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Black Sheep
Luke’s world is about to be turned upside down when an innocent inquiry unlocks a past he thought he’d left behind, buried in the depths of hell. With every step forward, he risks falling deeper into the darkness of his childhood memories. Will Luke be able to rise above the shadows? Or will they bury him in the rubble of his past?
Throughout his childhood, Luke was an outcast; alone and unloved, spending years struggling to survive. Just as he’s on the verge of breaking free, he has a hunch his mother Jane is keeping a secret that could shatter everything he’s worked so hard to overcome.
Filled with doubts but hopeful that he can escape his past, Luke embarks on a journey, searching for the happiness he has been denied.
Fiercely determined to exorcise his demons, can Luke face the truth without losing himself as he fights for his freedom? Or will the past destroy him for good?
Black Sheep is a story of perseverance, resilience, optimism in the midst of adversity, buried secrets, and a man’s fight to escape his haunted childhood memories.
Throughout his childhood, Luke was an outcast; alone and unloved, spending years struggling to survive. Just as he’s on the verge of breaking free, he has a hunch his mother Jane is keeping a secret that could shatter everything he’s worked so hard to overcome.
Filled with doubts but hopeful that he can escape his past, Luke embarks on a journey, searching for the happiness he has been denied.
Fiercely determined to exorcise his demons, can Luke face the truth without losing himself as he fights for his freedom? Or will the past destroy him for good?
Black Sheep is a story of perseverance, resilience, optimism in the midst of adversity, buried secrets, and a man’s fight to escape his haunted childhood memories.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2025
3 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 26, 2025
This book was tough on my heart in a lot of ways, I went in blind not having read the other two books by this author. It’s an emotional story of loneliness and pain that will tug at your heartstrings.
It is a character-driven book. It’s told from two perspectives: Luke, the ‘black sheep’ of the family, and Jane, his mother. One thing I often thought while reading this story was that it can be difficult to understand a person’s behavior, but that you also haven’t walked in their shoes. Something I always try my best to remember.
‘…sometimes the hardest part of the journey is believing you're worth the trip.’ 🧡
If you enjoy a coming-of-age story that focuses on resilience and a longing to be loved, this is the book for you. It does cover some very heavy topics to be aware of, but it is also hopeful as well. It contains a small amount of strong profanity, here and there.
One of my very favorite parts of the book was Luke’s relationship with his sweet dog Marmalade. She was the only joy in his life for so many years. Pets can give so much love and become beloved members of our family.
It is a character-driven book. It’s told from two perspectives: Luke, the ‘black sheep’ of the family, and Jane, his mother. One thing I often thought while reading this story was that it can be difficult to understand a person’s behavior, but that you also haven’t walked in their shoes. Something I always try my best to remember.
‘…sometimes the hardest part of the journey is believing you're worth the trip.’ 🧡
If you enjoy a coming-of-age story that focuses on resilience and a longing to be loved, this is the book for you. It does cover some very heavy topics to be aware of, but it is also hopeful as well. It contains a small amount of strong profanity, here and there.
One of my very favorite parts of the book was Luke’s relationship with his sweet dog Marmalade. She was the only joy in his life for so many years. Pets can give so much love and become beloved members of our family.
March 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
♥ Happy Pub Day ♥
After reading and absolutely devouring “Just Jonathan” and “Deadly Vendetta”, I honestly was not expecting to love “Black Sheep” even more than those two - but oh my gosh, was i wrong?!
I highly recommend reading the first two books to get more of an idea on Luke, because i absolutely loved him in the previous books. I was so excited when Donna reached out with a third book - and Luke’s coming of age story!
I have been a fan of this author since the beginning and will keep doing it, “Black Sheep” had me invested from the very beginning and kept my interest throughout the whole book.
Let me start off by saying, Luke has always been my favorite character. It was such a bittersweet being able to read a story where we get to see more of him and what shaped him to be the person he is now. I absolutely adored him and may or may not have shed some tears (hint: have some tissues in hand.)
This story itself is told through the “black sheep” aka Luke and his mother, Jane. You get a bit of both and it was so tear-jerking reading about Luke’s childhood and his loneliness.
I absolutely love how this author does such a great job at portraying real and authentic characters with such emotional and personal growth. Luke felt so relatable, you just couldn’t stop caring for him throughout.
I have really needed a coming-of-age story lately, and this book was the perfect story! I absolutely adored it with my whole heart. It was a roller coaster of emotions for sure, but it all came back in a circle and i loved it so much!
✨Happy Pub Day to Black Sheep and thank you so much Donna Scuvotti for having me as an ARC reader! Thank you for writing such a beautiful story and beautiful character in Luke!
♥ Happy Pub Day ♥
After reading and absolutely devouring “Just Jonathan” and “Deadly Vendetta”, I honestly was not expecting to love “Black Sheep” even more than those two - but oh my gosh, was i wrong?!
I highly recommend reading the first two books to get more of an idea on Luke, because i absolutely loved him in the previous books. I was so excited when Donna reached out with a third book - and Luke’s coming of age story!
I have been a fan of this author since the beginning and will keep doing it, “Black Sheep” had me invested from the very beginning and kept my interest throughout the whole book.
Let me start off by saying, Luke has always been my favorite character. It was such a bittersweet being able to read a story where we get to see more of him and what shaped him to be the person he is now. I absolutely adored him and may or may not have shed some tears (hint: have some tissues in hand.)
This story itself is told through the “black sheep” aka Luke and his mother, Jane. You get a bit of both and it was so tear-jerking reading about Luke’s childhood and his loneliness.
I absolutely love how this author does such a great job at portraying real and authentic characters with such emotional and personal growth. Luke felt so relatable, you just couldn’t stop caring for him throughout.
I have really needed a coming-of-age story lately, and this book was the perfect story! I absolutely adored it with my whole heart. It was a roller coaster of emotions for sure, but it all came back in a circle and i loved it so much!
✨Happy Pub Day to Black Sheep and thank you so much Donna Scuvotti for having me as an ARC reader! Thank you for writing such a beautiful story and beautiful character in Luke!
March 6, 2025
I had the privilege to do an ARC read of Black Sheep, and let me tell you, this book was everything I wanted it to be, and more! From the opening pages, I was immediately sucked back into the world and life of Luke, who was one of my favorite characters from the first two books, “Just Jonathan” and “Deadly Vendetta”. I was so invested in finally learning what made him who he is today. His backstory is full of emotion. I found myself tearing up and getting angry multiple times. I wished I could just reach into the book and give child Luke a big hug. Tell him that everything will be alright, and to keep pushing forward.
Then there was Jane, Luke’s mother. I’ll be honest, I hated her as soon as she made her first appearance and said her first line of dialogue. But then strangely enough, I found myself loving her a moment later. Her character is so complex, and I enjoyed it so much! My feelings about her constantly shifted back and forth as the story progressed. Such a rollercoaster of emotions with her! And the chapters that were in her perspective? They were some of my favorite moments to read. If the entire book was from her perspective, I wouldn’t complain one bit!
By the end of this emotional story, I was clapping. Talk about a beautifully done, perfect full circle moment! The ending made me want to jump back to where this all started with the first book, “Just Jonathan”.
Thank you Donna for taking me on a wild adventure across all three books in this series. This is a story that I won’t soon forget, and I highly recommend the entire series!
Then there was Jane, Luke’s mother. I’ll be honest, I hated her as soon as she made her first appearance and said her first line of dialogue. But then strangely enough, I found myself loving her a moment later. Her character is so complex, and I enjoyed it so much! My feelings about her constantly shifted back and forth as the story progressed. Such a rollercoaster of emotions with her! And the chapters that were in her perspective? They were some of my favorite moments to read. If the entire book was from her perspective, I wouldn’t complain one bit!
By the end of this emotional story, I was clapping. Talk about a beautifully done, perfect full circle moment! The ending made me want to jump back to where this all started with the first book, “Just Jonathan”.
Thank you Donna for taking me on a wild adventure across all three books in this series. This is a story that I won’t soon forget, and I highly recommend the entire series!
June 29, 2025
"Black Sheep" by Donna Scuvotti
🦮This book is one of the most heart-warming and heartbreaking novels that I've recently read.
🦮The Plot: We follow a man named Luke as he tells the story of his life. Since early childhood, Luke has been an outcast in his own family. No matter how hard he tries to understand why, he fails. Meanwhile, life continues to burden him with suffering, challenges, and harsh events that often seem unbearable. Desperately searching for the truth in hopes of gaining freedom, Luke fights fiercely with his inner demons and manages to preserve the inner light that also illuminates the lives of many around him.
🦮The Writing Style: I knew Donna Scuvotti was a master of brilliant page-turners and tearjerkers, but Black Sheep (the prequel to Just Jonathan) exceeded all my expectations! The novel is deeply psychological and emotional. The pace is fast, the plot is twisty, and it's filled with dazzling portrayals of the characters' inner torment. Despite the many heartbreaking scenes, the story remains hopeful and inspiring. I savored every single chapter and couldn't get enough. Black Sheep is a vivid, multilayered, and mesmerizing novel—solid, impactful, and deeply resonant. It dropped a massive anchor into my bookish heart, leaving me reflecting on many things long after I turned the last page.
🦮The Characters: The cast of characters may be small, but each one is truly memorable. Even though it's a work of fiction, it felt like I was reading a true-based story. The supporting characters endearingly surround the perfectly portrayed protagonist — a powerful example of a strong male character who goes through hell and keeps going. The animal characters are so adorably and tenderly depicted that my heart started melting from the very first lines.
✨The Fave Quote: "Love means never having to say you're sorry."
🥰Would I read other books by this author: Absolutely yes!
✨My humble rating is: 5.5/5
🥰I gave "Black Sheep" by Donna Scuvotti my highest, humble rating, just because I fell in love with Luke's story from the first lines. The novel amazed me with its depth, wisdom, hope, kindness, love, and striving for a happy life no matter what.
"Black Sheep" by Donna Scuvotti is available on Amazon.
😊I do hope you'll enjoy reading this book as much as I did.
🙏🏼Anyway, thank you for dropping by and reading this post!
🫶🏼Stay safe, take care, and happy reading!
🦮This book is one of the most heart-warming and heartbreaking novels that I've recently read.
🦮The Plot: We follow a man named Luke as he tells the story of his life. Since early childhood, Luke has been an outcast in his own family. No matter how hard he tries to understand why, he fails. Meanwhile, life continues to burden him with suffering, challenges, and harsh events that often seem unbearable. Desperately searching for the truth in hopes of gaining freedom, Luke fights fiercely with his inner demons and manages to preserve the inner light that also illuminates the lives of many around him.
🦮The Writing Style: I knew Donna Scuvotti was a master of brilliant page-turners and tearjerkers, but Black Sheep (the prequel to Just Jonathan) exceeded all my expectations! The novel is deeply psychological and emotional. The pace is fast, the plot is twisty, and it's filled with dazzling portrayals of the characters' inner torment. Despite the many heartbreaking scenes, the story remains hopeful and inspiring. I savored every single chapter and couldn't get enough. Black Sheep is a vivid, multilayered, and mesmerizing novel—solid, impactful, and deeply resonant. It dropped a massive anchor into my bookish heart, leaving me reflecting on many things long after I turned the last page.
🦮The Characters: The cast of characters may be small, but each one is truly memorable. Even though it's a work of fiction, it felt like I was reading a true-based story. The supporting characters endearingly surround the perfectly portrayed protagonist — a powerful example of a strong male character who goes through hell and keeps going. The animal characters are so adorably and tenderly depicted that my heart started melting from the very first lines.
✨The Fave Quote: "Love means never having to say you're sorry."
🥰Would I read other books by this author: Absolutely yes!
✨My humble rating is: 5.5/5
🥰I gave "Black Sheep" by Donna Scuvotti my highest, humble rating, just because I fell in love with Luke's story from the first lines. The novel amazed me with its depth, wisdom, hope, kindness, love, and striving for a happy life no matter what.
"Black Sheep" by Donna Scuvotti is available on Amazon.
😊I do hope you'll enjoy reading this book as much as I did.
🙏🏼Anyway, thank you for dropping by and reading this post!
🫶🏼Stay safe, take care, and happy reading!
March 11, 2025
If you’ve read Just Jonathan and Deadly Vendetta, then just like most readers, you would have felt a connection with Luke. A well written, heart warming side character, who grows more and more as the story goes.
What’s clever with this prequel is that even though it doesn’t have the same ‘thriller’ tone as the first book, it still manages to keep the charm of the sort of ‘coming of age’ story as JJ.
Luke has not had it life easy from the very moment of conception, and it seemed like any kind of forces were always stacked against him, by no fault of his own.
As you glide through the chapters of his early life, you know something is missing- or technically, was never there.
Everytime you think he’s found a new path or outlet for his isolation, life just comes with another bang. (This is why I’ve been quiet about where I was in the book Donna, because it was hitting hard).
I am happy to say that there is well placed and much needed moments of levity throughout, and some very interesting use of perspective too.
It was an honour to be an ARC reader for Black Sheep, and very happy to say it’s my favourite.
Release date is March 19th, so get that preorder in now, and check out Just Jonathan and Deadly Vendetta too… which also gets a cheeky nod to in this.
March 19, 2025
"...sometimes the hardest part of the journey is believing you're worth the trip."
"There comes a time in one's life that you have to stop trying to please others. Let them doubt you, but don't ever doubt yourself."
My eyes are swollen but my heart is full. When I finished reading the heartbreakingly beautiful coming of age Black Sheep, by emotionally draining, gets it right every time, independent author, Donna Scuvotti, I hugged the book to my heart cherishing every word written with pure love and determination.
In her first two books, Just Jonathan and Deadly Vendetta, we met Luke as an animal loving, recovering alcoholic introvert loner. He becomes a protector, father figure and best friend to the lonely 13 year old Jonathan as they forged a life against violence and injustice. In this prequel, we don't just learn his story but feel every pain, abuse, and loss. But, oh my goodness, the glimpses of love, joy and friendship are breathtaking in their innocent wonder.
Luke suffers an horrendous emotionally torturous childhood only softened by the love of his constant campion, Marmalade, the perfect golden retriever. His strength as a child, to persevere, to escape the pain, is nothing short of heroic. As a young adult finding true love, struggling with alcoholism to dull his pain and surviving the Gulf War, he holds on as life's unfair twists and turns try to throw him off...until he meets just Jonathan and finds his family.
Black Sheep is easily a standalone award-worthy contemporary literary work of fiction. If you haven't read the previous books this is the perfect way into them. In fact reading it first will add to the joy of meeting Luke down the road in the other books. If you read no other book I review, please read this one.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.All opinions are my own.
"There comes a time in one's life that you have to stop trying to please others. Let them doubt you, but don't ever doubt yourself."
My eyes are swollen but my heart is full. When I finished reading the heartbreakingly beautiful coming of age Black Sheep, by emotionally draining, gets it right every time, independent author, Donna Scuvotti, I hugged the book to my heart cherishing every word written with pure love and determination.
In her first two books, Just Jonathan and Deadly Vendetta, we met Luke as an animal loving, recovering alcoholic introvert loner. He becomes a protector, father figure and best friend to the lonely 13 year old Jonathan as they forged a life against violence and injustice. In this prequel, we don't just learn his story but feel every pain, abuse, and loss. But, oh my goodness, the glimpses of love, joy and friendship are breathtaking in their innocent wonder.
Luke suffers an horrendous emotionally torturous childhood only softened by the love of his constant campion, Marmalade, the perfect golden retriever. His strength as a child, to persevere, to escape the pain, is nothing short of heroic. As a young adult finding true love, struggling with alcoholism to dull his pain and surviving the Gulf War, he holds on as life's unfair twists and turns try to throw him off...until he meets just Jonathan and finds his family.
Black Sheep is easily a standalone award-worthy contemporary literary work of fiction. If you haven't read the previous books this is the perfect way into them. In fact reading it first will add to the joy of meeting Luke down the road in the other books. If you read no other book I review, please read this one.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.All opinions are my own.
April 12, 2025
Long after turning the final page, my heart is still aching from this deeply emotional, heart-wrenching coming-of-age story.
From a very early age, Lucas has faced more misfortune than anyone should ever have to endure, yet somehow, he continues to rise. Again and again, he pulls himself from the wreckage of life’s blows, determined to find his footing. The gut-punching twists are relentless, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. Just when you think Lucas has finally caught a break, fate deals him another cruel hand.
What makes Black Sheep stand out is how intimately it’s written. It reads like a memoir, drawing you so close to Lucas that you feel every moment of his pain, hope, and heartbreak. It’s a beautifully told journey of a son whose love is rejected, of true love found and lost—but most of all, it’s about a young man with so much love to give and no clear place to put it, except on the only creatures he can count on—his loyal dogs. And just when resignations finally sets in, a precious and unexpected gift turns his life around.
I’ve learned this is a prequel to the author’s previous two books, and I’m eager to dive into those next. Lucas’ story has left its mark—I need to know where life takes him from here.
From a very early age, Lucas has faced more misfortune than anyone should ever have to endure, yet somehow, he continues to rise. Again and again, he pulls himself from the wreckage of life’s blows, determined to find his footing. The gut-punching twists are relentless, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. Just when you think Lucas has finally caught a break, fate deals him another cruel hand.
What makes Black Sheep stand out is how intimately it’s written. It reads like a memoir, drawing you so close to Lucas that you feel every moment of his pain, hope, and heartbreak. It’s a beautifully told journey of a son whose love is rejected, of true love found and lost—but most of all, it’s about a young man with so much love to give and no clear place to put it, except on the only creatures he can count on—his loyal dogs. And just when resignations finally sets in, a precious and unexpected gift turns his life around.
I’ve learned this is a prequel to the author’s previous two books, and I’m eager to dive into those next. Lucas’ story has left its mark—I need to know where life takes him from here.
April 1, 2025
I absolutely loved this story and it will forever be in my heart! And I will definitely be reading it again ! Luke’s story was amazing and it was a story that consumed me! It was heartbreaking, with full on mystery that had me stressed out 😭 in the best way! And I couldn’t put the book down!
Quotes:
“ I liked to think I was badass and showed determination and resilience, but, ultimately, I was a beaten and broken shell.”
(YOU KNOW WHAT! Same……. I feel this) 😩
Donna has a way with words and telling a story! I am so proud to be apart of her ARC team! Because all of her books just speaks to me! With that! MY ARC COPY OF BLACK SHEEP GOES ON MY 5 star ⭐️ wall shelves! Love love love ! 😭
Quotes:
“ I liked to think I was badass and showed determination and resilience, but, ultimately, I was a beaten and broken shell.”
(YOU KNOW WHAT! Same……. I feel this) 😩
Donna has a way with words and telling a story! I am so proud to be apart of her ARC team! Because all of her books just speaks to me! With that! MY ARC COPY OF BLACK SHEEP GOES ON MY 5 star ⭐️ wall shelves! Love love love ! 😭
March 31, 2025
Luke could have been that sorry person most people pass quickly on the street, guiltily averting their eyes from the sight of someone else’s misfortune. Luke could have been that bitter person who makes everyone he comes in contact with feel uneasy and bad about themselves.
Luke could have been a failure.
And in a sense, he is. Even though he didn’t give up the countless times he could have dropped hope and sunk into oblivion, life kept throwing hardships at him. Even though he moved forward clinging to the tiny sliver of hope he somehow managed to keep intact in his soul, life continued its attempts to crush him.
Still, he has survived. If it can be said that Luke has thrived remains for every reader to determine themselves. Yet, one thing is absolutely certain. Luke has done something worthy with his life, despite it presenting him with more curveballs than even the strongest person could endure taking.
“Black Sheep” is a kind of ‘memoir’ of the character whom those who enjoyed the author’s books “Just Jonathan” and “Deadly Vendetta” fell in love with. Luke, in a way, ‘outshines’ the main character, making readers crave to learn more about him. I am one of those readers with whom Luke’s character resonated on many levels, so I am grateful to the author for writing his story.
Donna Scuvotti takes us on the journey of Luke’s life, which proves to be a voyage through stormy waters. With every chapter, as we navigate first through his grim childhood and then his tumultuous youth, the author tears piece after piece from our hearts. With every new episode of Luke’s life, we delve deeper into his soul, and soon, he becomes a human being rather than a book character.
Along with desperately wishing Luke to succeed, find happiness and get rid of his demons, I contemplated what helped him to keep going. So many people give up after even one of the tremendous hardships Luke had to endure in his life. Yet, some don’t let the blows, no matter how harsh, destroy them. I think that the reason is an inner core built around decency and kindness. One is able to go through terrible things without losing hope, enthusiasm and interest in life if there is something that keeps one together. Hate, anger, and bitterness tear a person apart, while kindness helps heal the cracks.
“Black Sheep” by Donna Scuvotti addresses issues we as a society tend to overlook. It gets more pronounced as the progress pulls us out of the ‘herd’ and turns us into individualists. As the need for other people in our survival and well-being lessens, we become more prejudiced. Being wrapped up in our own ‘box,’ cosy and plentiful, with limitless entertainment (Internet, Netflix subscriptions, various apps, etc.), we are losing the ability to see beyond it. But the truth is that people don’t change as drastically with the progress which evolves around making our life more pleasant. We can’t miraculously get rid of addictions, mental health problems, and the necessity to love and feel loved. Thus, the book gently teaches us to be more attentive to people around us. They might be in dire need of help, or their, at first glance, ugly behaviour might stem from deep wounds they carry with them for years.
Although a real treat for everyone who loved Donna Scuvotti’s previous books, “Just Jonathan” and “Deadly Vendetta”, the book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
Luke could have been a failure.
And in a sense, he is. Even though he didn’t give up the countless times he could have dropped hope and sunk into oblivion, life kept throwing hardships at him. Even though he moved forward clinging to the tiny sliver of hope he somehow managed to keep intact in his soul, life continued its attempts to crush him.
Still, he has survived. If it can be said that Luke has thrived remains for every reader to determine themselves. Yet, one thing is absolutely certain. Luke has done something worthy with his life, despite it presenting him with more curveballs than even the strongest person could endure taking.
“Black Sheep” is a kind of ‘memoir’ of the character whom those who enjoyed the author’s books “Just Jonathan” and “Deadly Vendetta” fell in love with. Luke, in a way, ‘outshines’ the main character, making readers crave to learn more about him. I am one of those readers with whom Luke’s character resonated on many levels, so I am grateful to the author for writing his story.
Donna Scuvotti takes us on the journey of Luke’s life, which proves to be a voyage through stormy waters. With every chapter, as we navigate first through his grim childhood and then his tumultuous youth, the author tears piece after piece from our hearts. With every new episode of Luke’s life, we delve deeper into his soul, and soon, he becomes a human being rather than a book character.
Along with desperately wishing Luke to succeed, find happiness and get rid of his demons, I contemplated what helped him to keep going. So many people give up after even one of the tremendous hardships Luke had to endure in his life. Yet, some don’t let the blows, no matter how harsh, destroy them. I think that the reason is an inner core built around decency and kindness. One is able to go through terrible things without losing hope, enthusiasm and interest in life if there is something that keeps one together. Hate, anger, and bitterness tear a person apart, while kindness helps heal the cracks.
“Black Sheep” by Donna Scuvotti addresses issues we as a society tend to overlook. It gets more pronounced as the progress pulls us out of the ‘herd’ and turns us into individualists. As the need for other people in our survival and well-being lessens, we become more prejudiced. Being wrapped up in our own ‘box,’ cosy and plentiful, with limitless entertainment (Internet, Netflix subscriptions, various apps, etc.), we are losing the ability to see beyond it. But the truth is that people don’t change as drastically with the progress which evolves around making our life more pleasant. We can’t miraculously get rid of addictions, mental health problems, and the necessity to love and feel loved. Thus, the book gently teaches us to be more attentive to people around us. They might be in dire need of help, or their, at first glance, ugly behaviour might stem from deep wounds they carry with them for years.
Although a real treat for everyone who loved Donna Scuvotti’s previous books, “Just Jonathan” and “Deadly Vendetta”, the book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
May 8, 2025
Have you ever read a novel and thought a secondary character deserved his or her own book? That's how Black Sheep came about! After Donna Scuvotti published Just Jonathan and Deadly Vendetta, she decided to let Jonathan's best friend and stand-in father figure, Luke Travers, tell the story of his life.
Written in first person, the novel reads like a memoir, although, unlike some such books, Luke doesn't sugarcoat his life. He and the people around him have plenty of warts, and he puts them on full display.
The title comes from a conversation in which Luke's father calls him the "black sheep of the family," and the story begins when Luke is 12. He's confused about the hatefulness of his parents, but his life wasn't always bad. He remembers things going downhill after the birth of his twin brothers. The reality in his young life is that both his parents seem to hate him. His brothers get everything nice, and Luke gets whatever is left over--or nothing at all. His only comfort comes from Marmalade, his golden retriever.
The book begins and ends with Luke speaking as an old man, and in between, we experience the roller coaster ride that is Luke's life. As he grows, a few friends come and go, and he realizes he has only himself to rely on. But everything good in Luke's life seems to turn to dust, and he's left fighting demons both old and new. A few chapters are written from his mother's POV, making the reader privy to things Luke doesn't know.
Donna touches on difficult issues: the truth of some marriages, the difficulties veterans have returning to civilian life, alcoholism, and other self-destructive tendencies. But she highlights Luke's resilience and determination to succeed, and, as always in Donna's books, dogs play a big role. The ending ties in nicely with her other books, and I shed a few tears at the end of this ultimately uplifting book.
Written in first person, the novel reads like a memoir, although, unlike some such books, Luke doesn't sugarcoat his life. He and the people around him have plenty of warts, and he puts them on full display.
The title comes from a conversation in which Luke's father calls him the "black sheep of the family," and the story begins when Luke is 12. He's confused about the hatefulness of his parents, but his life wasn't always bad. He remembers things going downhill after the birth of his twin brothers. The reality in his young life is that both his parents seem to hate him. His brothers get everything nice, and Luke gets whatever is left over--or nothing at all. His only comfort comes from Marmalade, his golden retriever.
The book begins and ends with Luke speaking as an old man, and in between, we experience the roller coaster ride that is Luke's life. As he grows, a few friends come and go, and he realizes he has only himself to rely on. But everything good in Luke's life seems to turn to dust, and he's left fighting demons both old and new. A few chapters are written from his mother's POV, making the reader privy to things Luke doesn't know.
Donna touches on difficult issues: the truth of some marriages, the difficulties veterans have returning to civilian life, alcoholism, and other self-destructive tendencies. But she highlights Luke's resilience and determination to succeed, and, as always in Donna's books, dogs play a big role. The ending ties in nicely with her other books, and I shed a few tears at the end of this ultimately uplifting book.
May 1, 2025
Wow Luke’s prequel was so rough. He’s such a kind tender man in the first two books and he relates so much to Jonathan. I think his childhood is how he relates to him.
I had a bit of a slow start cause I have small kids and the beginning kind of got to me. I had to keep going though so I could understand how his life could be this way. It started to make sense but it was no less upsetting how they treated him. I am glad I did as each situation and experience shaped this character.
I appreciated that the story was told from the mother and his POV. The mom was trapped in a no win situation and they both ached for each other. I just could not fathom.
Parents in bad situations tend to take things out on children when they had nothing to do with their parents' choices. This is a good example of that.
Luke had so many opportunities and so many bright spots, that just dissolved. I feel like he probably heard the saying everything happens for a reason and hindsight is 20/20. The one constant thing in his life was his sweet dogs and later on his animals. They helped him at his lowest and helped keep him going. This is definitely a story of perseverance and resilience.
Love how it wrapped up though it circled back to the 1st and 2nd book and gave us something sweet at the end.
The writing was so descriptive. It drew you in and made you feel like you were. There were so many deep topics discussed or experienced. And luckily he did continue to seek help and treatment. Even when things seem awful and hopeless you matter to someone out there. Also, that future person that needs to meet you.
Thank you Donna for gifting me a copy of your book.
I had a bit of a slow start cause I have small kids and the beginning kind of got to me. I had to keep going though so I could understand how his life could be this way. It started to make sense but it was no less upsetting how they treated him. I am glad I did as each situation and experience shaped this character.
I appreciated that the story was told from the mother and his POV. The mom was trapped in a no win situation and they both ached for each other. I just could not fathom.
Parents in bad situations tend to take things out on children when they had nothing to do with their parents' choices. This is a good example of that.
Luke had so many opportunities and so many bright spots, that just dissolved. I feel like he probably heard the saying everything happens for a reason and hindsight is 20/20. The one constant thing in his life was his sweet dogs and later on his animals. They helped him at his lowest and helped keep him going. This is definitely a story of perseverance and resilience.
Love how it wrapped up though it circled back to the 1st and 2nd book and gave us something sweet at the end.
The writing was so descriptive. It drew you in and made you feel like you were. There were so many deep topics discussed or experienced. And luckily he did continue to seek help and treatment. Even when things seem awful and hopeless you matter to someone out there. Also, that future person that needs to meet you.
Thank you Donna for gifting me a copy of your book.
March 22, 2025
Black Sheep is in a way, a prequel to the brilliant Just Jonathan and Deadly Vendetta. However, I think this could absolutely be read as a stand alone, with its own themes, style, and genre.
An emotional journey into Luke’s past tells a coming of age story that includes a childhood of trauma, neglect, and victimisation. However, alongside this, we read about a character who remains kind, despite the adversity he has to overcome and the abuse projected onto him both via his parents and siblings. Luke is a resilient, headstrong boy who becomes a man that is grateful for the simple things in life. This story tells the now adult, Luke’s back story, and despite it being fraught with emotion, rejection, and pain — there is the power of friendship, strength, and hope.
With complexities of characters, motives for behaviour, fear of consequence, and relationship dynamics, we see how families can become hostile, abusive, and dysfunctional — and how this impacts on children and young people. But we also see a determination of character and a beautiful friendship and love between boy and animal.
Luke is the guy you root for. The underdog that can’t and won’t give up. And truly, he is someone that simply won’t allow his heart to turn black, no matter what is thrown at him. We see his journey through adulthood: love, loss, war, and addiction, and his resilience.
This novel is heartbreaking yet reaffirming and one that really does show triumph in battles.
An excellent read. Highly recommended as are Just Jonathan and Deadly Vendetta which are part of this series.
An emotional journey into Luke’s past tells a coming of age story that includes a childhood of trauma, neglect, and victimisation. However, alongside this, we read about a character who remains kind, despite the adversity he has to overcome and the abuse projected onto him both via his parents and siblings. Luke is a resilient, headstrong boy who becomes a man that is grateful for the simple things in life. This story tells the now adult, Luke’s back story, and despite it being fraught with emotion, rejection, and pain — there is the power of friendship, strength, and hope.
With complexities of characters, motives for behaviour, fear of consequence, and relationship dynamics, we see how families can become hostile, abusive, and dysfunctional — and how this impacts on children and young people. But we also see a determination of character and a beautiful friendship and love between boy and animal.
Luke is the guy you root for. The underdog that can’t and won’t give up. And truly, he is someone that simply won’t allow his heart to turn black, no matter what is thrown at him. We see his journey through adulthood: love, loss, war, and addiction, and his resilience.
This novel is heartbreaking yet reaffirming and one that really does show triumph in battles.
An excellent read. Highly recommended as are Just Jonathan and Deadly Vendetta which are part of this series.
May 17, 2025
I read and write memoir and usually only enjoy a handful of novels every year. But I’m glad I didn’t pass on this one. Author Donna Scuvotti has drawn the character of Lucas carefully and thoughtfully. His childhood was heartbreaking, and each time it appears he might find lasting happiness, it slips through his fingers.
As I understand it, this novel is the third in a series, and the main character appears in the two earlier books as a minor character. It speaks to Donna’s skill as an author that she can bring him so fully alive in this third book. Despite his losses and failures, readers will have tremendous empathy for Lucas because it’s easy to see where his pain comes from. Flawed though he is, Lucas has a kind heart. This shows up in many ways but especially through his connection to animals. Animal lovers will relate to his tender and touching bond with Marmalade, his childhood dog and the other animals in his life.
Donna shares a number of chapters from his mother’s perspective, which is unexpected twist, and this gives readers important insights into the difficult family dynamics Luke grew up with. This novel is fast-paced and moving. I love the complexity and resilience of the main character, and the details shared that help us understand Lucas’s heart and his warmth. Black Sheep is a gripping and satisfying read!
As I understand it, this novel is the third in a series, and the main character appears in the two earlier books as a minor character. It speaks to Donna’s skill as an author that she can bring him so fully alive in this third book. Despite his losses and failures, readers will have tremendous empathy for Lucas because it’s easy to see where his pain comes from. Flawed though he is, Lucas has a kind heart. This shows up in many ways but especially through his connection to animals. Animal lovers will relate to his tender and touching bond with Marmalade, his childhood dog and the other animals in his life.
Donna shares a number of chapters from his mother’s perspective, which is unexpected twist, and this gives readers important insights into the difficult family dynamics Luke grew up with. This novel is fast-paced and moving. I love the complexity and resilience of the main character, and the details shared that help us understand Lucas’s heart and his warmth. Black Sheep is a gripping and satisfying read!
April 4, 2025
Black Sheep is the kind of book that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. As a huge fan of Just Jonathon and Deadly Vendetta, I expected a gripping read—but I wasn’t prepared for just how deeply Black Sheep would sink its claws into me.
The heartbreak? Gut-wrenching. The mystery? So thick you’ll be clawing through the pages, desperate for answers. Hope, friendship, love, loss—it’s all here, woven together with such raw intensity that you’ll find yourself utterly consumed. The characters don’t just leap off the page; they invade your mind, your heart. You’ll want to shake them, scream at them—He’s just a boy, Jane! What the hell are you doing?—and maybe even send a few tumbling into a pit of fire.
And that’s the magic of this book. It feels real. Too real. The kind of story that lingers long after the final page, creeping into your thoughts at random moments, making you wonder, making you ache. It’s beautifully written, masterfully paced, and packed with enough emotional gut punches to leave you reeling.
This isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a plea. Read it. Experience it. Let Black Sheep consume you.
The heartbreak? Gut-wrenching. The mystery? So thick you’ll be clawing through the pages, desperate for answers. Hope, friendship, love, loss—it’s all here, woven together with such raw intensity that you’ll find yourself utterly consumed. The characters don’t just leap off the page; they invade your mind, your heart. You’ll want to shake them, scream at them—He’s just a boy, Jane! What the hell are you doing?—and maybe even send a few tumbling into a pit of fire.
And that’s the magic of this book. It feels real. Too real. The kind of story that lingers long after the final page, creeping into your thoughts at random moments, making you wonder, making you ache. It’s beautifully written, masterfully paced, and packed with enough emotional gut punches to leave you reeling.
This isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a plea. Read it. Experience it. Let Black Sheep consume you.
June 3, 2025
Normally, I'm not a fan of character-driven stories but I am a huge fan of Donna Scuvotti books Just Jonathan and Deadly Vendetta so I thought I would give her newest book Black Sheep a try. Wow! I was not disappointed. Luke, the main character in Black Sheep and a featured character in Scuvotti's other two books, has quite the backstory.
Luke might look good on the surface, handsome and tall, but he is damaged inside, confused, and broken-hearted because of how his family treats him. What had he done to deserve the abuse? Nothing. The reader learns in chapters devoted to his mother Jane that she has made a Sophie's Choice type bargain - something Luke doesn't know. Fortunately, Luke has Marmalade by his side - his faithful golden retriever who showers him with unconditional love igniting an internal optimism that allows Luke to navigate some of the worst moments of his life. Black Sheep follows Luke from his childhood through his marriage, the Gulf War, and his PTSD up until he meets Jonathan.
A wonderful story!
Luke might look good on the surface, handsome and tall, but he is damaged inside, confused, and broken-hearted because of how his family treats him. What had he done to deserve the abuse? Nothing. The reader learns in chapters devoted to his mother Jane that she has made a Sophie's Choice type bargain - something Luke doesn't know. Fortunately, Luke has Marmalade by his side - his faithful golden retriever who showers him with unconditional love igniting an internal optimism that allows Luke to navigate some of the worst moments of his life. Black Sheep follows Luke from his childhood through his marriage, the Gulf War, and his PTSD up until he meets Jonathan.
A wonderful story!
September 21, 2025
Black Sheep is the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading. And destroys you while reading! At least it did me. The story is a heartbreaking, but ultimately, uplifting, journey of Luke, told from two POVs, Luke and his mother’s. I’ll admit I wanted to stop reading at times, because my heart ached as I read Luke’s story, wondering how one person could endure so much pain and suffering.
Donna Scuvotti does a superb job of drawing readers in and making them experience the emotions of her characters.
But it’s not all heartache and disappointment. Luke is dogged, resilient and perseveres through unimaginable circumstances. Of course, his dogs, his constant companions throughout the book, help him navigate his tumultuous journey.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to experience a heartfelt, authentic story that elicits all the emotions.
Donna Scuvotti does a superb job of drawing readers in and making them experience the emotions of her characters.
But it’s not all heartache and disappointment. Luke is dogged, resilient and perseveres through unimaginable circumstances. Of course, his dogs, his constant companions throughout the book, help him navigate his tumultuous journey.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to experience a heartfelt, authentic story that elicits all the emotions.
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