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See You
Sometimes the promise of something is so good that it's worth having, even when you know that you can't keep it.
See You is not a romance, but it is a love story; one filled with the rawness of and risk and redemption and the dry humor that is the backbone of the South.
Emma has loved Jack since she was a little girl. But he was more than 20 years older and was raised by her grandmother, Miss Margret, so he's always been more of an uncle than anything else. He's never seen Emma as anything but a child.
Jack's been gone since Miss Margret died ten years ago, and Emma has become content with her small life in her small Alabama town, raising her daughter in the same house where both she and Jack were raised.
She tells herself that nothing is missing, but she's never been able to love anyone other than Jack.
Now Jack has come home and he has a plan. If Emma agrees to it, she knows she'll be volunteering for a pain she can't prepare for. Jack has made no secret of the fact that he'll be dead within a year. He does have one secret though, a secret he's protected for years; and that secret could change everything.
Can something be so good that it's worth allowing it to break your heart? Emma and Jack are about to find out, because this homecoming won't be anything either of them expected.
You will laugh loudly. You will cry ugly. But you will find it hard to forget Jack and Emma.
See You is not a romance, but it is a love story; one filled with the rawness of and risk and redemption and the dry humor that is the backbone of the South.
Emma has loved Jack since she was a little girl. But he was more than 20 years older and was raised by her grandmother, Miss Margret, so he's always been more of an uncle than anything else. He's never seen Emma as anything but a child.
Jack's been gone since Miss Margret died ten years ago, and Emma has become content with her small life in her small Alabama town, raising her daughter in the same house where both she and Jack were raised.
She tells herself that nothing is missing, but she's never been able to love anyone other than Jack.
Now Jack has come home and he has a plan. If Emma agrees to it, she knows she'll be volunteering for a pain she can't prepare for. Jack has made no secret of the fact that he'll be dead within a year. He does have one secret though, a secret he's protected for years; and that secret could change everything.
Can something be so good that it's worth allowing it to break your heart? Emma and Jack are about to find out, because this homecoming won't be anything either of them expected.
You will laugh loudly. You will cry ugly. But you will find it hard to forget Jack and Emma.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2014
About the author
Dawn Lee McKenna
21 books406 followersI live in small town Tennessee, with three children still at home and two grown kids just blocks away.
I am an unrepentant romantic, a caffeine addict and a true dork. I apologize for none of these.
I am an unrepentant romantic, a caffeine addict and a true dork. I apologize for none of these.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
January 7, 2015
Normally I'd steer well clear of a book that said right there in the blurb that the hero is dying of terminal cancer. Too sad! And sure, I cried buckets -- but I also laughed a lot. I fell in love with McKenna's dry wit and with her characters. Her writing made me care deeply for both the sassy Emma Lee and the love of her life, the stoic Jack. Even Miss Margret, who is present for most of the novel only as a much-loved memory, felt real.
A great debut novel! I'm looking forward to seeing what McKenna comes up with next, and would recommend See You to anyone who enjoys a well-told, moving love story.
A great debut novel! I'm looking forward to seeing what McKenna comes up with next, and would recommend See You to anyone who enjoys a well-told, moving love story.
January 22, 2015
I hardly know what to say about this book. I cried almost all the way through, yet I couldn’t put it down. Actually, I laughed almost as much as I cried. So be warned - unless you’re made of much sterner stuff than I am, you’ll need a good supply of hankies nearby while you read.
This is an extraordinary book. It’s a love story, and no, that’s not a euphemism for romance, this really is a story about love. And not your conventional couple, either. Jack was raised by his best friend’s mother, Miss Margret, and returned every year to visit her and her granddaughter, Emma Lee. When Miss Margret died, the visits stopped but now Jack’s back, and finds Emma Lee still living in the same house, and raising her own daughter. Jack has some secrets to share, but Emma has a secret of her own - she’s been in love with him since she was a child.
Now if you thought a love story between a fifty-something man and a thirty-something women might feel a little odd, don’t worry, it all feels totally natural and beautifully real. Jack and Emma are not extraordinary people, they don’t have unusual talents or great wealth or outstanding beauty. They’re just ordinary folks who live ordinary lives in an ordinary town, yet their story is anything but ordinary.
This is the author’s debut publication, but it’s as fine a piece of writing as I’ve seen anywhere. This is the south, and the dialogue and the tiny nuances of southern life are a pleasure to read, so evocative you could almost be there. Even for me, a Brit, that slow way of life wrapped itself around like a warm blanket. Here’s Jack telling the preacher there’s going to be a wedding:
Jack found Brother Fillmore out back, shooing two half-grown hogs back into their pen. He was the only man Jack had ever seen who could work outside all day and have his overalls as pressed and clean as when he’d put them on.
He was a slim man, just a bit shorter than Jack, but his dignity and bearing always made him seem larger to Jack. He had to be over eighty, though he looked much younger, and he’d lived alone since his wife had passed, back in the nineties.
He didn’t seem all that surprised at Jack’s news, but Jack didn’t recall ever seeing him surprised.
“Well, Emma’s needed a good man to give her some direction for some time,” Brother Fillmore said. “She’s not meant to go it alone.”
“Yes sir,” Jack said.
“How long have you been home, son?”
“Just a little while,” Jack said.
“You’ve not been living in sin ‘til this time, have you?”
“No sir,” Jack said. “No sinning at all.”
“Well, I’ll be pleased to join you in celebrating,” Brother Fillmore said. “I’ll need to come up with an appropriate gift.”
“No gift necessary, sir,” Jack said. “Just bring yourself; bring a dish if you like.”
Brother Fillmore pointed his cane at the smaller of the hogs he’d just penned. “That one just tore up all my Black Krim tomatoes,” he said. “I’ll bring him.”
How can you resist? Highly recommended. Five stars.
This is an extraordinary book. It’s a love story, and no, that’s not a euphemism for romance, this really is a story about love. And not your conventional couple, either. Jack was raised by his best friend’s mother, Miss Margret, and returned every year to visit her and her granddaughter, Emma Lee. When Miss Margret died, the visits stopped but now Jack’s back, and finds Emma Lee still living in the same house, and raising her own daughter. Jack has some secrets to share, but Emma has a secret of her own - she’s been in love with him since she was a child.
Now if you thought a love story between a fifty-something man and a thirty-something women might feel a little odd, don’t worry, it all feels totally natural and beautifully real. Jack and Emma are not extraordinary people, they don’t have unusual talents or great wealth or outstanding beauty. They’re just ordinary folks who live ordinary lives in an ordinary town, yet their story is anything but ordinary.
This is the author’s debut publication, but it’s as fine a piece of writing as I’ve seen anywhere. This is the south, and the dialogue and the tiny nuances of southern life are a pleasure to read, so evocative you could almost be there. Even for me, a Brit, that slow way of life wrapped itself around like a warm blanket. Here’s Jack telling the preacher there’s going to be a wedding:
Jack found Brother Fillmore out back, shooing two half-grown hogs back into their pen. He was the only man Jack had ever seen who could work outside all day and have his overalls as pressed and clean as when he’d put them on.
He was a slim man, just a bit shorter than Jack, but his dignity and bearing always made him seem larger to Jack. He had to be over eighty, though he looked much younger, and he’d lived alone since his wife had passed, back in the nineties.
He didn’t seem all that surprised at Jack’s news, but Jack didn’t recall ever seeing him surprised.
“Well, Emma’s needed a good man to give her some direction for some time,” Brother Fillmore said. “She’s not meant to go it alone.”
“Yes sir,” Jack said.
“How long have you been home, son?”
“Just a little while,” Jack said.
“You’ve not been living in sin ‘til this time, have you?”
“No sir,” Jack said. “No sinning at all.”
“Well, I’ll be pleased to join you in celebrating,” Brother Fillmore said. “I’ll need to come up with an appropriate gift.”
“No gift necessary, sir,” Jack said. “Just bring yourself; bring a dish if you like.”
Brother Fillmore pointed his cane at the smaller of the hogs he’d just penned. “That one just tore up all my Black Krim tomatoes,” he said. “I’ll bring him.”
How can you resist? Highly recommended. Five stars.
April 18, 2017
The blurb for this scared me off even though it came highly recommended. I do not like to cry ugly. I do not want to read a book where the main character is terminal.
So first off I did indeed laugh loudly and cry ugly.
When you know the character is terminal there are really only one choice the author can make that matters. Miracle cure or similar allowing MC to live or MC dies at end of book. For most of this book I did not know which way it was going to go and I was not sure which I wanted. There is something dishonest about allowing for life after making the reader cry but at the same time a reader who has been crying deserves some happiness at the end. When the part with him throwing out a shirt came along I knew what the ending would be and I think it was the right choice for this story.
There is a 24 year age gap and quasi-family relationship between Jack and Emma. this could have been creepy but it was not at all. Partly because Emma is already in her thirties and has a child. That is way different to her being 18 and him being 42. And despite being both raised by the same woman the age difference means they do not feel like siblings or otherwise related but it does give them a connection that matters.
The only thing that did not work for me was Jack's secret. It was alluded to many times and in the end was not well handled by the author. I understood why he kept it secret originally and worried about Emma's reaction but it felt contrived how long it was kept after him and Emma embark on their plan.
I really enjoyed this book and am interested in checking out this author's other works.
So first off I did indeed laugh loudly and cry ugly.
When you know the character is terminal there are really only one choice the author can make that matters. Miracle cure or similar allowing MC to live or MC dies at end of book. For most of this book I did not know which way it was going to go and I was not sure which I wanted. There is something dishonest about allowing for life after making the reader cry but at the same time a reader who has been crying deserves some happiness at the end. When the part with him throwing out a shirt came along I knew what the ending would be and I think it was the right choice for this story.
There is a 24 year age gap and quasi-family relationship between Jack and Emma. this could have been creepy but it was not at all. Partly because Emma is already in her thirties and has a child. That is way different to her being 18 and him being 42. And despite being both raised by the same woman the age difference means they do not feel like siblings or otherwise related but it does give them a connection that matters.
The only thing that did not work for me was Jack's secret. It was alluded to many times and in the end was not well handled by the author. I understood why he kept it secret originally and worried about Emma's reaction but it felt contrived how long it was kept after him and Emma embark on their plan.
I really enjoyed this book and am interested in checking out this author's other works.
February 7, 2016
5* = It was amazing.
I think that's about right for this book. It's only March and I'm already sure I won't regret my shelving it in '2015 Top 5'. I can't believe it's Dawn's debut book.
Pretty normal characters. Slightly unusual situation. Highly evocative descriptions. Earthily believable dialogue. Beautifully poignant romance. Totally gripping writing.
Read it now.
It's worth it.
I think that's about right for this book. It's only March and I'm already sure I won't regret my shelving it in '2015 Top 5'. I can't believe it's Dawn's debut book.
Pretty normal characters. Slightly unusual situation. Highly evocative descriptions. Earthily believable dialogue. Beautifully poignant romance. Totally gripping writing.
Read it now.
It's worth it.
October 8, 2016
McKenna Magic
This is by far one of the sweetest stories I have read in the past decade. Dawn Lee's slow and steady development of her characters had me alternately laughing then crying but always fully engaged. Giving me the opportunity and granting me the right to dream within her construction is a gift from the rare writer. Thank you, Ms. McKenna!
This is by far one of the sweetest stories I have read in the past decade. Dawn Lee's slow and steady development of her characters had me alternately laughing then crying but always fully engaged. Giving me the opportunity and granting me the right to dream within her construction is a gift from the rare writer. Thank you, Ms. McKenna!
May 6, 2017
What a beautiful book. Don't be put off by the blurb. It is a very accurate description. And yes I did cry ugly. Given that I choose books based on them being happy and relaxing one might think that would make me wish I had not read this book but interestingly that is not the case. I am normally put off by large age differences but not this time. There is nothing major that occurs in the book other than Jack having terminal cancer. But Jack is not wallowing in it. He decides to live the last of his life and tries to help Emma and her daughter out. Emma has a hard time accepting his help but quickly comes to understand that if she says no she won't get to spend the time with this man whom she has loves since she was a teen. This is literally her last time to get to know him and care for him even a little. And so she says yes. What follows is not a romance but a simple love story.
When a character is terminal I find I am always wondering if the author will let them die or if a cure/misdiagnosis will come to light. And then I am left wondering which option I want and which option makes sense for the story. And for the majority of this story I was indeed wondering until the scene with the shirt Jack throws out. Right after that I knew how it would end. While I think this was the right ending I thought the result was one of the few bits of writing that came across as hokey. The only other thing I was not into was the aspect about God pushing them together earlier but Jack missing the cue. Then suggesting that them being together for his final days was maybe God's way of making that up to them. I'm over simplifying but that entire line of reasoning made me itchy. But still I really liked this book and immediately went to see what else Ms. McKenna had written and was surprised to see a set of mysteries.
When a character is terminal I find I am always wondering if the author will let them die or if a cure/misdiagnosis will come to light. And then I am left wondering which option I want and which option makes sense for the story. And for the majority of this story I was indeed wondering until the scene with the shirt Jack throws out. Right after that I knew how it would end. While I think this was the right ending I thought the result was one of the few bits of writing that came across as hokey. The only other thing I was not into was the aspect about God pushing them together earlier but Jack missing the cue. Then suggesting that them being together for his final days was maybe God's way of making that up to them. I'm over simplifying but that entire line of reasoning made me itchy. But still I really liked this book and immediately went to see what else Ms. McKenna had written and was surprised to see a set of mysteries.
October 5, 2018
Great story
I loved this story and the characters were awesome I feel into this story as if I was living it that’s when I know it’s a good book
I loved this story and the characters were awesome I feel into this story as if I was living it that’s when I know it’s a good book
December 20, 2015
Good read
I enjoyed this book very much, although I was a bit disappointed in the ending. You know how the book will end very early on but I was expecting more of an emotional ending or something that being said it was a great read. I will read more books by her. I loved the way she puts you into the story. I am from Alabama ......I wish Jack had been a AU fan though...lol I giggled at the part about the Iron bowl if you are not from Alabama you have no idea how hardcore we SEC fans are about the Iron bowl. I think we are the only state that has two teams in the same division...it is an insane rivalry...seriously!!!! Get the book you will enjoy it.
I enjoyed this book very much, although I was a bit disappointed in the ending. You know how the book will end very early on but I was expecting more of an emotional ending or something that being said it was a great read. I will read more books by her. I loved the way she puts you into the story. I am from Alabama ......I wish Jack had been a AU fan though...lol I giggled at the part about the Iron bowl if you are not from Alabama you have no idea how hardcore we SEC fans are about the Iron bowl. I think we are the only state that has two teams in the same division...it is an insane rivalry...seriously!!!! Get the book you will enjoy it.
January 17, 2016
Truly Wonderful
I was expecting a simple, get what you pay for (free), pretty dumb, sappy love story. I was wrong. You will be captured from the beginning. You will continue reading just one more chapter until your eyes hurt. You will smile, laugh, CRY and pray as though the characters are people you know.
It's a great book. Please read it.
I was expecting a simple, get what you pay for (free), pretty dumb, sappy love story. I was wrong. You will be captured from the beginning. You will continue reading just one more chapter until your eyes hurt. You will smile, laugh, CRY and pray as though the characters are people you know.
It's a great book. Please read it.
January 4, 2015
The best
This is the best book I have ever read. And that is really saying something! It truly did make me cry, laugh, and scream. It played in my head like a movie as I read. I wanted to be there with them, wanted to live on that road and know them all...
This is the best book I have ever read. And that is really saying something! It truly did make me cry, laugh, and scream. It played in my head like a movie as I read. I wanted to be there with them, wanted to live on that road and know them all...
January 5, 2015
I loved it!
What a beautiful love story. This was a great book. I read it based on other people's reviews. It was very emotional for me. I'm happy I did read it. I look forward to the author's next book.
What a beautiful love story. This was a great book. I read it based on other people's reviews. It was very emotional for me. I'm happy I did read it. I look forward to the author's next book.
January 19, 2015
Say Yes to See You! I enjoyed this story of true love! Emma Lee and Jack's story was sad but it was also inspiring. The story also had a hint of faith by both characters. Ms. McKenna's writting reminds me of Nicolas Sparks. I am looking forward to reading Cricket Jar in March.
September 9, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. A bit different from my usual reading material, but I happened to like the author. "A true love story, not a romance." After I read this on Kindle, I purchased the paperback to share with friends.
October 22, 2015
Sweet love story
I thought it was a sad but uplifting book about the power of love over many obstacles. There were times when I became impatient with the repetition of Jack and Emma Lee's daily dialogue about their relationship but it was a nice story about good people.
I thought it was a sad but uplifting book about the power of love over many obstacles. There were times when I became impatient with the repetition of Jack and Emma Lee's daily dialogue about their relationship but it was a nice story about good people.
January 31, 2016
This book contained some sentences I will hold in my heart for a long time. At times I found the story a little too much of a "romance novel" but I have to say that overall it was worth the time spent reading it.
January 4, 2015
So wonderful
I love the way you right. These characters made me laugh and cry. Looking forward to many more of your books. You are very gifted.
I love the way you right. These characters made me laugh and cry. Looking forward to many more of your books. You are very gifted.
January 25, 2015
Very well written
I loved the story. I had a hard time putting it down. Very good read. Would recommend to anyone. Thank you
I loved the story. I had a hard time putting it down. Very good read. Would recommend to anyone. Thank you
May 12, 2016
This was a great down to earth, home-grown, old fashioned love story. You will cry. Don't even try not to. Lol. I loved it.
May 26, 2016
Amazing
Very good from start to finish
It Made me laugh and made me cry
Best Amazon book so far I believe
Very good from start to finish
It Made me laugh and made me cry
Best Amazon book so far I believe
June 26, 2016
Wow!
Very moving love story! Stretches the emotions, expands the boundaries of love, explores all the mixed feelings of loss. A phenomenal read!
Very moving love story! Stretches the emotions, expands the boundaries of love, explores all the mixed feelings of loss. A phenomenal read!
September 11, 2019
I have read most of Ms. McKenna's releases, especially the Fort Coast series,but this one is especially endearing. It starts with a bang, and only intensifies with each new outstanding event. One of the most endearing, and compassionate, books I have ever had the opportunity to read!!!
If there was ever a novel worthy of five stars, this on would be number one! Ms. McKenna certainly went above and beyond when she penned this compassionate storytelling masterpiece. There is compassionate family-friendly entertainment that touches the very heart, and soul, of any reader's heartstrings immediately, and throughout the entire story. If you don't she'd a tear here and there, then you are without any compassion in your entire body. I consider myself to be a pretty strong individual, but certainly didn't mind shedding a tear or two.
As always, the storylines were perfectly throughout the entire book, and the characters were compassionately selected for their assigned roles. Jack, Emma and Becca certainly will touch your heartstrings immediately, especially with their devotion to one another. Too, Ms.Margaret, definitely befitting of her role as Grandmother, most certainly touches your innermost thoughts and heartstrings.
Probably the most compassionate story I have ever had the opportunity to read, and it is without hesitation that I, most definitely, recommend this compassionately outstanding masterpiece to all readers, regardless of your desired reading preference as there is certain venue for everyone, specifically those of you that enjoy and outstanding love story unfolding throughout the entire book. Failure to follow this group of individuals throughout their daily routine will, without any doubt be your literary loss¡!!!! Outstanding performances!😀😀😀😀
If there was ever a novel worthy of five stars, this on would be number one! Ms. McKenna certainly went above and beyond when she penned this compassionate storytelling masterpiece. There is compassionate family-friendly entertainment that touches the very heart, and soul, of any reader's heartstrings immediately, and throughout the entire story. If you don't she'd a tear here and there, then you are without any compassion in your entire body. I consider myself to be a pretty strong individual, but certainly didn't mind shedding a tear or two.
As always, the storylines were perfectly throughout the entire book, and the characters were compassionately selected for their assigned roles. Jack, Emma and Becca certainly will touch your heartstrings immediately, especially with their devotion to one another. Too, Ms.Margaret, definitely befitting of her role as Grandmother, most certainly touches your innermost thoughts and heartstrings.
Probably the most compassionate story I have ever had the opportunity to read, and it is without hesitation that I, most definitely, recommend this compassionately outstanding masterpiece to all readers, regardless of your desired reading preference as there is certain venue for everyone, specifically those of you that enjoy and outstanding love story unfolding throughout the entire book. Failure to follow this group of individuals throughout their daily routine will, without any doubt be your literary loss¡!!!! Outstanding performances!😀😀😀😀
November 13, 2018
A for-real, grown up love story
If you are a realistic romantic who recognizes every day miracles, and you have the capacity to be honestly grateful and jazzed over what IS, then you will love this book as much as I do. This is not a steamy romance with excruciating build up and soft porn. It is about the amazing and rich tapestry woven from living life with appreciation and gratitude. It is s realistic portrayal of love between husband and wife; love between parents and children, and love between friends. The days are numbered due to the medical diagnosis that gives the story it's tension and sense of urgency and adds thoughtfulness to the things we do ever day. It's the mortality that keeps the characters from getting bored with their life or their marriage, as most people tend to do at some point.
Not perfect, the story has moments and situations that I found completely unrealistic. The child in the story never once gets cranky, manipulative or bratty like every real kid will get at times. Also, the main man is dying of cancer but nobody seems to know or notice life threatening symptoms except for the patient, his wife, and the perfect child who tells no one despite not being told to keep it secret.
Still, all the main ingredients of realistic love and life were there. I enjoyed reading a story that wasn't slick and sensational, trying hard to be hip. The characters were quirky but relatable. The writing felt effortless, and the author is brilliant at summing up perspectives and philosophies in succinct, well put sentences. I did a lot of highlighting. I look forward to reading more from this author.
If you are a realistic romantic who recognizes every day miracles, and you have the capacity to be honestly grateful and jazzed over what IS, then you will love this book as much as I do. This is not a steamy romance with excruciating build up and soft porn. It is about the amazing and rich tapestry woven from living life with appreciation and gratitude. It is s realistic portrayal of love between husband and wife; love between parents and children, and love between friends. The days are numbered due to the medical diagnosis that gives the story it's tension and sense of urgency and adds thoughtfulness to the things we do ever day. It's the mortality that keeps the characters from getting bored with their life or their marriage, as most people tend to do at some point.
Not perfect, the story has moments and situations that I found completely unrealistic. The child in the story never once gets cranky, manipulative or bratty like every real kid will get at times. Also, the main man is dying of cancer but nobody seems to know or notice life threatening symptoms except for the patient, his wife, and the perfect child who tells no one despite not being told to keep it secret.
Still, all the main ingredients of realistic love and life were there. I enjoyed reading a story that wasn't slick and sensational, trying hard to be hip. The characters were quirky but relatable. The writing felt effortless, and the author is brilliant at summing up perspectives and philosophies in succinct, well put sentences. I did a lot of highlighting. I look forward to reading more from this author.
December 18, 2018
What a great book. I was floored when I realized it was the author's first . I'm excited that I now have another author to read! I loved the dialogue between Emma and Jack. It was southern without being over the top. You could not help yourself but to fall in love with both of them while they were busy falling in love with each other. Is it predictable? Yeah, kind of when you realize the premise of the book. You know they are going to fall in love. You know basically how it's going to end, although you keep hoping that it will end differently. What an impossible situation to live through. And yet, they take the concept of living every day as if it were your last to a brand new level. One way this book really inspired me though was the actual recognition in the book that Emma was truly a writer. As a person who believes that somewhere deep down inside, I too am an author with no guts to actually write, I could so relate to Emma. I write for a living now - but it's all dry, factual, business writing for the most part. I'm not sure if I have enough creativity to come up with plots and twists and turns. Then, if I do, what if people hate it? Emma (Dawn) took the chance and truly showed their talent... their one thing. I'm looking forward to downloading more of her stories. The challenge will be whether or not she can expand beyond just a love story. Maybe she can? I'll let you know after I read The Cricket Jar.
July 29, 2017
When Dawn Lee McKenna tells the reader partway into the book what will ultimately happen, I almost put the book down because I didn't want to read something that would certainly make me cry, so I was thrilled when she finished the book with an elegant turn that completed the story as promised, but didn't simply play on my sympathy and turn me into a puddle.
But See You was written with great love and affection for her characters, characters that I loved very early in the book. I think it would be difficult to read a book wherein the outcome is already stated about a quarter of the way through the book, but she did a masterful job of keeping me from deleting the book. I had faith in her, and she did not let me down. She wrote a beautiful ending which could have been macabre, but was not.
I read all of Ms. McKenna's Lost Florida series books (I believe there are seven) and those only got better as they went along, but I have the same criticism for all of her books--she needs a proper copyeditor. The errors in the books detract from the story, pulling me out of her meticulously written world. The fact that I have now read eight of her books is a testament to her talent as a story-teller and character-developer as I have little patience for grammatical errors and misspellings. If she fixes nothing else, she needs to know that "all right" is always two words, not one. It is that one word, "alright," that always tips me off that I am reading a self-published book.
But See You was written with great love and affection for her characters, characters that I loved very early in the book. I think it would be difficult to read a book wherein the outcome is already stated about a quarter of the way through the book, but she did a masterful job of keeping me from deleting the book. I had faith in her, and she did not let me down. She wrote a beautiful ending which could have been macabre, but was not.
I read all of Ms. McKenna's Lost Florida series books (I believe there are seven) and those only got better as they went along, but I have the same criticism for all of her books--she needs a proper copyeditor. The errors in the books detract from the story, pulling me out of her meticulously written world. The fact that I have now read eight of her books is a testament to her talent as a story-teller and character-developer as I have little patience for grammatical errors and misspellings. If she fixes nothing else, she needs to know that "all right" is always two words, not one. It is that one word, "alright," that always tips me off that I am reading a self-published book.
February 20, 2017
See You by Dawn Lee McKenna
This is truly a love story, but filled with full background characters and three very close friends. Jack, Margaret, Emma Lee, and her daughter Becky. Jack keeps coming back home because he was a friend of Margret's son, Daniel and his wife, Emma's mother. Why Jack has this desire to take care of Margret and Emma, comes to light near the end of this marvelous story. Two people tied to each other by love, unrequited for many years, but true love at the end. Jack comes home to die from a brain tumor that can't be cured. After many months, he returns Emma's love, convinces her to marry him, quit working and let Jack's benefits allow her to do the one thing Jack is convinced she needs to do, write! This book will tear your heart out, but proves that nothing is impossible when God is in charge. I can't wait to read Emma Lee's book Crickets in a Jar. Thanks for reminding me that things that are prayed for n the right manner are often granted by th he Grace none of are able to earn, but are freely available from God if it's in accordance with His plan for our lives. God bless and thanks for letting me get to know a new author.
This is truly a love story, but filled with full background characters and three very close friends. Jack, Margaret, Emma Lee, and her daughter Becky. Jack keeps coming back home because he was a friend of Margret's son, Daniel and his wife, Emma's mother. Why Jack has this desire to take care of Margret and Emma, comes to light near the end of this marvelous story. Two people tied to each other by love, unrequited for many years, but true love at the end. Jack comes home to die from a brain tumor that can't be cured. After many months, he returns Emma's love, convinces her to marry him, quit working and let Jack's benefits allow her to do the one thing Jack is convinced she needs to do, write! This book will tear your heart out, but proves that nothing is impossible when God is in charge. I can't wait to read Emma Lee's book Crickets in a Jar. Thanks for reminding me that things that are prayed for n the right manner are often granted by th he Grace none of are able to earn, but are freely available from God if it's in accordance with His plan for our lives. God bless and thanks for letting me get to know a new author.
August 9, 2018
I had been looking at this book for several months, if I had only known how absolutely magnificent this book was going to be, I certainly would not have waited. This is one of the best books I have ever read, it is going to the top of my all-time favorites. This is one book I will be reading over and over, it is that good.
The story drew me in from the first page, the writing is stellar. The storyline is so believable, you come to love all the characters, seriously, who would not love Jack. This story has it all, the love of a young girl, I could picture the farm and little Emma running down the pasture and climbing the tree just to get one last glimpse of Jack as he walks down the lane, leaving again. The banter between the two made me outright laugh so many times and Jack’s letter, was the most awesome thing I have ever read. I had to stop to wipe my tears.
I thank Ms. McKenna for writing this story and sharing. It makes you believe in true love again. I love this book… I have read more expensive books that don’t even come close to the caliber of this love story. Each time I think of Emma Lee, Jack and Becca, I’ll smile for a long, long time to come. Awesome book!!!!! More than 5*****’s.
The story drew me in from the first page, the writing is stellar. The storyline is so believable, you come to love all the characters, seriously, who would not love Jack. This story has it all, the love of a young girl, I could picture the farm and little Emma running down the pasture and climbing the tree just to get one last glimpse of Jack as he walks down the lane, leaving again. The banter between the two made me outright laugh so many times and Jack’s letter, was the most awesome thing I have ever read. I had to stop to wipe my tears.
I thank Ms. McKenna for writing this story and sharing. It makes you believe in true love again. I love this book… I have read more expensive books that don’t even come close to the caliber of this love story. Each time I think of Emma Lee, Jack and Becca, I’ll smile for a long, long time to come. Awesome book!!!!! More than 5*****’s.
August 3, 2018
This is a beautiful love story and one which is difficult to put down.
See You is a beautiful novel by Dawn Lee McKenna. It is not a romance but a love story. It deals with family dynamics and love in the South. It is beautifully written and you can feel the slow pace of Southern Alabama and hear the sounds of the South.
Emma had lived with her Aunt Margaret since the deaths of her parents in an automobile accident when she was five. She had always known Jack since he was her Dad’s best friend. She saw him on his infrequent trips home from the Marine Corps. However, it was still long enough for her to fall in love with him in spite of the 20 or so years between them. She never let on to anyone of her love.
Now, she is in her thirties and has a nine-year-old daughter. She still lives in Margaret’s same house. Jack comes home after being out of the Marines for a while. He tells her that he is not expected to live for another year and asks her to marry him. He wants to take care of Emma. Will he be able to?
See You is a beautiful novel by Dawn Lee McKenna. It is not a romance but a love story. It deals with family dynamics and love in the South. It is beautifully written and you can feel the slow pace of Southern Alabama and hear the sounds of the South.
Emma had lived with her Aunt Margaret since the deaths of her parents in an automobile accident when she was five. She had always known Jack since he was her Dad’s best friend. She saw him on his infrequent trips home from the Marine Corps. However, it was still long enough for her to fall in love with him in spite of the 20 or so years between them. She never let on to anyone of her love.
Now, she is in her thirties and has a nine-year-old daughter. She still lives in Margaret’s same house. Jack comes home after being out of the Marines for a while. He tells her that he is not expected to live for another year and asks her to marry him. He wants to take care of Emma. Will he be able to?
July 27, 2019
Author Dawn Lee McKenna describes her novel See You, as “a quiet little love story set on a dirt road in Alabama,” but for me it was a realistic heart-rending tale. It’s a story about love that sprouts but its growth is stunted, then it struggles to life and flourishes between two unlikely characters with an age difference of almost thirty years.
This story was especially poignant for me having recently lost my husband. For thirty-eight years he was my adventure partner, travel companion, lover and best friend. We too lived through months of certainty and uncertainty. We knew he was dying, just not when. Our conversations and were emotionally charged with longing and laughter and stories; so many stories to tell each other.
Dawn Lee recently wrote on her Facebook page that she considers, See You – her first novel – as her best work. I agree. Her poignant descriptions and dialogue will drag you through laughter and pain, discovery and loss.
When I reached the last page, I began to read it again.
This story was especially poignant for me having recently lost my husband. For thirty-eight years he was my adventure partner, travel companion, lover and best friend. We too lived through months of certainty and uncertainty. We knew he was dying, just not when. Our conversations and were emotionally charged with longing and laughter and stories; so many stories to tell each other.
Dawn Lee recently wrote on her Facebook page that she considers, See You – her first novel – as her best work. I agree. Her poignant descriptions and dialogue will drag you through laughter and pain, discovery and loss.
When I reached the last page, I began to read it again.
March 10, 2018
Don’t miss this one... what a great ride!!
I didn’t stop to evaluate everything about this book before rating it 5 stars. I went with the extraordinary feeling of love I felt as I closed the book. A “light romantic love story” that had me thinking about all the people in my life who I love or have loved. I FELT the gift of loving relationships in my life and the opportunity to give that gift to others. I wasn’t looking for this. I was looking for an escape book. A casual distraction while going thru knee surgery. I am so grateful to have found this book and will recommend it to many people. The characters were real, fun, deep, but easy to be with. I had no idea of the journey that this somewhat predictable plot would take me on. It’s going to be with me for quite awhile. Thank you, Dawn Lee MCCenna!
I didn’t stop to evaluate everything about this book before rating it 5 stars. I went with the extraordinary feeling of love I felt as I closed the book. A “light romantic love story” that had me thinking about all the people in my life who I love or have loved. I FELT the gift of loving relationships in my life and the opportunity to give that gift to others. I wasn’t looking for this. I was looking for an escape book. A casual distraction while going thru knee surgery. I am so grateful to have found this book and will recommend it to many people. The characters were real, fun, deep, but easy to be with. I had no idea of the journey that this somewhat predictable plot would take me on. It’s going to be with me for quite awhile. Thank you, Dawn Lee MCCenna!
December 6, 2019
Your biggest mistake would be NOT reading this book
I have been an avid reader since I was about 5. I read everything I could get my hands on. Classics, westerns, biographies, horror, mystery and my favorite is FBI suspense novels. For that reason and despite enjoying Dawn Lee McKenna's Forgotten Coat series I never read this book. I read what it was about and said no thanks. For whatever reason I bought it this week. Of the thousands of books I have read, this is my favorite. I wish I could explain why but I don't have the words. Somehow I know that her soul is in this book. I can't imagine anyone not loving it. Sometimes you need to step outside yourself and try something you don't expect to be amazing.
I have been an avid reader since I was about 5. I read everything I could get my hands on. Classics, westerns, biographies, horror, mystery and my favorite is FBI suspense novels. For that reason and despite enjoying Dawn Lee McKenna's Forgotten Coat series I never read this book. I read what it was about and said no thanks. For whatever reason I bought it this week. Of the thousands of books I have read, this is my favorite. I wish I could explain why but I don't have the words. Somehow I know that her soul is in this book. I can't imagine anyone not loving it. Sometimes you need to step outside yourself and try something you don't expect to be amazing.
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