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Flowering #1.3
Blue Rose (Alana's Story): A Flowering Novel
“Four. My life has been shaped by four people. Four men, to be more specific. My father, my stepfather, my best friend, and my boyfriend. The first two shaped it in horrible ways, but what I am, who I am, is all because of four men.”
Alana Reardon has secrets. Some of them are too dark to tell, but everyone already thinks they know anyhow. At 20, she takes too many pills, hides the parts of her that she hates, and willingly becomes the person that they think she is. A slut. A whore. Trash.
There have only been two guys who ever saw Alana as more: Jack, the guy she can’t get over, and Dave, the one who never got over her.
With the help of therapy, facing her past, and the inevitable ways that life changes without your permission, can Alana learn to stop blaming herself? Can she allow love into her life? Is she ready to move on?
Warning: This book deals with topics of abuse and may trigger reactions in people who have experienced those things in their own lives.
Alana Reardon has secrets. Some of them are too dark to tell, but everyone already thinks they know anyhow. At 20, she takes too many pills, hides the parts of her that she hates, and willingly becomes the person that they think she is. A slut. A whore. Trash.
There have only been two guys who ever saw Alana as more: Jack, the guy she can’t get over, and Dave, the one who never got over her.
With the help of therapy, facing her past, and the inevitable ways that life changes without your permission, can Alana learn to stop blaming herself? Can she allow love into her life? Is she ready to move on?
Warning: This book deals with topics of abuse and may trigger reactions in people who have experienced those things in their own lives.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2013
12 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 9, 2016
One of the most disturbing and hardest books I have ever read
The book is not something that you can expect to be read and dealt away easily as both the content and the narration is hard on your veins not that it is bad or something but the story and tragic events and the way the consequences affect one’s life can be a bit hard one to read. But the way the author has managed to bring forward the pain and the realistic nature is appreciable and if not for nothing I will give credits to the author for being one of those rare authors whose work has left a huge impact on me. Even though the impact was hugely disturbing .Listening to somebody’s pain is not easy and maybe that is why the book is also hard to read and cope.
I will give it to the author for having such a brilliant sense of narration that actually shakes up its readers and I don’t think there will be single people who cannot stand not being affected by this book and its intense characters. The book is all about watching the horror of somebody’s life and experiencing it first hand and it is not easy to do.
To read this book is not at all easy as the content is disturbing and affects one emotionally and deeply and I can only recommend it to somebody who can stand to read such hard and emotionally disturbing book.
The language, narration and characters are all well defined but it’s the nature of the story that is deeply disturbing and the book is definitely not for the weak hearts.
The book is not something that you can expect to be read and dealt away easily as both the content and the narration is hard on your veins not that it is bad or something but the story and tragic events and the way the consequences affect one’s life can be a bit hard one to read. But the way the author has managed to bring forward the pain and the realistic nature is appreciable and if not for nothing I will give credits to the author for being one of those rare authors whose work has left a huge impact on me. Even though the impact was hugely disturbing .Listening to somebody’s pain is not easy and maybe that is why the book is also hard to read and cope.
I will give it to the author for having such a brilliant sense of narration that actually shakes up its readers and I don’t think there will be single people who cannot stand not being affected by this book and its intense characters. The book is all about watching the horror of somebody’s life and experiencing it first hand and it is not easy to do.
To read this book is not at all easy as the content is disturbing and affects one emotionally and deeply and I can only recommend it to somebody who can stand to read such hard and emotionally disturbing book.
The language, narration and characters are all well defined but it’s the nature of the story that is deeply disturbing and the book is definitely not for the weak hearts.
April 28, 2014
I can sum up this book for you in a couple words: Alana, abuse,rape, Jack, sex, sex, sex, slut, beautiful, threesomes, Dave, therapy and love.
Alana is a very difficult person to relate to, she has suffered some serious abuse in her young life.
I feel like the writer was generalized a lot of teens and man, she was being bullied by everyone except her bff Jack, all older guys were hot for her, everyone guy wanted to grab her boob of have sex.
Her mother's reaction was horrible and unrealistic because most mothers would cry and talk and not trust any man in the house anymore.
She toughed of herself as a slut and behaved as one therefore. I hate abuse against woman and even though there are pigs out there, not all man are bad. I didn't like that she started to use sex as a tool for herself.
The story was disturbed but not in a realistic way that made me feel for her. In the first half of the book the words, slut, sex , jack , pretty and beautiful are repeated so many times. Alana does make some stupid decisions in her life, she was kind of obsessed with Jack. I like strong females that fight for survival, that will not be victimized but Alana chose to stay a victim by selling out herself like a piece of meat.
Alana is a very difficult person to relate to, she has suffered some serious abuse in her young life.
I feel like the writer was generalized a lot of teens and man, she was being bullied by everyone except her bff Jack, all older guys were hot for her, everyone guy wanted to grab her boob of have sex.
Her mother's reaction was horrible and unrealistic because most mothers would cry and talk and not trust any man in the house anymore.
She toughed of herself as a slut and behaved as one therefore. I hate abuse against woman and even though there are pigs out there, not all man are bad. I didn't like that she started to use sex as a tool for herself.
The story was disturbed but not in a realistic way that made me feel for her. In the first half of the book the words, slut, sex , jack , pretty and beautiful are repeated so many times. Alana does make some stupid decisions in her life, she was kind of obsessed with Jack. I like strong females that fight for survival, that will not be victimized but Alana chose to stay a victim by selling out herself like a piece of meat.
April 4, 2014
I've never read any of the flowering series and with how this book turned out I'll be sure to put the rest of the books on my TBR list. This book was unexpected. Not at all how I thought it would be, it was actually better. I couldn't help but feel bad for Alana but then again I feel like there was so much she could do to help herself and change things to make how every thing turned out differently. But then again this book wouldn't have been great as it is without her troubles. I loved how this book was written. I loved that there was back flashes to what happened to make her the way she was and how she was able to get through it all.
My only thing to say is just read at your own risk. This book isn't for some.
4.5 of 5 stars!
My only thing to say is just read at your own risk. This book isn't for some.
4.5 of 5 stars!
April 2, 2014
***I received a copy from Netgalley for my honest review***
Dark, harsh, disturbing, heartbreaking and hard to digest. Those are a few words nice words to describe Alana's story. The abuse, bullying and torture that Alana lived through and put herself through was horrific. Though reading how she grew and sought help and eventually love was creatively written. This book may not be everyone's cup of tea but it is a great read.
Dark, harsh, disturbing, heartbreaking and hard to digest. Those are a few words nice words to describe Alana's story. The abuse, bullying and torture that Alana lived through and put herself through was horrific. Though reading how she grew and sought help and eventually love was creatively written. This book may not be everyone's cup of tea but it is a great read.
May 28, 2018
This is a book that isnt for everyone. There things that happen to us to make us who we are. Then there are things that break us and it's hard to recover. Sometimes recovery never happens. This book is a gritty story that does have happiness but honestly its abuse rape and a whole lot that some people just cant handle.
Alana was born with looks. The problem? People and jealousy. There are extremely nasty people in the world and sadly nothing can be done. This girls world is ripped apart at age 11 and she never really recovers. She just is. Now at age 20 she's still broken and more than enough bad has happened that it's hard to grasp it. Hard to overcome.
It's a good story and honestly it's not going to be for everyone. Alana grows and changes and it's amazing to watch her blossom. I'm just sad it took me so long to finally read it.
Alana was born with looks. The problem? People and jealousy. There are extremely nasty people in the world and sadly nothing can be done. This girls world is ripped apart at age 11 and she never really recovers. She just is. Now at age 20 she's still broken and more than enough bad has happened that it's hard to grasp it. Hard to overcome.
It's a good story and honestly it's not going to be for everyone. Alana grows and changes and it's amazing to watch her blossom. I'm just sad it took me so long to finally read it.
November 9, 2022
Triggers
This book is full of instances where you may be triggered in reading this. It does show steps of healing, self discovery and love. It's quite emotional.
This book is full of instances where you may be triggered in reading this. It does show steps of healing, self discovery and love. It's quite emotional.
January 23, 2014
I was so surprised this book had come out today and it was on my birthday so that had me even more excited. If you don't know I'm completely in love with this series. Can't remember what made me read the first book but I'm glad I did. Jack has had my heart and is defiantly one of my favorite book boyfriends.
Blue Rose was a chance for Alana to tell her story and why she is the way she is and how she got there. We get to see right from the beginning how she had dreams and wanted so much out of life. And sadly the one person in life that is supposed to protect her was the one who stole her innocence from her. Sadly she thinks if she would had come down that night it would have never happened but it would have he was a predator. We get to see the past and the present as the story is being told. I was never lost I always knew what I was reading and actually found the book to be going by super fast. I did wonder how the kids at school found about what her father did to her? And what was the out come of him and Jimmy?
The one relationship I was really hoping we would get to see is the one with her mother I think that is the one relationship that really needed the looked at. But I'm glad that her mother found Owen I think he will be very good dad for Alana he seems to have some of his pain that he has dealt with and would be able to understand her.
Even though some of the story has been retold again in this one it still doesn't feel like the same story over and over again. We get to see how she was feeling with her emotions over Jake and was it really "love" she was feeling or something else. The one thing I wasn't happy with is I felt like we didn't get enough of her and Dave together in the present. Just seemed like one moment she was talking/thinking about him and then there he was.
So unfortunately I didn't really fall in love with them as a couple like I wanted to. Now don't get me wrong I'm not saying that I won't I just going to need more couple time with them like we did with Lily/Jake. Their story was told but we still had lot if couple if time with them.
I will still recommend this book and the series they are all great and worth the time to give a chance. Now with that being said I need for these people to get a hea they need it and they deserve it. I'm excited about the next books in the series but I'm not ready for it to end just yet.
Blue Rose was a chance for Alana to tell her story and why she is the way she is and how she got there. We get to see right from the beginning how she had dreams and wanted so much out of life. And sadly the one person in life that is supposed to protect her was the one who stole her innocence from her. Sadly she thinks if she would had come down that night it would have never happened but it would have he was a predator. We get to see the past and the present as the story is being told. I was never lost I always knew what I was reading and actually found the book to be going by super fast. I did wonder how the kids at school found about what her father did to her? And what was the out come of him and Jimmy?
The one relationship I was really hoping we would get to see is the one with her mother I think that is the one relationship that really needed the looked at. But I'm glad that her mother found Owen I think he will be very good dad for Alana he seems to have some of his pain that he has dealt with and would be able to understand her.
Even though some of the story has been retold again in this one it still doesn't feel like the same story over and over again. We get to see how she was feeling with her emotions over Jake and was it really "love" she was feeling or something else. The one thing I wasn't happy with is I felt like we didn't get enough of her and Dave together in the present. Just seemed like one moment she was talking/thinking about him and then there he was.
So unfortunately I didn't really fall in love with them as a couple like I wanted to. Now don't get me wrong I'm not saying that I won't I just going to need more couple time with them like we did with Lily/Jake. Their story was told but we still had lot if couple if time with them.
I will still recommend this book and the series they are all great and worth the time to give a chance. Now with that being said I need for these people to get a hea they need it and they deserve it. I'm excited about the next books in the series but I'm not ready for it to end just yet.
September 8, 2014
Heed the warning in the description of this book. If you do not like to read about topics like rape, suicide, adultery, abuse, etc., this book is not for you. Alana has been through more than any girl should have in just shy of a decade. She developed faster than the other girls her age which caused her to be ridiculed for being more grown up than the others her age. Unfortunately, she caught the eyes of adult men as early as eleven years old. None acted on their desires until her father took advantage of her. She was so young that she didn't know it was wrong. This became a trend in her life. She was called derogatory names that really don't apply to a rape victim, but the other kids in school didn't know the difference. How any other them learned the truth, we will never know.
Alana makes friends with Jack and Dave who have some serious problems of their own. They are the outcasts at school, but their misfortunes bring them together. Their closeness also causes them not to move forward with their lives. They latch onto each other in an unhealthy way where they dwell on their problems. Except for Dave really. He has found a way to move forward, but his love for Alana remains. It's just a question of whether that love is a healthy kind or not and whether Alana can learn to accept it for what it is. These are all issues that Alana must deal with in therapy. She finally has a therapist she likes and is making progress.
The book alternates each chapter between what happened in her past and what is currently happening. It is a book about healing and that it can be a long, miserable road. However, I found this book rather depressing. Of course it doesn't help that I was reading it when dealing with my husband's grandfather's death. Much like how Jack, Dave, and Alana being around each other causes them not to move past their problems, my depressing family death caused this book to be even more upsetting to me. This concept is why I am not crazy about things like group therapy. I think hearing about other people's problems can make you feel better if their problems are worse than yours, but it can have the opposite affect if yours are worse than theirs. I think this topic was covered in this story in a subliminal way. It's well written, but not my thing.
Alana makes friends with Jack and Dave who have some serious problems of their own. They are the outcasts at school, but their misfortunes bring them together. Their closeness also causes them not to move forward with their lives. They latch onto each other in an unhealthy way where they dwell on their problems. Except for Dave really. He has found a way to move forward, but his love for Alana remains. It's just a question of whether that love is a healthy kind or not and whether Alana can learn to accept it for what it is. These are all issues that Alana must deal with in therapy. She finally has a therapist she likes and is making progress.
The book alternates each chapter between what happened in her past and what is currently happening. It is a book about healing and that it can be a long, miserable road. However, I found this book rather depressing. Of course it doesn't help that I was reading it when dealing with my husband's grandfather's death. Much like how Jack, Dave, and Alana being around each other causes them not to move past their problems, my depressing family death caused this book to be even more upsetting to me. This concept is why I am not crazy about things like group therapy. I think hearing about other people's problems can make you feel better if their problems are worse than yours, but it can have the opposite affect if yours are worse than theirs. I think this topic was covered in this story in a subliminal way. It's well written, but not my thing.
March 9, 2014
Blue Rose – This flower is not often found in nature and because of this it has come to symbolize mystery and longing to attain the impossible.
Alana the main character in this book is truly a mystery and striving to attain what she believes to be impossible. The journey you take with Alana through her life and her struggles will bring you to tears. This story takes you through Alana trying to break down the layers that make her up to find hope, happiness, and love.
The stories in this series have been said to be depressing, and yes they are sad, and heart breaking and emotional, but they are well written, and real. These characters could be anyone you pass on the street having these struggles in their lives. Daltry brings you a story that will make break you down, and then build you up with hope.
Blue Rose these the third full novel released in the Flowering Series, the first Forget Me Not takes you through Lily’s story, Lily of the Valley, takes you from Jack’s POV through his story, and Blue Rose takes you through Alana’s story. Each story is different and adds an additional element to the growing story between the three main characters.
Part of the reason I love this book so much is because you meet Alana in present day, and then you learn more in-depth about the story it was trying to tell by flashing back for a chapter to explain the event in its entirety. It draws you, simply because it helps you to understand how our past can shape our future, and the way we see the world.
The power in Daltry’s writing is amazing and I can only imagine those who read this book, who live real lives may gain something from the events that Alana has lived through.
Alana the main character in this book is truly a mystery and striving to attain what she believes to be impossible. The journey you take with Alana through her life and her struggles will bring you to tears. This story takes you through Alana trying to break down the layers that make her up to find hope, happiness, and love.
The stories in this series have been said to be depressing, and yes they are sad, and heart breaking and emotional, but they are well written, and real. These characters could be anyone you pass on the street having these struggles in their lives. Daltry brings you a story that will make break you down, and then build you up with hope.
Blue Rose these the third full novel released in the Flowering Series, the first Forget Me Not takes you through Lily’s story, Lily of the Valley, takes you from Jack’s POV through his story, and Blue Rose takes you through Alana’s story. Each story is different and adds an additional element to the growing story between the three main characters.
Part of the reason I love this book so much is because you meet Alana in present day, and then you learn more in-depth about the story it was trying to tell by flashing back for a chapter to explain the event in its entirety. It draws you, simply because it helps you to understand how our past can shape our future, and the way we see the world.
The power in Daltry’s writing is amazing and I can only imagine those who read this book, who live real lives may gain something from the events that Alana has lived through.
April 21, 2014
4.5/5 stars. This is a courageous, well-written novel about a young woman who must come to terms with an incredibly painful past in order to find love as well as self-respect. I rarely read NA contemporaries, but I'm glad this author was brought to my attention because I found Blue Rose and Lily of the Valley to be well worth reading. Alana is an interesting person with a heartbreaking story and I was emotionally invested in seeing what happened to her.
Comments on the romance:
There is a romance, but it is not the main focus of the story. Instead, Blue Rose is about Alana's life as she sees it and her relationships with people, and in particular the four men who have impacted her the most. The romance happens only after Alana reaches a place in her emotional growth where it can happen, and readers who go into this novel expecting an immediate, clear-cut romance that is ever-present and predictable will not get that. Readers who want to know more about Alana and think the story sounds like a good one, on the other hand, may be well-rewarded.
Other comments:
The author pulls no punches here in how she deals with the subject of childhood sexual abuse (which comes up a lot in the story), and readers who would prefer not to read about that should know this book contains frank discussions of abuse and scenes which may be triggering to those who have experienced abuse of any kind. There were many scenes which made me mad, sad, uncomfortable, and a whole range of things.
Overall, I'd call Blue Rose an emotionally difficult but involving read. Once I picked it up, I couldn't stop reading for long and finished the novel quickly for its length.
Comments on the romance:
There is a romance, but it is not the main focus of the story. Instead, Blue Rose is about Alana's life as she sees it and her relationships with people, and in particular the four men who have impacted her the most. The romance happens only after Alana reaches a place in her emotional growth where it can happen, and readers who go into this novel expecting an immediate, clear-cut romance that is ever-present and predictable will not get that. Readers who want to know more about Alana and think the story sounds like a good one, on the other hand, may be well-rewarded.
Other comments:
The author pulls no punches here in how she deals with the subject of childhood sexual abuse (which comes up a lot in the story), and readers who would prefer not to read about that should know this book contains frank discussions of abuse and scenes which may be triggering to those who have experienced abuse of any kind. There were many scenes which made me mad, sad, uncomfortable, and a whole range of things.
Overall, I'd call Blue Rose an emotionally difficult but involving read. Once I picked it up, I couldn't stop reading for long and finished the novel quickly for its length.
May 26, 2014
There are a few books you will read in your life where they hook into your brain and you will be sat there not really thinking of much and all of a sudden you remember something from it and ponder on the book again… well this is one of those.
Alana was always a favorite character for me, she intrigued me from the first book…
In Lily of the Valley I felt Sarah had put her heart and soul into the writing, and it showed in all the characters, Alana included so when Blue Rose was released I was eager to read, Sarah doesn’t disappoint.
At some points I wanted to shake her and say Think – don’t do that, but in the end as Alana’s motto says ” Real life doesn’t have a happily ever after and, like I said, this is no fairy tale. But it’s a story and it’s my story…”
Sarah is among my Top Favorite authors as she writes from the soul, she writes about real life scenarios and she doesn’t sugar coat it.
This story is about the Good and the Bad that life can throw at a person you will feel for Alana and the the abuse that she went through but in the end you come away with the feeling that she is a fighter, a survivor who can love and care for a person even after the shitty start she had.
I can highly recommend this book and any of Sarah’s other books to anyone, she really is a talented author.
Alana was always a favorite character for me, she intrigued me from the first book…
In Lily of the Valley I felt Sarah had put her heart and soul into the writing, and it showed in all the characters, Alana included so when Blue Rose was released I was eager to read, Sarah doesn’t disappoint.
At some points I wanted to shake her and say Think – don’t do that, but in the end as Alana’s motto says ” Real life doesn’t have a happily ever after and, like I said, this is no fairy tale. But it’s a story and it’s my story…”
Sarah is among my Top Favorite authors as she writes from the soul, she writes about real life scenarios and she doesn’t sugar coat it.
This story is about the Good and the Bad that life can throw at a person you will feel for Alana and the the abuse that she went through but in the end you come away with the feeling that she is a fighter, a survivor who can love and care for a person even after the shitty start she had.
I can highly recommend this book and any of Sarah’s other books to anyone, she really is a talented author.
June 12, 2014
In this book in the flowering series, alana is revealed to us. Such a tragic story but beautiful as well. We see her work hard to change her fate to become who she wants to be someone who she can live with. We also see jack as a sweet boy angry but sweet as Alana shows us the past and what has helped make her who she is. Jack and Dave are the sweetest guys the ones who make Alana hopeful.
As we delve into the past we see the events that harmed Alana and we see how her and Jack are always going to be intertwined and love one another. We also see where she wishes for more and where dave comes into play.
Dave the boy that almost got away. The boy who loved Alana and didn't care about anything else. The kind boy that no matter what life handed him was sweet and understanding. And when him and Alana get together and Alana sees she loves him it is a wondrous sight. He treats her with love and respect and helps build her self esteem. He supports her and makes her see that there is hope and love.
As Alana changes so do her relationships. They become more whole and more beautiful. A wonderful story that shows us we aren't what people think unless we let it become so. A story of love and friendship and how we lose hope when things are bleakest and how one thing can change that. I hope her and Dave work out they are meant to be. He is what helps her grow and become whole again.
As we delve into the past we see the events that harmed Alana and we see how her and Jack are always going to be intertwined and love one another. We also see where she wishes for more and where dave comes into play.
Dave the boy that almost got away. The boy who loved Alana and didn't care about anything else. The kind boy that no matter what life handed him was sweet and understanding. And when him and Alana get together and Alana sees she loves him it is a wondrous sight. He treats her with love and respect and helps build her self esteem. He supports her and makes her see that there is hope and love.
As Alana changes so do her relationships. They become more whole and more beautiful. A wonderful story that shows us we aren't what people think unless we let it become so. A story of love and friendship and how we lose hope when things are bleakest and how one thing can change that. I hope her and Dave work out they are meant to be. He is what helps her grow and become whole again.
January 26, 2014
Another great read in the Flowering series. I'm not surprised! I've fallen more and more in love with this series as each book has been released.
This time, we get the point-of-view of Alana, Jack's best friend and on again - off again partner in all things sexual. In fact, Alana's entire life has revolved around sex in one way or another. We are taken back to where it all started and given a graphic play by play of the events that shaped this young girl's life. Can someone ever overcome all of the horror that Alana has dealt with?
There are tons of things that I loved about this book in particular. Even though I love Lily and Jack's story, this one hits a little closer to home for me so I could really relate to Alana. She has been used, abused, and lost any idea of self worth - but she is strong..very strong. Somehow, somewhere she has the hope to overcome, and that is very inspiring.
The panic attack scenes were very accurate and I liked reading more about her and Dave as well. Reading the other books I didn't have too much of an opinion of Alana, but seeing how her story is playing out, she has become a major character for me to watch! I can't wait to see where she goes and what her life can finally be!
This time, we get the point-of-view of Alana, Jack's best friend and on again - off again partner in all things sexual. In fact, Alana's entire life has revolved around sex in one way or another. We are taken back to where it all started and given a graphic play by play of the events that shaped this young girl's life. Can someone ever overcome all of the horror that Alana has dealt with?
There are tons of things that I loved about this book in particular. Even though I love Lily and Jack's story, this one hits a little closer to home for me so I could really relate to Alana. She has been used, abused, and lost any idea of self worth - but she is strong..very strong. Somehow, somewhere she has the hope to overcome, and that is very inspiring.
The panic attack scenes were very accurate and I liked reading more about her and Dave as well. Reading the other books I didn't have too much of an opinion of Alana, but seeing how her story is playing out, she has become a major character for me to watch! I can't wait to see where she goes and what her life can finally be!
June 5, 2014
I don’t even know how to put into words how much I loved this book or how it made me feel. Sarah Daltry has done it again! Pulling at my heart and making me think about how much I take for granted every day. The things that Alana faces and must go through make me really think about how other human beings can be so disgusting. About how many others are just trying to be normal or wish they could be anything else than what they are? How many people are wishing they could just be the normal that most of us don’t even try to be? Her story just breaks my heart and I yelled in my head and held my breath so many times. I know people can be cruel but to read about the way it makes the person feel really puts it into prospective. How many of us say things not ever considering just how it’s going to tear that person down? We “normal” people just laugh and go about our day as if nothing changes. But to hear Alana think that she is what they are saying really does break my heart, I guess after you’re told the same thing over and over you would just be that person. Alana is a beautiful girl who had dreams and I hope she can get those dreams back. She deserves to be happy, just like everyone else, if not more. I can only hope that she gets the happy ending she deserves.
April 6, 2014
This a darkly disturbing tale that sadly could be built upon real experiences. This is the side of life no one wants to know, much less experience. Alana had it thrust upon her at an age of innocence and life seemed to tumble out of control ever after. This is a story of Alana trying to regain contol and make sense of a life most of us could not imagine surviving.
This is not a story for those of weak constitutions or who have verbal triggers. It is not a story for young readers, although there are cautionary lessons here for them. It is difficult to read (emotionally) although powerfully written.
Sarah Daltry takes us on a journey into Alana's story, including her emotions and her mind. We learn about Alana's fears and her attempts to reach out for love. We see a lot of growth in her.
The format in which it is written, jumping back, forth and occasionally sideways into Alana's present and past is a difficult form to write but Sarah does it seamlessly. The reader easily follows the path.
This is not the sort of book I would normally read.
I am a much safer and milder reader. It was difficult for me to keep reading after a few dark events, but further into the story I wanted to read it all.
I was gifted a copy but these are my honest opinions.
This is not a story for those of weak constitutions or who have verbal triggers. It is not a story for young readers, although there are cautionary lessons here for them. It is difficult to read (emotionally) although powerfully written.
Sarah Daltry takes us on a journey into Alana's story, including her emotions and her mind. We learn about Alana's fears and her attempts to reach out for love. We see a lot of growth in her.
The format in which it is written, jumping back, forth and occasionally sideways into Alana's present and past is a difficult form to write but Sarah does it seamlessly. The reader easily follows the path.
This is not the sort of book I would normally read.
I am a much safer and milder reader. It was difficult for me to keep reading after a few dark events, but further into the story I wanted to read it all.
I was gifted a copy but these are my honest opinions.
April 10, 2014
I am a big time fan of this author but this book just blew me out of the water. We met Alana in Forget me Not, Alana is friends with Jake but in this book we get to hear her story and why she feels the way she does and what drives her. It was sad to read how every-time she reaches for something more she feels like she is being slapped back down by life. I also liked how the author showed that even with mental health issues sometimes it is like anything else you have to want things to change for anything to work. Alana has seen quite a few mental health professionals in her life but none of them have worked that is until she meets Melinda. Melinda isn't like her predecessors in the fact that she really listens to Alana and she is listening to more than her story she is listening to the way Alana tells it and what she isn't saying. Alana relates to this in the fact that she wants someone to really hear her and help her. The way Sara wrote this draws the reader in makes you feel that we need to listen more to the people around us because you don't know when someone is truly hurting and what you might have been able to do to help. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. you might just recognize something in yourself that you might want to take a closer look at.
May 30, 2014
I love Jack and Lilly's story. While that is a story of finding oneself and beauty and redemption, Blue Rose is devastating. We see Alana's story, Jack's best friend and ex-lover. They have a very twisted, co-dependent relationship that this book cleared up. I still like Jack and Lilly better, but Alana has her own story to tell.
Blue Rose swallowed me while, chewed me up, broke me in a million pieces and slowly built me back up. The writing in this book is truly phenomenal. Little by little we learn about Alana's tragic life and each new event that is revealed is even worse. While she is not my favorite in this series, it is the best story, in my opinion. I find that she is a bit too repetitive and focuses too much on saying she's a whore. As the book went on though, I realized that it is a part of who she is and how she sees herself. In many ways, this book hit really close to home and the way she destroyed herself and constantly engaged in self-sabotage was so sad and just compounded itself. Until she realized she was doing it to herself and ahe had a choice. It gave me a sense of pride in this character to see her build herself back up agonizingly slowly. Beautiful story with a beautiful ending.
Complimentary copy received in exchange for review
Blue Rose swallowed me while, chewed me up, broke me in a million pieces and slowly built me back up. The writing in this book is truly phenomenal. Little by little we learn about Alana's tragic life and each new event that is revealed is even worse. While she is not my favorite in this series, it is the best story, in my opinion. I find that she is a bit too repetitive and focuses too much on saying she's a whore. As the book went on though, I realized that it is a part of who she is and how she sees herself. In many ways, this book hit really close to home and the way she destroyed herself and constantly engaged in self-sabotage was so sad and just compounded itself. Until she realized she was doing it to herself and ahe had a choice. It gave me a sense of pride in this character to see her build herself back up agonizingly slowly. Beautiful story with a beautiful ending.
Complimentary copy received in exchange for review
June 21, 2014
This book in the series was a little different. Please note the warning, this book does deal with abuse and may be a trigger for some. It focuses totally on Alana, Jack's best friend, everything she has had to overcome in order to become the person she is today.
After reading all of the series, I wanted to know more about Alana. We get glimpses into her life here and there in the other stories, but you just know there is more to her story. This book is exactly what I was looking for. This book is about her healing and learning to cope with the devastating events in her life. She's tried counseling before, but this time, she has found one that just seems to click for her.
You can read this book at any point in the series, but I wouldn't read it first. I read this book before reading Orange Blossom and I think that at that point, it was just what I needed. I wouldn't have wanted to read this one before that point though but any time after would have been OK.
After reading all of the series, I wanted to know more about Alana. We get glimpses into her life here and there in the other stories, but you just know there is more to her story. This book is exactly what I was looking for. This book is about her healing and learning to cope with the devastating events in her life. She's tried counseling before, but this time, she has found one that just seems to click for her.
You can read this book at any point in the series, but I wouldn't read it first. I read this book before reading Orange Blossom and I think that at that point, it was just what I needed. I wouldn't have wanted to read this one before that point though but any time after would have been OK.
June 16, 2014
We were gifted a copy for an honest review.
Blue Rose is NOT a lovey dovey story. It's dark, disturbing, heartbreaking...those are just a few of my feelings. You will also see rape, threesome, physical abuse, substance abuse.
In this story you get to be inside of Alana's head. You get to see in her past from a child to now. Alana has had to deal with shit that no one should ever have to. She is a strong women but has been put down so much she doesn't think she is worth anything! She's trash, a slut, a whore...those are just some of the names she has been called.
I fell in love with this story from the very beginning. It was definitely a emotional roller coaster. Sarah Daltry did a terrific job in writing this story you could feel all the pain and suffering Alana was going threw!
5 Stars
~Ashley
Blue Rose is NOT a lovey dovey story. It's dark, disturbing, heartbreaking...those are just a few of my feelings. You will also see rape, threesome, physical abuse, substance abuse.
In this story you get to be inside of Alana's head. You get to see in her past from a child to now. Alana has had to deal with shit that no one should ever have to. She is a strong women but has been put down so much she doesn't think she is worth anything! She's trash, a slut, a whore...those are just some of the names she has been called.
I fell in love with this story from the very beginning. It was definitely a emotional roller coaster. Sarah Daltry did a terrific job in writing this story you could feel all the pain and suffering Alana was going threw!
5 Stars
~Ashley
January 28, 2014
This book was so beautifully written, but I wasn't surprised. Sarah does this so well. Alana lead such a tragic life. To go through the abuse she went through you understand why she behaved the way she does. If enough people call you a Whore, slut, trash etc.. You eventfully come to believe it. Her father and step-father were such monsters. You have to be so fucked in the head to do those things they did to Alana. I am so happy that Alana was able to find a therapist and start working through her problems. I hope to see more of Alana and Dave's future in other books. This story was heartbreaking, it made me angry and sad then it became heartwarming. I truly hope things work out for Alana and Dave.
February 6, 2014
Emotional Read!!!
I couldn't wait for Alana's story to come out. It was such an emotional read. Alana has been the a lot. She has been threw way more than anyone person should have to go threw. She struggles daily with all of her feelings and emotions and or the lack of them. With everything she is going threw she also is always there for Jack trying to help him cope with his as well. This book really touched my heart. With all the dark and sadness, also comes light and some happiness. I couldn't put this book down, I read it all in one sitting. I love all of the books in the Flowering Series but this one by far has truly left is mark. Another five star read for me!!! Can't wait for the next book!!! Great job Sarah Daltry!!!
I couldn't wait for Alana's story to come out. It was such an emotional read. Alana has been the a lot. She has been threw way more than anyone person should have to go threw. She struggles daily with all of her feelings and emotions and or the lack of them. With everything she is going threw she also is always there for Jack trying to help him cope with his as well. This book really touched my heart. With all the dark and sadness, also comes light and some happiness. I couldn't put this book down, I read it all in one sitting. I love all of the books in the Flowering Series but this one by far has truly left is mark. Another five star read for me!!! Can't wait for the next book!!! Great job Sarah Daltry!!!
June 8, 2014
This book was a hard book to read. I will give credit where credit is due. The author really brings us as readers into the story! She pulls us in and doesn't let you go. This book had to be hard to write, but the author does a fantastic job of keeping the story real life. Sometimes life isn't rainbows and sunshine. Sometimes its tough and traumatic. Daltry writes this book in the latter.
The characters are strong and well written. I enjoyed the read as far as continuing the series and getting to know the secondary characters. I would have like to see more from Alana and Dave together, but overall a great read. It was tough to get through but still a good read.
The characters are strong and well written. I enjoyed the read as far as continuing the series and getting to know the secondary characters. I would have like to see more from Alana and Dave together, but overall a great read. It was tough to get through but still a good read.
July 5, 2016
Dark, Difficult Read
Rape, incest, child abuse & bullying are just some of the serious and troubling issues that bombard the reader of Blue Rose. The author has no balance in the plot to provide the reader relief. The entire story is pretty much filled with Alana's internal dialogue and horrific memories. Her self-loathing and self-destructive behavior make the story unbearable to read and the ending unbelievable.
I found Blue Rose utterly depressing. Since Alana's story is not essential to Jack & Lily's story in the Flowering series, I strongly advise to skip this book.
Rape, incest, child abuse & bullying are just some of the serious and troubling issues that bombard the reader of Blue Rose. The author has no balance in the plot to provide the reader relief. The entire story is pretty much filled with Alana's internal dialogue and horrific memories. Her self-loathing and self-destructive behavior make the story unbearable to read and the ending unbelievable.
I found Blue Rose utterly depressing. Since Alana's story is not essential to Jack & Lily's story in the Flowering series, I strongly advise to skip this book.
February 21, 2014
So glad that to read more about Alana and Jack, but I cannot lie while I really liked this book, it is an rather intense and emotional read. I highly recommend this one but be prepared for an intense journey that delves into most every degree of abuse.
Warning: This book deals with topics of abuse and may trigger reactions in people who have experienced those things in their own lives. It remains a story about healing, but it's not always an easy journey.
Warning: This book deals with topics of abuse and may trigger reactions in people who have experienced those things in their own lives. It remains a story about healing, but it's not always an easy journey.
March 3, 2014
Alana's story is so raw and emotional! Sarah Daltry does an outstanding job telling the audience what has happened to Alana without glossing over it or making it pretty. She gives it to the reader as raw and real as possible. She makes the reader ache for Alana and draws you to yet another character in this series. The reader also learns more about Dave and the love that Dave and Alana have is as real as Lilly and Jack's!
April 6, 2014
This is one of my favorite series and I can't believe I somehow missed this book's release. I cried so many tears while reading this book...mostly angry and sad tears but in the end some happy ones.
My heart broke so much for Alana...I'm just so happy to see the results of her therapy brought to fruition and her finding her self worth.
I so wanted her to find someone who loved her as Jack found in Lily.
I can't wait for the next installments in this series.
My heart broke so much for Alana...I'm just so happy to see the results of her therapy brought to fruition and her finding her self worth.
I so wanted her to find someone who loved her as Jack found in Lily.
I can't wait for the next installments in this series.
Read
January 26, 2014Stunning
I finished this book in less than a day. As with Daltrys others in the Flowering series it reaches deep. I had to keep turning the pages even tho sometimes it hurt to read the words. As difficult as the issues Alana & Jack face there is hope. Is love everything? Can the right person lead us to heal? This series gives me hope.
I finished this book in less than a day. As with Daltrys others in the Flowering series it reaches deep. I had to keep turning the pages even tho sometimes it hurt to read the words. As difficult as the issues Alana & Jack face there is hope. Is love everything? Can the right person lead us to heal? This series gives me hope.
June 18, 2014
Really wantedto give this five stars , 4.5 it is only because I love jacks story that bit more. I love the flowering series and was bitting at the bit for Alana's story to be told and I wasnt dissaponted. My heart breaks so much her when finding out exactly what has happened to her, sarah nevet dissapoints with telling a story , thats seems so real and raw all can say is wow.
October 27, 2014
This book is disturbing. If has a disclaimer and rightfully so. With that said. I LOVED this book. It was heartbreaking, sad, horrific and in the end. Hopeful. I don't want to say to much and spoil it. But I did cry. I cried for past pain and present pain in my life. This was totally worth the Five Star review and then some.
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