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Because of Savannah
Dakota Buchannan believes there can be nothing worse in life than losing her mother—until her father suddenly dies, leaving her orphaned at sixteen. As she attempts to muddle her way through the funeral, Dakota is introduced to a man twice her age who looks remarkably like her father. Moments later, it is revealed that Luke is the son her father never knew he had—and her brother.
Luke invites her to join his family with the option of returning to Fort Worth to live with her bachelor uncle if she is not happy. Despite influence from Luke’s narcissistic wife, it does not take long before their adorable four-year-old daughter, Savannah, captivates Dakota. As things begin looking up for Dakota, she meets a college graduate at a barbeque, setting off fireworks in her love life. But when her uncle falls victim to a near fatal hit-and-run, Dakota is compelled to revisit her old home where the past collides with the present as she comes face-to-face with a killer and a shocking secret.
In this gripping story, an orphaned teenager is led down an unexpected path through pain, fear, and danger to the eventual realization that everything in life happens for a reason.
Luke invites her to join his family with the option of returning to Fort Worth to live with her bachelor uncle if she is not happy. Despite influence from Luke’s narcissistic wife, it does not take long before their adorable four-year-old daughter, Savannah, captivates Dakota. As things begin looking up for Dakota, she meets a college graduate at a barbeque, setting off fireworks in her love life. But when her uncle falls victim to a near fatal hit-and-run, Dakota is compelled to revisit her old home where the past collides with the present as she comes face-to-face with a killer and a shocking secret.
In this gripping story, an orphaned teenager is led down an unexpected path through pain, fear, and danger to the eventual realization that everything in life happens for a reason.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2015
14 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 17, 2016
When Dakota's father dies 7 years after her mother passed away, Dakota is left with only her Uncle Travis, her father's best friend, as her family. But she receives a big surprise at her father's funeral, a brother, Luke, who had only recently discovered who his father was. Luke also has a daughter, Savannah, and the 2 of them quickly become Dakota's new family. Dakota is a strong, smart, quirky teenager, and we go on quite a journey with her as she learns to navigate her new life. Because of Savannah is an endearing, charming story, full of wonderful characters and an interesting storyline. I was happy to know that there will be a sequel to this delightful book!
October 20, 2020
I read this for a book club, and disclaimer, it is a Christian Fiction surrounding youth and young children. So, as an atheist who does not like kids, take the review with a grain of salt.
I didn't entirely vibe with the characters, and this is certainly a character driven story, as opposed to plot based. So throughout the duration, I never felt connected to them (also in part of very different cultures. This was based in the Southern USA, and I'm Canadian, so I also didn't grasp a lot of the American side of it).
This is definitely a book for a certain crowd, of which I wouldn't consider myself a part of. But kudos to the author for publishing their book and I'm sure they put their heart into it, which is all anyone can ask for in a book. It was easy to read, though, so I was able to get through it swiftly.
It just wasn't for me!
I didn't entirely vibe with the characters, and this is certainly a character driven story, as opposed to plot based. So throughout the duration, I never felt connected to them (also in part of very different cultures. This was based in the Southern USA, and I'm Canadian, so I also didn't grasp a lot of the American side of it).
This is definitely a book for a certain crowd, of which I wouldn't consider myself a part of. But kudos to the author for publishing their book and I'm sure they put their heart into it, which is all anyone can ask for in a book. It was easy to read, though, so I was able to get through it swiftly.
It just wasn't for me!
March 24, 2019
A sweet book of family love and the coming of age of an orphaned teenage girl. A reminder that everything in life happens for a reason.
By the age of sixteen Dakota Buchannan has lost both her mother and father. Now she has only her “Uncle Travis” to rely on. Travis has always been a part of family although there is no blood relation. Dakota literally faints when at her father’s funeral Uncle Travis introduces her to a younger version of her father. Luke Lockwood is the half-brother her family did not know existed.
Just before Luke’s mother recently died of cancer she told him the name of his father. Luke set out to visit his father but unfortunately arrived on the day of his father’s accident, never getting to meet him. Luke now invites Dakota to live with him and his narcissistic wife Janet and their charming four-year-old daughter Savannah. Shortly after Dakota moves in, Janet leaves her husband and daughter to return to New York.
Now settled happily into her new home with her brother and niece, she meets Hubbell who quickly becomes her boyfriend. While most of the story feels like “happily ever after”, there are a few scenes not so rosy – Travis involved in a near fatal car crash and an encounter with a killer who exposes a dark secret.
There are many delightful characters in this book full of Southern charm. At times the people are too charming, too perfect, too nice. But sometimes it is nice to get lost in a fairytale. This was one of those times.
By the age of sixteen Dakota Buchannan has lost both her mother and father. Now she has only her “Uncle Travis” to rely on. Travis has always been a part of family although there is no blood relation. Dakota literally faints when at her father’s funeral Uncle Travis introduces her to a younger version of her father. Luke Lockwood is the half-brother her family did not know existed.
Just before Luke’s mother recently died of cancer she told him the name of his father. Luke set out to visit his father but unfortunately arrived on the day of his father’s accident, never getting to meet him. Luke now invites Dakota to live with him and his narcissistic wife Janet and their charming four-year-old daughter Savannah. Shortly after Dakota moves in, Janet leaves her husband and daughter to return to New York.
Now settled happily into her new home with her brother and niece, she meets Hubbell who quickly becomes her boyfriend. While most of the story feels like “happily ever after”, there are a few scenes not so rosy – Travis involved in a near fatal car crash and an encounter with a killer who exposes a dark secret.
There are many delightful characters in this book full of Southern charm. At times the people are too charming, too perfect, too nice. But sometimes it is nice to get lost in a fairytale. This was one of those times.
November 7, 2016
I received this book from the author and am voluntarily writing a review.
This was a good read. I really enjoyed this story and all of the characters within it. Written from the perspective of Dakota, the main character, it works. She has survived so much loss and trauma and yet is all the stronger for it. At the age of 16-17, I would not have had half of her ability to cope such losses. She finds her way through the heart of a little girl named Savannah. She finds out a lot of things throughout the story actually. No spoilers here. The ending will surprise you though.
The story flowed well throughout the book. The characters are life-like and well developed. They became real to me. The dialogue is snappy and true to life. I truly believe that people will enjoy this book. It is well written and carries with it a vast array of emotions, grief, sadness, love and more.
I have a few quotes that I would love to share with you:
"People come into your life and go out again in their own way, in their own time, in concert with everything else."
" Things happen for a reason-they may seem unexplainable or unbelievable, but nonetheless, there's a purpose behind them."
"Those we love never leave us: they are only transformed."
This was a good read. I really enjoyed this story and all of the characters within it. Written from the perspective of Dakota, the main character, it works. She has survived so much loss and trauma and yet is all the stronger for it. At the age of 16-17, I would not have had half of her ability to cope such losses. She finds her way through the heart of a little girl named Savannah. She finds out a lot of things throughout the story actually. No spoilers here. The ending will surprise you though.
The story flowed well throughout the book. The characters are life-like and well developed. They became real to me. The dialogue is snappy and true to life. I truly believe that people will enjoy this book. It is well written and carries with it a vast array of emotions, grief, sadness, love and more.
I have a few quotes that I would love to share with you:
"People come into your life and go out again in their own way, in their own time, in concert with everything else."
" Things happen for a reason-they may seem unexplainable or unbelievable, but nonetheless, there's a purpose behind them."
"Those we love never leave us: they are only transformed."
March 9, 2018
Endearing
Because of Savannah is very lovely debut. Author Sarah Patt does a good job immersing you in the tragic events surrounding Dakota’s life. Sixt2een year old Dakota lost her mother her mother at a very young age, and we meet her at her farher’s funeral. From here on out, Dakota’s life is upended! You will meet many “delicious characters” and discover several “sweet surprises” (and some not so sweet). It is truly an enjoyable sweet read; full of love and tragedy, Family and strangers, regret and forgiveness, mysteries and answers. It is full of everyday life as Dakota traverses her life, finding her way.
Because of Savannah is very lovely debut. Author Sarah Patt does a good job immersing you in the tragic events surrounding Dakota’s life. Sixt2een year old Dakota lost her mother her mother at a very young age, and we meet her at her farher’s funeral. From here on out, Dakota’s life is upended! You will meet many “delicious characters” and discover several “sweet surprises” (and some not so sweet). It is truly an enjoyable sweet read; full of love and tragedy, Family and strangers, regret and forgiveness, mysteries and answers. It is full of everyday life as Dakota traverses her life, finding her way.
April 17, 2021
I saw the author suggest this book to someone else, so I read the description and I liked the premise of the story. I found it to be well written and a warm story of seventeen year old girl. She has a lot of tragedies in her short life but has a mature look at life. I enjoyed the book and can’t wait to read more by this author
November 9, 2020
These kind of stories are not usually up my alley but the writing style was written in such a way that it made reading enjoyable to the point that I've become invested in what may be next for Dakota and her loving family!
I've heard rumors of another book and can't wait!
I've heard rumors of another book and can't wait!
January 25, 2021
This is a great read to remind you that it's about making the most of what you have and trusting that you will always find love and light in times of grief. Dakota is a positive young lady who has an ease in life and with people. I love her insightful nature. The author does an amazing job of diving into the mind/voice of a sixteen/seventeen year old and I thought it was so endearing that Dakota would add disclaimers to her behavior/attitude. Without giving away any spoilers, this book could have so easily been dark and twisty but instead spread a message of love and light and happiness after pain. Looking forward to the sequel!
September 19, 2017
Out of my 6 children, only half are voracious readers. My oldest and youngest boys and my oldest daughter read whatever they can. The other 3, not their forte. My youngest daughter would rather play sports than read. She's 14 and hard as nails. But when it came to my attention that I had inadvertently missed Sarah Patt's book on my shelf, I promised to make it a priority. That is until my youngest daughter picked it up and said ooh pretty cover. In 3 days time, she had devoured it. Not only that but my hard as nails nothing gets me, and you can't make me cry (unless it's about a house or a dog getting hurt...) Cried...big ugly cried. I had a proud moment. Sarah, kudos to you. You deserve it! Thanks for making a non-reader reconsider. If only I could find more authors like you could keep igniting that fire you've started. Thank you for sending it our way.
March 29, 2018
Contrary to the delicious book cover, this story is filled with bittersweet themes of life, loss and love. Although I have never been to Texas, there were parts of this book that I could relate to in a very textured way by simply being a woman. I too lost my mother at an early in age and appreciated the descriptive journey of Savannah's road to happiness and closure. The author does a tremendous job highlighting the fact that women can be both strong and vulnerable.
Hoping to read the next book. Very curious to see how the characters further evolve and how she manages the delicate balancing act of being loved by two men!
Much recommended read!
Hoping to read the next book. Very curious to see how the characters further evolve and how she manages the delicate balancing act of being loved by two men!
Much recommended read!
June 7, 2019
Everything Happens for a Reason
The novel starts strong, following the life of Dakota after losing both of her parents before the age of 17. At her father's funeral, Dakota meets the older brother she never knew she had. Spending time with him and his daughter Savannah gives Dakota the home she needs. From there the novel takes some strange turns with characters making some truly bad decisions that have no consequences, a great deal of "cutsie" talk (with lots of exclamation points), and a halfhearted mystery thrown in at the end. The story has promise but could be more focused.
The novel starts strong, following the life of Dakota after losing both of her parents before the age of 17. At her father's funeral, Dakota meets the older brother she never knew she had. Spending time with him and his daughter Savannah gives Dakota the home she needs. From there the novel takes some strange turns with characters making some truly bad decisions that have no consequences, a great deal of "cutsie" talk (with lots of exclamation points), and a halfhearted mystery thrown in at the end. The story has promise but could be more focused.
November 27, 2019
The author has created believable characters, within a western setting. The dialogue flows easily among them. The writing is good. It's a pleasure to watch Dakota create her new family ties after she discovers an unknown brother at her dad's funeral. I kept hoping that everything would work out o.k. for her in the end, and it does. Yay!
July 19, 2018
The protagonist never loses her grit throughout this story of love and loss. It leaves us wanting more but it also leaves us feeling . . . there is hope and to never give up.
November 10, 2019
A cupcake on the outside, death and survival inside, seasoned with faith, hope and charity, creating a love sandwich devoured by a grumpy old man.
June 13, 2021
Fun and twisty
I enjoyed reading this debut novel! Not at all sappy but full of characters and surprises. Put it on your TBR list!
I enjoyed reading this debut novel! Not at all sappy but full of characters and surprises. Put it on your TBR list!
March 7, 2018
I found this to be a heartwarming and yet heart wrenching story of a teenage girl who has been dealt a raw deal early in life - first the death of her mom and then the tragic “accidental” death of her dad a few years later before she has even graduated from high school. As if that isn't enough, at her father’s funeral she finds out that she actually has an older half brother she never knew about AND he has a young daughter - Savannah. This turns out to be a good thing as she is welcomed into her brother’s home and becomes totally enamored with her young niece.
The genre of this book is Young Adult and as such many of the daily events of the main character, Dakota, revolve around friends and relationships with the opposite sex. The story weaves around these relationships, college plans, handling loss, and Dakota’s coming to terms with life's new reality. Intermingled with these issues is a little bit of intrigue and danger surrounding the circumstances of her father's death and some coincidental connections between Dakota’s “uncle” and one of the young men interested in her. The one constant anchor in all of this is sweet little Savannah who just adores her new found aunt.
I found the book to be a little “wordy” in that it seemed to ramble on in places. I was a little distressed with the extent the teenage characters went to with their relationships - but maybe I'm just showing my age? I understand there will be a sequel and Because of Savanna, I may just be curious to check in to see how this family is doing!
The genre of this book is Young Adult and as such many of the daily events of the main character, Dakota, revolve around friends and relationships with the opposite sex. The story weaves around these relationships, college plans, handling loss, and Dakota’s coming to terms with life's new reality. Intermingled with these issues is a little bit of intrigue and danger surrounding the circumstances of her father's death and some coincidental connections between Dakota’s “uncle” and one of the young men interested in her. The one constant anchor in all of this is sweet little Savannah who just adores her new found aunt.
I found the book to be a little “wordy” in that it seemed to ramble on in places. I was a little distressed with the extent the teenage characters went to with their relationships - but maybe I'm just showing my age? I understand there will be a sequel and Because of Savanna, I may just be curious to check in to see how this family is doing!
January 28, 2021
I truly enjoyed Dakota's story in "Because of Savannah". We read it for my book club. One of the things I liked was the ease of the story. From the start, the author envelopes you into the lives of her characters. I could picture everything in my head as I was reading (would make a great movie btw) because of the wonderfully descriptive writing. The contemporary time period was very enjoyable as I tend to lean towards historical fiction so this was a refreshing change.
There is something for everyone in this book...plot twists and mystery coupled with romance, loss and family relationships. I found the positive attitude of the protagonist, Dakota, to be so inspiring - especially during these difficult pandemic times. It was nice to get lost in her world. Dakota has a maturity that is admirable, while still being very much her own age. Her brother Luke's plot line is also very heartwarming and he just seems like the kind of person you would like to be neighbors with. Honestly I had to slow down my reading towards the end of the book because I just didn't want it to end.
This book is a wonderful read for such a variety of ages as well. My 16 year old niece as well as my 70ish mother are also reading it for our family book club (along with my two 40-something sisters). We are super excited to discuss it at our next meeting.
I am really looking forward to the sequel which is hopefully coming out this year. Well done Sarah Patt! Thank you for inviting us into the loves of some very special people.
There is something for everyone in this book...plot twists and mystery coupled with romance, loss and family relationships. I found the positive attitude of the protagonist, Dakota, to be so inspiring - especially during these difficult pandemic times. It was nice to get lost in her world. Dakota has a maturity that is admirable, while still being very much her own age. Her brother Luke's plot line is also very heartwarming and he just seems like the kind of person you would like to be neighbors with. Honestly I had to slow down my reading towards the end of the book because I just didn't want it to end.
This book is a wonderful read for such a variety of ages as well. My 16 year old niece as well as my 70ish mother are also reading it for our family book club (along with my two 40-something sisters). We are super excited to discuss it at our next meeting.
I am really looking forward to the sequel which is hopefully coming out this year. Well done Sarah Patt! Thank you for inviting us into the loves of some very special people.
September 5, 2022
I'd recommend this read. It's full of family loss, new family, family support. And of course secrets. It's full of twists. You'll thoroughly enjoy getting to know Dakota and her love for her niece.
October 1, 2022
The characters in this book stole my heart - I cared about each of them and the bonds they had with each other. I like the mystery and excitement added in to the coming of age romance.
November 16, 2018
Wonderful book. Drew me in immediately and couldn't put it down. Can't wait to see what Dakota and Savannah are up to in the sequel. A must read!
August 26, 2020
Very enjoyable book, hit all of my senses, loved the characters, it was happy, sad, made you laugh, had hope and mystery. A very good read. Joan Daley
December 4, 2019
It’s a very sweet book, Dakota and Savannah are both intelligent and likable characters. I was mildly interested while reading it but towards the end i really started to get hooked. i wish the ending had lasted longer because in my
opinion it seemed a little rushed. I do plan on reading the second book when it comes out :-)
opinion it seemed a little rushed. I do plan on reading the second book when it comes out :-)
January 31, 2018
Great read - loved the book - Dakota was really enjoyable !
December 19, 2017
I decided to read this book because of the cute cover. Who doesn’t love cupcakes?
However, I have to be honest. The story was a good premise. Dakota has lost both her parents, meets an unknown brother at dad’s funeral and basically goes to live with him immediately. Maybe that’s not exactly how it happens, but it seemed pretty sudden to me.
The author was definitely able to write with a teenage voice. The whole book was just Dakota hanging with her perfect brother and his adorable daughter, or with her perfect boyfriend who was WAY older and didn’t seem to care.
I’m sad hat I didn’t enjoy this book. It never seemed to hook me in.
However, I have to be honest. The story was a good premise. Dakota has lost both her parents, meets an unknown brother at dad’s funeral and basically goes to live with him immediately. Maybe that’s not exactly how it happens, but it seemed pretty sudden to me.
The author was definitely able to write with a teenage voice. The whole book was just Dakota hanging with her perfect brother and his adorable daughter, or with her perfect boyfriend who was WAY older and didn’t seem to care.
I’m sad hat I didn’t enjoy this book. It never seemed to hook me in.
January 18, 2023
Dakota has gone through more tragedy than any 16 year old can take. When a long-lost brother and niece show up, when she need them the most, Dakota starts to think that maybe she can make it after all. This story is a story of not only pain but also the little things that can make a bad day better. The smile of a loved one, or the hug of a little child.
This story was so very good, but it ripped my heart out. I started reading it a few days after the 1 year anniversary of losing my dad. So, the feelings in this book hit home. It was relatable on so many fronts for me. It was such a great story that had romance, mystery, and drama. It was well written with a good set of colorful and loveable (some anyways) character. Overall, it was a really good book, with a great message behind it. I hope to read more about Dakota and Savannah soon.
Stormi Ellis
This story was so very good, but it ripped my heart out. I started reading it a few days after the 1 year anniversary of losing my dad. So, the feelings in this book hit home. It was relatable on so many fronts for me. It was such a great story that had romance, mystery, and drama. It was well written with a good set of colorful and loveable (some anyways) character. Overall, it was a really good book, with a great message behind it. I hope to read more about Dakota and Savannah soon.
Stormi Ellis
April 11, 2018
A pleasant read for me, even though I'm not into YA. I think the author did a good job of "speaking" with a teenage voice, from a teenage viewpoint. It was well written with good character development. Excellent job for a debut novel in the genre. I will read the next book in the series. My actual rating is 3.5.
May 29, 2016
I just finished reading Sarah Patt's debut novel "Because Of Savannah." I had originally purchased her book for my wife. It's a journey through the author's imagination of the trials and tribulations that occur when a young girl, Dakota Buchannan is suddenly parentless and finds out she has an older brother. His name is Luke & his 4 year old daughter is Savannah, who becomes a shining light for Dakota. As a reader you find yourself in the rooms where conversations are taking place. This is a contemporary story filled with musings from the author's wit. The main character's reflections fill you with inspiration. Because of Savannah introduces you to how a young girl is feeling during a time of potential insecurity. You will walk in her shoes as she goes forward in this endearing Texan love story. As Dakota looks for answers you are reminded of her strong upbringing. The mantra "The glass is half full" is what sustains her during her transition from a girl to a woman. You feel for this young girl as she begins to socialize and meet new people. The author see's the world from every aspect of the characters she brings to life. While I was not her target audience I found myself drawn in and felt like a father as I turned the pages. It's an easy read. I hope I don't have too wait to long for the next book. The authors website is www.sarahpatt.com
December 3, 2020
I purchased this book because of the amazing reviews on Amazon and oh boy, they were all right. This book is fantastic, the story is so beautiful and full of emotions, I couldn't put this down until I ended. The characters are so real and so well written that you can easily find yourself or a friend reflected on them, you start to love and care for them. Amazing book!!! can´t wait to read more from Sarah Patt
This author is truly comfortable in his writing style. It is clean, lean, just what is needed to help the reader look forward to his future stories. If there is a series to follow, his books will be gobbled up. I couldn't stop till the end!
Waiting for the next books...
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This author is truly comfortable in his writing style. It is clean, lean, just what is needed to help the reader look forward to his future stories. If there is a series to follow, his books will be gobbled up. I couldn't stop till the end!
Waiting for the next books...
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 29, 2018
This was a endearing story of a young woman named Dakota who finds herself all alone and still in high school when her father dies unexpectedly. Her mother had died a few years earlier. She's quite surprised to find out she has a brother she never knew she had, when he turns up at her father's funeral. Along with her brother Luke she gains a sweet little niece named Savannah. This story follows Dakota, Luke, Savannah, and "family members" as they learn to become a family. Looking forward to the upcoming sequel.
October 14, 2020
In her debut novel, Because of Savannah, Sarah Patt sucks you in from page 1.
Dakota, losing both her parents by age 16 is shell shocked and ready to move in with her uncle, until her brother, who she has never met appears. The book is written in different perspectives by characters in Dakota's life. I am looking forward to the sequel to this book. This is definitely a "feel good novel". Well done!
Dakota, losing both her parents by age 16 is shell shocked and ready to move in with her uncle, until her brother, who she has never met appears. The book is written in different perspectives by characters in Dakota's life. I am looking forward to the sequel to this book. This is definitely a "feel good novel". Well done!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews