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Lotus
Newlywed Lotus Price has everything that she should have ever wanted: a great husband and a dream job as an executive of Chicago’s most prominent philanthropic foundation. Her pre-planned future seemed to be gift-wrapped in a perfect bow, until the day she discovers she is pregnant and runs into her first love. Despite his offer to be friends, Lotus tries to keep the past where it belongs.
As the pregnancy begins to interrupt the dream that Lotus envisioned for her marriage, she is forced to rethink everything she thought she knew, including the single day that led her to her husband and away from the man she saw herself spending forever with. Ultimately, the one question which will remain is who will be willing to give up what they have in order to get what they have always desired?
In the end, the scars that each of them thought were long buried will resurface to reveal the single event that changed each of their lives forever.
(Keywords: pregnant heroine romance, unrequited love romance, hero cheats romance, heroine cheats romance, friends to lovers, rich hero romance, scarred hero romance, scarred heroine romance, romance novel destiny, marriage on rocks, love triangle, romance in Chicago, romance in Paris)
As the pregnancy begins to interrupt the dream that Lotus envisioned for her marriage, she is forced to rethink everything she thought she knew, including the single day that led her to her husband and away from the man she saw herself spending forever with. Ultimately, the one question which will remain is who will be willing to give up what they have in order to get what they have always desired?
In the end, the scars that each of them thought were long buried will resurface to reveal the single event that changed each of their lives forever.
(Keywords: pregnant heroine romance, unrequited love romance, hero cheats romance, heroine cheats romance, friends to lovers, rich hero romance, scarred hero romance, scarred heroine romance, romance novel destiny, marriage on rocks, love triangle, romance in Chicago, romance in Paris)
247 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2015
About the author
Kay W. Smith
2 books4 followersKay W. Smith is a writer and blogger living in Chicago, Illinois with her husband and two sons. She worked in public policy for several years before pursuing her passion to write full-time. She is a graduate of Spelman College and the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 23, 2015
In her debut novel Lotus, author Kay W. Smith weaves a captivating tale that follows the story of Lotus Price, a newlywed whose life is turned upside down by an unexpected pregnancy and a chance meeting with a past love, both which causes her to question the choices and decisions that she has made in the direction of her life.
Set in Chicago, and told in the first person narrative by Lotus, the reader is easily drawn into her story as she finds herself at an unexpected crossroads in her life. What should have been a wonderful start to her life married to her best friend Nick takes a sudden turn when she becomes pregnant six months into their marriage, and the unexpected crossing of paths with her first love, Dr. Gabriel Lincoln, brings complications and an unraveling to her life, that causes Lotus to question the choices, decisions, and what ifs from the past, against the desires of the present.
You can't help but feel empathy and compassion as Lotus struggles with daily life challenges, her inner demons, and complications from the affairs of the heart. The author weaves a well written and compelling story that flows smoothly from the present to flashbacks from the past, with a complex and multi-layered cast of characters, to a realistic and poignant storyline about a person re-examining her life choices and second chances, that is easily relatable and engages the reader to ponder the choices and direction of their own lives.
In reading Lotus, anyone can step into Lotus' shoes when it comes to their first love, especially when it comes to taking a walk down memory lane which brings with it the questioning of life choices, the wondering of what ifs, and the imagined possible opportunities of second chances.
Lotus is a riveting and realistic portrayal of the complications of life and love. This book was so hard to put down. There is a wonderful mixture of drama, emotion, and humor interwoven throughout the story, you can't help but get caught up in the in depth and complex dynamics of Lotus, Nick, and Gabe's story as it unfolds. This is a wonderful must read story that will simply leave you wanting more.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Set in Chicago, and told in the first person narrative by Lotus, the reader is easily drawn into her story as she finds herself at an unexpected crossroads in her life. What should have been a wonderful start to her life married to her best friend Nick takes a sudden turn when she becomes pregnant six months into their marriage, and the unexpected crossing of paths with her first love, Dr. Gabriel Lincoln, brings complications and an unraveling to her life, that causes Lotus to question the choices, decisions, and what ifs from the past, against the desires of the present.
You can't help but feel empathy and compassion as Lotus struggles with daily life challenges, her inner demons, and complications from the affairs of the heart. The author weaves a well written and compelling story that flows smoothly from the present to flashbacks from the past, with a complex and multi-layered cast of characters, to a realistic and poignant storyline about a person re-examining her life choices and second chances, that is easily relatable and engages the reader to ponder the choices and direction of their own lives.
In reading Lotus, anyone can step into Lotus' shoes when it comes to their first love, especially when it comes to taking a walk down memory lane which brings with it the questioning of life choices, the wondering of what ifs, and the imagined possible opportunities of second chances.
Lotus is a riveting and realistic portrayal of the complications of life and love. This book was so hard to put down. There is a wonderful mixture of drama, emotion, and humor interwoven throughout the story, you can't help but get caught up in the in depth and complex dynamics of Lotus, Nick, and Gabe's story as it unfolds. This is a wonderful must read story that will simply leave you wanting more.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
October 18, 2015
This debut novel is powerful and thought provoking. It is about choice, the ability to forgive and ultimately what is most important in love and life. For its size this is quiet a substantial book, at a 180 pages it isn't along book but is packed with quality content and story. I found this book very hard to put down and read it in a single sitting.
Lotus pregnant with her first child, married to her best friend finds herself in a love triangle when an old flame the man she can't forget re-enters her life in a chance encounter. Lotus needs to ask herself why she can't let go of someone who hurt her, and why she is willing to lose a person who has proven he loves her.
The character development in this book is extremely good. At first when we are introduced to Lotus, her husband and former lover the temptation is to take each at face value. As the book progresses we learn more about each character, their motivation and insecurities. It is this character development which makes the book so interesting and thought provoking.
My first impression of Lotus and her husband were not good, but gradually i warmed to both. Lotus cried tears at her wedding for another man with whom she was obviously still in love. Her husband came over as more interested in his career than his wife and child. In contrast i found it easy to emphasise with her former lover who is now a doctor and despite his failings came over as sympathetic and far less selfish and self-centred.
Gradually we learn about the past and how much the death of her sister impacted her life, how grief colours our vision and effects our choices.
I got more than I bargained for when I opened this book. Amazon lists this book under romance but make no mistake this isn't your typical romance or women's fiction title. The ending really surprised me. It's potential for discussion makes this is an ideal choice for a book club read.
Is it true that
- love is about giving up many things to be with the person you love?
- the past doesn't matter because the only thing which matters is today?
Should Lotus sacrifice what she knows she needs for what she thinks she wants?
Highly recommended.
(Disclaimer - Review copy provided by the author in combination with CLP Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review.)
Lotus pregnant with her first child, married to her best friend finds herself in a love triangle when an old flame the man she can't forget re-enters her life in a chance encounter. Lotus needs to ask herself why she can't let go of someone who hurt her, and why she is willing to lose a person who has proven he loves her.
The character development in this book is extremely good. At first when we are introduced to Lotus, her husband and former lover the temptation is to take each at face value. As the book progresses we learn more about each character, their motivation and insecurities. It is this character development which makes the book so interesting and thought provoking.
My first impression of Lotus and her husband were not good, but gradually i warmed to both. Lotus cried tears at her wedding for another man with whom she was obviously still in love. Her husband came over as more interested in his career than his wife and child. In contrast i found it easy to emphasise with her former lover who is now a doctor and despite his failings came over as sympathetic and far less selfish and self-centred.
Gradually we learn about the past and how much the death of her sister impacted her life, how grief colours our vision and effects our choices.
I got more than I bargained for when I opened this book. Amazon lists this book under romance but make no mistake this isn't your typical romance or women's fiction title. The ending really surprised me. It's potential for discussion makes this is an ideal choice for a book club read.
Is it true that
- love is about giving up many things to be with the person you love?
- the past doesn't matter because the only thing which matters is today?
Should Lotus sacrifice what she knows she needs for what she thinks she wants?
Highly recommended.
(Disclaimer - Review copy provided by the author in combination with CLP Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review.)
October 19, 2015
Lotus is one of my favorite books I've read this year. It made me happy, crazy, and sad all at the same time. Very few books do that for me.
At the beginning of the novel you read about Lotus' wedding day. She begins to cry before it happens and you eventually learn that she is crying over a man that was not her husband to be. This obviously pulled me in immediately. Who could she possibly be crying over on her wedding day?
Soon after Lotus learns that she is pregnant. Her husband isn't thrilled with because he desperately wanted to teach abroad. Their relationship begins to unwind and he becomes distant. Soon Lotus is having job troubles of her own and it seems like their life will never be normal again.
To her surprise, her old flame works at the hospital she goes to. They are suddenly in contact again and things get somewhat heated at times. But Lotus can't quite forget how he betrayed her when they were in college. Being pregnant and in a love triangle isn't exactly an ideal situation for Lotus. Problems from the past begin to arise and Lotus has to rethink her decision of marrying Nick.
I couldn't put this book down. The characters were incredibly well developed. Lotus is an very strong woman who became caught up in past love. She wondered what could have been with her first real love, Gabe. Every woman imagines what could have been but not many get a second chance to find out...
At the beginning of the novel you read about Lotus' wedding day. She begins to cry before it happens and you eventually learn that she is crying over a man that was not her husband to be. This obviously pulled me in immediately. Who could she possibly be crying over on her wedding day?
Soon after Lotus learns that she is pregnant. Her husband isn't thrilled with because he desperately wanted to teach abroad. Their relationship begins to unwind and he becomes distant. Soon Lotus is having job troubles of her own and it seems like their life will never be normal again.
To her surprise, her old flame works at the hospital she goes to. They are suddenly in contact again and things get somewhat heated at times. But Lotus can't quite forget how he betrayed her when they were in college. Being pregnant and in a love triangle isn't exactly an ideal situation for Lotus. Problems from the past begin to arise and Lotus has to rethink her decision of marrying Nick.
I couldn't put this book down. The characters were incredibly well developed. Lotus is an very strong woman who became caught up in past love. She wondered what could have been with her first real love, Gabe. Every woman imagines what could have been but not many get a second chance to find out...
February 22, 2016
Loved this book! True page turner
Truly enjoyed this book. Gobbled it up in less than a week and it spoke to me on so many levels. The characters are rich and leap off the page. And, I think a lot of women can relate to Lotus. I know I could. Matters of the heart can be so complicated. Or, simple depending on how you approach. Can't wait to see what happens next. Great job, Kay!!
Truly enjoyed this book. Gobbled it up in less than a week and it spoke to me on so many levels. The characters are rich and leap off the page. And, I think a lot of women can relate to Lotus. I know I could. Matters of the heart can be so complicated. Or, simple depending on how you approach. Can't wait to see what happens next. Great job, Kay!!
November 3, 2015
This is a wonderful book. The ending was unexpected but the author does a great job with the story. It keeps you guessing right to the very end. loved this book. Read in one sitting. could not put down.
January 28, 2016
kept me guessing
This was an enjoyable read that kept me changing teams and trying to predict outcomes. Great job in making the loss of a loved one so tangible that the loss became an actual character. This really was nicely done. I look forward to more from this author.
This was an enjoyable read that kept me changing teams and trying to predict outcomes. Great job in making the loss of a loved one so tangible that the loss became an actual character. This really was nicely done. I look forward to more from this author.
September 28, 2015
Great story! Very relatable and inspiring.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews