
June 1, 2013
4 Stormy Stars
WARNING: Overuse of weather words to follow...
Oh My....This book. I read this book while watching radar of tornadoes in Oklahoma, texting my son's roommates hiding under a mattress in Norman OK and still feeling the gripping sadness of the Moore Ok tornado of just a few weeks ago. So to say it was topical and emotional is an understatement.
Lily's life is a storm. She lives in tornado alley and is used to taking shelter. But this time the storm is too fast. She can not hide. The storm continues to rage for four long years for her. She can not click her heels together and wish herself home because "home" is the center of the storm. There is no where and no one to shelter her. She has been whipped in the wind for years.
Dean escaped after the storm. He put the town, the tornado and the loss it brought behind him. He has been in hiding for those same four years. When he returns to town, he opens himself up the damage that remains. He is determined to make things right with Lily. But Lily is over him. Over. Him. Yep. He left her to deal with all the crap that has rained down on her and she is pretty pissed about it.
When Dean decides to not let Lily go, she realizes he has changed. Well isn't that nice? Finally! Dean isn't the only one who has changed. Lily's dad has changed too, he is worse. Way worse. The entire town has taken her off their radar. The Entire Town. How is that possible? Dorothy would be so disappointed in the No Place Like Home motto here.
Lily and Dean have to face abusive, denial, and their own fear of rejection. Will they weather the storm? Love the pun in the title. So please excuse the excessive storm/weather references here. Much like Ms Dosher's writing....I could not resist.
WARNING: Overuse of weather words to follow...
Oh My....This book. I read this book while watching radar of tornadoes in Oklahoma, texting my son's roommates hiding under a mattress in Norman OK and still feeling the gripping sadness of the Moore Ok tornado of just a few weeks ago. So to say it was topical and emotional is an understatement.
Lily's life is a storm. She lives in tornado alley and is used to taking shelter. But this time the storm is too fast. She can not hide. The storm continues to rage for four long years for her. She can not click her heels together and wish herself home because "home" is the center of the storm. There is no where and no one to shelter her. She has been whipped in the wind for years.
Dean escaped after the storm. He put the town, the tornado and the loss it brought behind him. He has been in hiding for those same four years. When he returns to town, he opens himself up the damage that remains. He is determined to make things right with Lily. But Lily is over him. Over. Him. Yep. He left her to deal with all the crap that has rained down on her and she is pretty pissed about it.
When Dean decides to not let Lily go, she realizes he has changed. Well isn't that nice? Finally! Dean isn't the only one who has changed. Lily's dad has changed too, he is worse. Way worse. The entire town has taken her off their radar. The Entire Town. How is that possible? Dorothy would be so disappointed in the No Place Like Home motto here.
Lily and Dean have to face abusive, denial, and their own fear of rejection. Will they weather the storm? Love the pun in the title. So please excuse the excessive storm/weather references here. Much like Ms Dosher's writing....I could not resist.
September 21, 2013
Wow!!! I started reading this at 5:00 a.m. Friday morning because I couldn't sleep. Unfortunately, I had to be at work by 8:00 a.m. (I made it by 7:58 a.m.) I wasn't able to pick up reading again until 4:30 a.m. this morning (again, because I couldn't sleep and I knew I wanted to read this book). OMG...I am so glad I cracked this one open and read it! The emotions that flooded my soul were so heartfelt and cleansing. I absolutely love Lily and Dean. Lily's family is totally dysfunctional, and I can relate to that. No, I never was subjected to the things she went through, but I did have turmoil in my life, that still today I am dealing with and it is very hard to get over. At one point in the story, I was reminded of losing my mother in 2009, after fighting 3 years on dialysis, her body finally said, "no more". She died exactly one month before my wedding to my husband. My sister and I had always told my mom, when she was tired of fighting, she could go. Yes, that is the hardest thing to say to your mother, but knowing the pain and suffering she dealt with every day of her life, that alone was enough for me to give her permission to let go. You see, my mother knew my husband was my rock that I lean on, she knew he would carry me through all the bad times. She knew he would support me and love me unconditionally. Yes, she was very excited we were marrying, but she also knew, her body just could not take anymore. Now, I said all of this to reference the point in the story, where Violet realizes her work is finished. (No I won't say anymore, I don't want to spoil it). But you MUST read it, so you can find out what happens with Lily and Dean!!! I HIGHLY recommend this one! Thanks Sarah for an awesome story!
April 11, 2013
Haven from the Storm is the debut novel of author Sarah Dosher. Dosher comes out like a debutante at the ball! Beautiful, stunning, powerful and emotional!
“Haven” is the journey of Lily Grace and Dean Haven and touches on difficult issues of physical, emotional and mental abuse. The writing is expressive, evocative, and vivid and the story is not for the faint of heart. Not only is this book about hard subject matters of abuse, but it is an even more powerful message of surviving, strength and overcoming the ugliness life can hand you.
Lily Grace is a beautiful, strong woman whose life has been battered and ruined. She is an easy character to connect to because Dosher’s eloquent writing tells Lily’s story but also takes you along on her journey. Dean Haven is the handsome, passionate, caring guy who comes back into Lily’s life after she has had to cope for years with losing everything. Dean is also a lost soul and he made my heart happy and cry, and endeared himself to me.
“I don’t expect you to be flawless. I just need you to be my safe place…my Haven in the storm.” - Lily
These characters are wonderfully developed, unique. Each is distinctive and adds such a perfect layer to the story.
“The best way to find out if you can trust someone, is to trust them.” – Ernest Hemingway
This story had so much: loss, abuse, love, strength and learning how to trust, and it packed a punch that had me feeling like the air was knocked out of me. At times, I felt stunned and emotionally overcome.
Overall if you want a powerful, emotional, beautiful, well-written story, grab Haven from the Storm and your tissue. Give it a try!! 4.0-4.5~Stars
May 24, 2013
From the very first paragraph this book had my full attention. Lily has suffered a great tragedy when she lost both her Brother and Mother that faithful night of the tornado. Not realizing that when she lost them she would also lose the one guy who could make her life and heart whole. Dean had to leave the town of Kolby, he didnt know how to deal with the loss of his best friend who was more like a brother to him. Seeing his best friends sister mourning, he didnt know how to deal with her loss and his own as well.
When I started to read this book, in the prologue it had me go from wanting a glass of wine from the steamy scene happening, to crying in the next paragraph. While reading you see how the people grow and learn from all the tragedy that happened. How they each on their own learn how to love again and let others into the world they live. They learn the importance of why you should speak up about child abuse and what happens when you dont come forth with information.
I don't even know where to begin to commend Sarah on writing a book that touches home to many people in many situations, but Sarah I commend you!! This book is touching, loving, moving, shows courage, shows us what happens when you finally stand up for what you believe in and what you want in life, and in the end it shows us how to love.
When I started to read this book, in the prologue it had me go from wanting a glass of wine from the steamy scene happening, to crying in the next paragraph. While reading you see how the people grow and learn from all the tragedy that happened. How they each on their own learn how to love again and let others into the world they live. They learn the importance of why you should speak up about child abuse and what happens when you dont come forth with information.
I don't even know where to begin to commend Sarah on writing a book that touches home to many people in many situations, but Sarah I commend you!! This book is touching, loving, moving, shows courage, shows us what happens when you finally stand up for what you believe in and what you want in life, and in the end it shows us how to love.
March 23, 2013
I was given this ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I had been eagerly awaiting the release of Haven from the Storm for weeks, and when the author gifted me with the book, I quite literally tripped over my feet. While I was prepared to enjoy it, I wasn't prepared for the journey I went on, and ended up devouring it in 4 hours.
After a deadly tornado rips through the sleepy Oklahoma town where Lily and Dean call home, all that's left behind is pain. Not knowing how to cope, Dean runs and leaves Lily when she needs him most. Fast forward 4 years, Dean returns home to fix the relationships he'd abandoned, and claim the only girl he'd ever loved. But was he too late? The sweet and innocent girl Dean had left behind is gone, and the tougher and guarded woman who's taken her place isn't going to accept his love readily. And if she does, there may be an even more sinister plan to keep them apart, for good.
Sarah Dosher will take you on Dean and Lily's journey of forgiveness, trust, and acceptance, and do so with finesse. By the time you've gotten to the last page, you'll be asking yourself how you got to the end so quickly, and be begging for more.
I can't wait to see what this author has in store for my Kindle's future.
I had been eagerly awaiting the release of Haven from the Storm for weeks, and when the author gifted me with the book, I quite literally tripped over my feet. While I was prepared to enjoy it, I wasn't prepared for the journey I went on, and ended up devouring it in 4 hours.
After a deadly tornado rips through the sleepy Oklahoma town where Lily and Dean call home, all that's left behind is pain. Not knowing how to cope, Dean runs and leaves Lily when she needs him most. Fast forward 4 years, Dean returns home to fix the relationships he'd abandoned, and claim the only girl he'd ever loved. But was he too late? The sweet and innocent girl Dean had left behind is gone, and the tougher and guarded woman who's taken her place isn't going to accept his love readily. And if she does, there may be an even more sinister plan to keep them apart, for good.
Sarah Dosher will take you on Dean and Lily's journey of forgiveness, trust, and acceptance, and do so with finesse. By the time you've gotten to the last page, you'll be asking yourself how you got to the end so quickly, and be begging for more.
I can't wait to see what this author has in store for my Kindle's future.
April 20, 2013
***"That young lady has been in hell these last four years and you, Mr. Dean Haven, played a starring role."***
Sarah Dosher has certainly gained a fan. This book just sucked me in from the get go. I honestly had a very hard time remembering that this book is her debut!
Liliana Grace is a tiny tornado. Small in stature, Lily has been through more in her short 18 years than most go through in their whole life. Through it all, she remains (outwardly) strong.
There are so many characters that are an essential part to this story. Violet. Violet is the glue that holds this little group of friends together. Adley, Derek, Red....they're all just so important, whether their part is big or small.
Then there's Dean Haven...Dean is Lily's haven from the storm in so many ways.
"our souls belong tongether and we will never be completely whole without each other."
Yes, Dean has done things he regrets but haven't we all. He's there to right a wrong.
"we belong to each other and no one is going to take you away from me again..." but, "sometimes loving someone just wasn't enough."
I absolutely love all the little substories in this book and the different ways that all the characters interact. I can't wait to read book 2!
Sarah Dosher has certainly gained a fan. This book just sucked me in from the get go. I honestly had a very hard time remembering that this book is her debut!
Liliana Grace is a tiny tornado. Small in stature, Lily has been through more in her short 18 years than most go through in their whole life. Through it all, she remains (outwardly) strong.
There are so many characters that are an essential part to this story. Violet. Violet is the glue that holds this little group of friends together. Adley, Derek, Red....they're all just so important, whether their part is big or small.
Then there's Dean Haven...Dean is Lily's haven from the storm in so many ways.
"our souls belong tongether and we will never be completely whole without each other."
Yes, Dean has done things he regrets but haven't we all. He's there to right a wrong.
"we belong to each other and no one is going to take you away from me again..." but, "sometimes loving someone just wasn't enough."
I absolutely love all the little substories in this book and the different ways that all the characters interact. I can't wait to read book 2!
April 7, 2013
2.5 stars. This is a book that tries really hard to be inspirational and deep and uplifting but it comes across as kind of cheesy.
The author throws so much darkness, misery and pain at the h so that we can witness her rise above it and find her happiness. As readers we are to be enriched by her victory and through quotes (many from the author herself) that begin each chapter and also by an animal that seems to be reincarnated.
The h is "strong" but really asserts herself by standing up to the H when he falters and shits on her, and again when she decides to stand up to her abusive father so that she can save those around her (a bit too late.) It all seemed Lifetime Movie Special where everything comes across as exaggerated in an attempt to try and milk as much emotion as possible.
The author sees the h as strong. I disagree. In her dealings with the H there is some strength but the author appears to want her to be celebrated by how she has dealt with the abuse in her life but I found myself annoyed instead and didn't buy into her "strength" at all.
One aspect that I did appreciate was the character that acted as the reader's voice, so when the H is being stupid this character curses him out on our behalf.
The author throws so much darkness, misery and pain at the h so that we can witness her rise above it and find her happiness. As readers we are to be enriched by her victory and through quotes (many from the author herself) that begin each chapter and also by an animal that seems to be reincarnated.
The h is "strong" but really asserts herself by standing up to the H when he falters and shits on her, and again when she decides to stand up to her abusive father so that she can save those around her (a bit too late.) It all seemed Lifetime Movie Special where everything comes across as exaggerated in an attempt to try and milk as much emotion as possible.
The author sees the h as strong. I disagree. In her dealings with the H there is some strength but the author appears to want her to be celebrated by how she has dealt with the abuse in her life but I found myself annoyed instead and didn't buy into her "strength" at all.
One aspect that I did appreciate was the character that acted as the reader's voice, so when the H is being stupid this character curses him out on our behalf.
March 21, 2013
I give Haven From the Storm 4.5 stars.
I was given is book as an ARC from the author to read and post a review. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but what I got was blown away.
Sarah Dosher did a phenomenal job on her debut novel, I can't wait to see what else this talented author come up with.
Lily Grace is a girl who is robbed of everything she's every known and forced to roll with the punches. She takes what life throws at her and never complains or asks for help.
Dean Haven skips town to escape his past. Little does he know that the past will always come back to haunt you. When Dean comes back to town, he doesn't get the homecoming he was hoping for but doesn't give up.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, Sarah did a great job with character development and story line. I was sucked in from the first chapter and I couldn't put it down. I was on the edge of my seat to find out what happened next.
I highly recommend Haven From the Storm!
I was given is book as an ARC from the author to read and post a review. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but what I got was blown away.
Sarah Dosher did a phenomenal job on her debut novel, I can't wait to see what else this talented author come up with.
Lily Grace is a girl who is robbed of everything she's every known and forced to roll with the punches. She takes what life throws at her and never complains or asks for help.
Dean Haven skips town to escape his past. Little does he know that the past will always come back to haunt you. When Dean comes back to town, he doesn't get the homecoming he was hoping for but doesn't give up.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, Sarah did a great job with character development and story line. I was sucked in from the first chapter and I couldn't put it down. I was on the edge of my seat to find out what happened next.
I highly recommend Haven From the Storm!
April 27, 2013
Sometimes a book comes along that really touches your heart. That really draws out deep emotions. This was one of those books for me.
Lily lost everything in a tornado. Her mom and brother were killed. And the love of her life, who happens to be her brothers best friend, ran when she needed his support the most. Four years later, she's barely surviving thanks to heartache and an abusive father. And the last person she expects to come back into her life is Dean.
Dean and Lily have been through hell and back together. But after four years apart, they realize that they need each other to be able to move past the hurt and loss in their lives. Once they realize they're the key to each others happiness, there is nothing that can keep them apart. Such a great story about overcoming everything that is hard in life.
Lily lost everything in a tornado. Her mom and brother were killed. And the love of her life, who happens to be her brothers best friend, ran when she needed his support the most. Four years later, she's barely surviving thanks to heartache and an abusive father. And the last person she expects to come back into her life is Dean.
Dean and Lily have been through hell and back together. But after four years apart, they realize that they need each other to be able to move past the hurt and loss in their lives. Once they realize they're the key to each others happiness, there is nothing that can keep them apart. Such a great story about overcoming everything that is hard in life.
April 28, 2013
This is one impressive and emotionally written ride this author takes us on. Lily is a survivor and she learns much more about living life than just surviving. She has lost everything and it just keeps getting worse, but she finds out that she has more support from the people around her than she ever thought possible. Most importantly, she finds the love of her life and she learns to stand on her own two feet.
Dean made mistakes with those that he loved most and he is back in town to fix that but he quickly realizes that he did more damage than he thought and gaining trust is easier said than done.
This is Lily's and Dean's journey and we should all take a lesson from her about strength. I highly recommend this fairly quick read. Well worth the time.
Dean made mistakes with those that he loved most and he is back in town to fix that but he quickly realizes that he did more damage than he thought and gaining trust is easier said than done.
This is Lily's and Dean's journey and we should all take a lesson from her about strength. I highly recommend this fairly quick read. Well worth the time.
April 15, 2013
Haven from the storm.
This book had some amazing qualities.
I absolutely loved Lily and Dean, Ms Dosher has the talent to bring her characters to life.
I was breathless for most of this book, the theme is not one that can be written lightly.
A heart wrenching, emotional, raw book. I just wanted to keep turning the pages to see what was going to happen next.
I went from hope and happiness to sadness and back again.
Lily is a beautiful soul who has had nothing but pain in her life, I just wanted to give her a big hug.
Dean is utterly swoon worthy.
Adley made me smile alot.
I was given this book as a gift for review and wouldn't hesitate to buy it and tell others to read it.
5/5 stars
This book had some amazing qualities.
I absolutely loved Lily and Dean, Ms Dosher has the talent to bring her characters to life.
I was breathless for most of this book, the theme is not one that can be written lightly.
A heart wrenching, emotional, raw book. I just wanted to keep turning the pages to see what was going to happen next.
I went from hope and happiness to sadness and back again.
Lily is a beautiful soul who has had nothing but pain in her life, I just wanted to give her a big hug.
Dean is utterly swoon worthy.
Adley made me smile alot.
I was given this book as a gift for review and wouldn't hesitate to buy it and tell others to read it.
5/5 stars
March 20, 2013
Spoiler alert: I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC of Haven from the Storm and I loved every minute of it! Sarah Dosher has a way of connecting with the reader in the most genuine way. I felt a mix of emotions while reading this book, all of which were brought out by the authors amazing dialogue! Then in walks Dean…and my heart skipped a beat. He is strong, compassionate and remorseful. He loved Lily and you could tell from the moment he opened his sexy mouth. I would/WILL highly recommend this book to everyone…speaking of that; instead of reading this review…head on over and purchase your copy!
April 22, 2013
"Our souls belong together and we will never be completely whole without each other."
Wow. This book is an amazing example of the power of mistakes, anger, fear, forgiveness, and love. Sarah Dosher takes her reader on a full out ride that covers the full range of emotions. She gives us everything that makes a book great. Flawed characters, innocent victims, strong women, comic relief, and villains that are identifiable and yet make you want to punch them in the face. I'm definitely a new fan and can't wait to read the next book.
Wow. This book is an amazing example of the power of mistakes, anger, fear, forgiveness, and love. Sarah Dosher takes her reader on a full out ride that covers the full range of emotions. She gives us everything that makes a book great. Flawed characters, innocent victims, strong women, comic relief, and villains that are identifiable and yet make you want to punch them in the face. I'm definitely a new fan and can't wait to read the next book.
April 4, 2013
I've been waiting on this book for sometime now and I must say my emotions went on an adventure with me while reading HftS.
Lilly & Dean's journey was sometimes hard to bear...especially Lilly's. I loved Adley and her mouth LOL Granda Violet should be everyone's grandma. Such a solid character and someone I can totally relate too.
Without giving too much away....this book was a very heart-warming story of true love, heart-ache, strong wills and determination.
Lilly & Dean's journey was sometimes hard to bear...especially Lilly's. I loved Adley and her mouth LOL Granda Violet should be everyone's grandma. Such a solid character and someone I can totally relate too.
Without giving too much away....this book was a very heart-warming story of true love, heart-ache, strong wills and determination.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews