The Smoke We Shared

by Lauren Sisley

Connor never imagined himself growing up outside of the city. But after a terminal diagnosis, drug abuse, and one bad night descend on Connor's family, he finds himself transferred to foster care in North Walton, a rural community. Determined not to plant roots in this temporary placement, Connor keeps everyone at a distance. As long as he and his mother keep a clean record, he can count on going home soon.

While he passes the time in North Walton, Connor focuses on his sketches and smokes the cigarettes he smuggled from home. Each smoke takes him back to before his father was sick.
To a time before his mother chased her ghosts.
To a time before North Walton.

In this story of addiction and loss, Connor wants to be home. He mourns the life that illness stole from him, and through some chance encounters with an elderly resident of North Walton, he begins to redefine his understanding of the term, home.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2025

Reviews

[Malia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written, accurate portrayal of the sadness connected to addiction. Connors character begins smoking with his ailing father and it ends up being the only way he feels connected to the family he once had. Excellent read.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down!

I love when characters get into your heart and this book does not disappoint. In her debut, author Lauren Sisley introduces us to Connor and we are quickly caught up in his pain and his journey of self discovery. All of the characters that we meet along the way are engaging and add depth to the story. This book not only offers a glimpse into the foster system, it also gives us a picture of life in Central Ohio. It will leave you contemplating the consequences drug abuse has on others and the importance of community in healing.

[Sam Sisley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Connor’s story is gripping right from the start. There are themes of grief, addiction, fostering, inner city and rural communities. The book interweaves Connor’s backstory with his current reality. Well written. Short chapters kept my attention.

[Allison Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring story of overcoming the pain of grief and loss. While chasing the ghosts of his past, Connor is able to mend the broken bridges he has crossed and pave a future where family can transform from the parents he lost to the strangers who welcomed him. We’re beautifully reminded through Lauren’s writing that sometimes home isn’t a place, but a feeling. And how sometimes the family that chooses you can heal the wounds left by those we have lost.

[Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like so many people, I can relate to Connor on a personal level. My cousin struggled with addiction for many years before it took his life only a few years ago. The Smoke We Shared is an amazing story. I hope to see more great things from Lauren.

[E. Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! I read the whole thing in one day on my day off. The story really draws you in.

[Abby Perdew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that the book was very engaging and well written. It tells a heart breaking story but also a story of growth!

[Aaron LaNier · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional story with some memorable characters. Made me laugh and shed a few tears.