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Sunlight Girl
Spencer Frost is one broken and angry eighteen-year-old. He’s found himself on the ground after life delivered a sudden, unavoidable punch to his face, and he hasn’t been able to get back up. He doesn’t like that one damn bit, but what he likes even less are other people’s attempts to reach him. He doesn’t want their attention and he doesn’t need their help—or even deserve it.
At least, that’s what he thinks before he meets Emerson King.
She’s gentle where he’s abrasive. Calm where he’s tempestuous. Bright where he’s dark. And he’ll find she needs him just as much as he needs her because, although no one has taken the time to notice, life has been cruel to her, too.
In this true-to-life and hope-inspiring new adult romance, Spencer and Emerson will learn that love is at its greatest when it finds you at your worst.
*This story deals with sensitive themes and contains mature content.*
Librarian's note: See alternate cover edition with ISBN 9781945616006 here.
At least, that’s what he thinks before he meets Emerson King.
She’s gentle where he’s abrasive. Calm where he’s tempestuous. Bright where he’s dark. And he’ll find she needs him just as much as he needs her because, although no one has taken the time to notice, life has been cruel to her, too.
In this true-to-life and hope-inspiring new adult romance, Spencer and Emerson will learn that love is at its greatest when it finds you at your worst.
*This story deals with sensitive themes and contains mature content.*
Librarian's note: See alternate cover edition with ISBN 9781945616006 here.
ebook
Published July 8, 2016
4 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Cottrell
12 books43 followersK. L. Cottrell is a writer of romance. She loves turning daydreams, real-life experiences, and unexpected moments of inspiration into something she can use to bring both healing and entertainment to herself and others. She loves reading, has an addiction to music (and to her husband), is a child at heart, and could eat Tex-Mex every day of her life.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 26, 2019
How do I feel? What do I think? I’m not sure. I do know one thing: this was one of the best books I’ve ever read. I can’t find the words to thank K for taking the time to write this story down. Put her words and thoughts on paper. She’s ingenious. I’ve come to realize that regardless of what the story is about, I will love it, simply because I love the way she writes. She spends time in the world she creates in each of her novels. She gets to know her characters before she even begins to write. They are fully fleshed out human beings. They are real. They are flawed. They are beautiful. There are choices made and actions taken in every one of her stories that pull you in and suck you dry. Cottrell is a poet, she’s a master of pen to paper, she’s truly an artist. Take the time to read this story, ladies and gentlemen.
“Sunlight isn’t weak, don’t you know? It’s powerful.”
In complete honesty, this novel gutted me. I was left bleeding out, my heart, crushed on the floor beneath my feet, after only reading the prologue. This is a story about pain and loss and heartbreak, but it’s also a story about forgiveness and compassion. It’s about a boy, who loses almost everything and wants for nothing, and a girl with nothing who dreams of everything. It’s their love story, it’s their growth and persistence, that slowly but surly mends your heart. Each time Spencer and Emerson find strength in each other, your soul finds some semblance of hope. Sunlight Girl is an extraordinary tale that won’t ever truly be over. I can’t imagine my life without Spencer or Emerson in it. I’m bound to them now. They own me. I owe everything to our author, K.L. Cottrell, for sharing this with me and asking for my honest opinion. I only hope this review does our tale some justice.
I want to mention a few things that I really loved about the novel. Firstly, the pop culture references in this novel are BANGIN’. We get everything from Grey’s Anatomy references to lines that sound glaringly familiar to Coldplay lyrics. Every single one of the references are the perfect puzzle piece to continue piecing together this glorious tale.
“It’s never stupid to miss me. I missed you, too. You’re my person.” “Your person?” she breathes out distractedly. She takes my chin in her hand and tenderly turns my head away from hers. Her lips claim a place beneath my jawline. I rumble in both answer and satisfaction, “Yes.”
I know I didn’t spend much of this review writing about Spencer or Emerson, but just know this: they are both perfectly imperfect in their own way. Emerson is the most thoughtful, kind, and generous character I’ve ever known. Exactly what Spencer needs in his grief. She helps him learn to forgive and heal. When we meet Spencer he is angry and hateful, but his character arc is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. In the matter of a year, he falls in love and forgives himself for his past. They are two peas in a pod, made for each other and it’s absolute perfection to witness.
It’s important to keep in mind the trigger warnings in this novel. The novel begins with suicide. It’s a huge part of the entire story, so it’s vital that if this is not something you can handle, you don’t read this novel. There is also a variety of other triggers in this: child abuse, adultery and bullying are among the top three. There’s a LOT going on, guys. It’s a long book, but every word is important. That’s another thing I love so much about Cottrell, and another reason why she’s in my top 5 for favorite romance authors. She takes the time to create an elegant, solid foundation to build her world on. Most people view sex as the most important part of a relationship, that sex is the romance in the relationship. I don’t believe that to be true. Our author doesn’t use sex as a crutch to “make it romantic”. It’s entirely refreshing. It’s new and special. Similarly to the way another one of my favorite authors, Leanne Davis, writes, the focus is on the development of the romance over time. Nothing is rushed or forced. I’m so glad to have read this at this specific time in my life. As someone who struggles with depression and suicidal ideation, this spoke to my soul. 6 stars go out to you, K. I can’t praise you enough for this masterpiece.
“The fault does not lie with the world when someone has it and throws it away.”
“Sunlight isn’t weak, don’t you know? It’s powerful.”
In complete honesty, this novel gutted me. I was left bleeding out, my heart, crushed on the floor beneath my feet, after only reading the prologue. This is a story about pain and loss and heartbreak, but it’s also a story about forgiveness and compassion. It’s about a boy, who loses almost everything and wants for nothing, and a girl with nothing who dreams of everything. It’s their love story, it’s their growth and persistence, that slowly but surly mends your heart. Each time Spencer and Emerson find strength in each other, your soul finds some semblance of hope. Sunlight Girl is an extraordinary tale that won’t ever truly be over. I can’t imagine my life without Spencer or Emerson in it. I’m bound to them now. They own me. I owe everything to our author, K.L. Cottrell, for sharing this with me and asking for my honest opinion. I only hope this review does our tale some justice.
I want to mention a few things that I really loved about the novel. Firstly, the pop culture references in this novel are BANGIN’. We get everything from Grey’s Anatomy references to lines that sound glaringly familiar to Coldplay lyrics. Every single one of the references are the perfect puzzle piece to continue piecing together this glorious tale.
“It’s never stupid to miss me. I missed you, too. You’re my person.” “Your person?” she breathes out distractedly. She takes my chin in her hand and tenderly turns my head away from hers. Her lips claim a place beneath my jawline. I rumble in both answer and satisfaction, “Yes.”
I know I didn’t spend much of this review writing about Spencer or Emerson, but just know this: they are both perfectly imperfect in their own way. Emerson is the most thoughtful, kind, and generous character I’ve ever known. Exactly what Spencer needs in his grief. She helps him learn to forgive and heal. When we meet Spencer he is angry and hateful, but his character arc is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. In the matter of a year, he falls in love and forgives himself for his past. They are two peas in a pod, made for each other and it’s absolute perfection to witness.
It’s important to keep in mind the trigger warnings in this novel. The novel begins with suicide. It’s a huge part of the entire story, so it’s vital that if this is not something you can handle, you don’t read this novel. There is also a variety of other triggers in this: child abuse, adultery and bullying are among the top three. There’s a LOT going on, guys. It’s a long book, but every word is important. That’s another thing I love so much about Cottrell, and another reason why she’s in my top 5 for favorite romance authors. She takes the time to create an elegant, solid foundation to build her world on. Most people view sex as the most important part of a relationship, that sex is the romance in the relationship. I don’t believe that to be true. Our author doesn’t use sex as a crutch to “make it romantic”. It’s entirely refreshing. It’s new and special. Similarly to the way another one of my favorite authors, Leanne Davis, writes, the focus is on the development of the romance over time. Nothing is rushed or forced. I’m so glad to have read this at this specific time in my life. As someone who struggles with depression and suicidal ideation, this spoke to my soul. 6 stars go out to you, K. I can’t praise you enough for this masterpiece.
“The fault does not lie with the world when someone has it and throws it away.”
April 27, 2022
This book needs more recognition it has a lot of powerful subjects matters that may make some people uncomfortable, it's essentially a story of two broken people finding each other when they need it the most although it takes a while to get there they do have a happy ending.It gives encouragement that even in your darkest times you should never give up,never let the bastards win.
On one hand we have a girl who has a good life,decides she's through with life and the pain that puts her loved ones through then you have one girl that has a life of unbelievable hell everyday and yet not only does she persevere she is nice and kind to everyone she meets even when they don't deserve it.
On one hand we have a girl who has a good life,decides she's through with life and the pain that puts her loved ones through then you have one girl that has a life of unbelievable hell everyday and yet not only does she persevere she is nice and kind to everyone she meets even when they don't deserve it.
April 23, 2018
This is a new favorite. Spencer and Emerson's story was equal parts dark and enlightening. I honestly can't think of enough words to express what a beautiful and touching story this was. It is certainly inspiring for victims of abuse, whether it's the physical, mental, or emotional kind. And though I can't agree completely with her view of suicide victims, the story does an excellent job of revealing the other side of that coin by showing the world through the eyes of a loved one.
Overall, amazing story that I could not put down.
Overall, amazing story that I could not put down.
June 3, 2023
i was not expecting to love this book as much as i did 🥲 i picked it up quite a while ago, but put it down since i wanted to finish the ACOTAR books. but man, when i dove back into this the other day, i was hooked.
it isn't a lighthearted romance. it has so much pain, trauma, & even convictions. but wow is it beautiful. i cried sad tears, happy tears, & laughed a lot too.
it took me a while to get into it at first because there is an excessive amount of swearing from our main character, Spencer lol but, after a while it was clear that that's actually who the character is - which is what made him seem so real. at first i was annoyed that Emerson is "not like other girls", but i quickly fell for her character too ☀️
this is a romance about growth, forgiveness, & love. real, real love. by the end, i couldn't get enough. the character development of both main characters was lovely, & even though they aren't real, i find myself just being so incredibly happy for them 🥹 the tough subjects were handled with so much grace, love, & perspective.. it was refreshing & emotional. love this book so much 🖤
4.5/5 ✨
TW: suicide, physical & emotional abuse, excessive bullying, adultery, abandonment.
it isn't a lighthearted romance. it has so much pain, trauma, & even convictions. but wow is it beautiful. i cried sad tears, happy tears, & laughed a lot too.
it took me a while to get into it at first because there is an excessive amount of swearing from our main character, Spencer lol but, after a while it was clear that that's actually who the character is - which is what made him seem so real. at first i was annoyed that Emerson is "not like other girls", but i quickly fell for her character too ☀️
this is a romance about growth, forgiveness, & love. real, real love. by the end, i couldn't get enough. the character development of both main characters was lovely, & even though they aren't real, i find myself just being so incredibly happy for them 🥹 the tough subjects were handled with so much grace, love, & perspective.. it was refreshing & emotional. love this book so much 🖤
4.5/5 ✨
TW: suicide, physical & emotional abuse, excessive bullying, adultery, abandonment.
September 1, 2019
My favorite books are the ones that make me feel. This one gutted me then proceeded to break my heart over and over again. Every time the story put it back together again a plot twist came along to hit it like a freight train! I cried. A lot! Connecting with the main characters and being able to envision others was incredibly easy. Like a tv series without all the sometimes awkward episode intros and the always annoying commercials. This is a long book but like all the best things is worth every moment.
August 25, 2018
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!! ONE OF THE BEST I'VE EVER READ!!!
Read
August 29, 2019Excellent book. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Keep up the good work.
October 6, 2016
I won this book in a giveaway. Normally I am a paranormal genre reader. I wasn't sure how I felt about this genre but figured since I won it, I would obviously go ahead and read it. And I was hooked 5 minuted into it. It is a really long read, which doesn't bother me in the least, I love long books. Especially when they are intriguing and keep you interested the whole time like this one does. It talks about very sensitive subjects but in a very tactful way. It makes you feel so many different emotions throughout the entire book but all in all it's an inspiring read and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Read
September 10, 2019Sunlight girl was a very sweet read. I knew that it was going to be a long read when I picked it up, but even though it is a hefty 572 pages, I couldn't put it down.
Spencer is ready to go into the summer before his senior year. His life is great, he is in love with his girlfriend of 11 months and is ready to celebrate with her and enjoy the free time from school. What he doesn't know is that his life will forever be changed that day.
Several months later, he is in a new state, going to a new school, and he is angry and not ready to move on from his experience. He is wondering how he will get through life with the amount of pain and suffering that he has to deal. And on top of all of this, he is the new student at the school. He is annoyed by the curiosity of his fellow student body, and the interest that is placed on his student body. He just wants to get through the days without having to deal with a bunch of BS.
Emerson is a quiet, shy, kind student. No matter how anyone else treats her, she treats them with the kindness that she wishes that others gave out in the world. She is an artist and a top student always striving to be her best self. There are things going on behind the scenes in her life, but you would never know it to see her in her happiness in life.
The relationship between Spencer and Emerson allows each of them to open up and to be able to become their best selves. She gives him kindness and he gives her strength. This book will stay with me.
Spencer is ready to go into the summer before his senior year. His life is great, he is in love with his girlfriend of 11 months and is ready to celebrate with her and enjoy the free time from school. What he doesn't know is that his life will forever be changed that day.
Several months later, he is in a new state, going to a new school, and he is angry and not ready to move on from his experience. He is wondering how he will get through life with the amount of pain and suffering that he has to deal. And on top of all of this, he is the new student at the school. He is annoyed by the curiosity of his fellow student body, and the interest that is placed on his student body. He just wants to get through the days without having to deal with a bunch of BS.
Emerson is a quiet, shy, kind student. No matter how anyone else treats her, she treats them with the kindness that she wishes that others gave out in the world. She is an artist and a top student always striving to be her best self. There are things going on behind the scenes in her life, but you would never know it to see her in her happiness in life.
The relationship between Spencer and Emerson allows each of them to open up and to be able to become their best selves. She gives him kindness and he gives her strength. This book will stay with me.
July 9, 2016
This book was amazing. It starts put with a bang! Yes it is a long book, but so worth it. Spencer goes from being so happy to being devastated in a matter or minutes. He struggles with what happened and it made him miserable, and he didn't want to be around let alone be friends with anyone. Then he meets Emerson. At first he is just trying to figure out why she is so polite to everyone at school, when clearly no one is even caring that she spoke to them. In this story you will go along the journey of Emerson, who can see just what Spencer is like deep down. She doesn't give up on him. And Spencer finds himself battling between what Loren did, and what he is starting to feel for Emerson. This book will make you really see what people go through and how they cope with it. Whether it is in a good or bad way. The title is so fitting, because Emerson really is the Sunlight girl. There is never a dull moment in this book. You will see others grieving, the truth as to what Emerson is dealing with at home. And last but not least.... love. I totally recommend this book to everyone.
December 13, 2016
Sunlight girl deals with alot of sensative issues, however the author has done a fabulous job at making you feel what the character feels. From the depth of guilt and self loathing to high of finding that someone special that brings love and sunshine back!
By chapter 7 i had alot of questions, by the end of the book all those questions got answered!!
The author did a fantastic job of speaking from a males POV, as the book was told from the Spencer's POV.
The friendship between Spencer & Nathan I absoutely loved, Nathan was a well thought out secondary character
Thank god there was a epilogue, as it was finally time to hear from Emerson and her thoughts and feelings!
Thanks for writing an emotional but loving book! Absolutely loved it!!
By chapter 7 i had alot of questions, by the end of the book all those questions got answered!!
The author did a fantastic job of speaking from a males POV, as the book was told from the Spencer's POV.
The friendship between Spencer & Nathan I absoutely loved, Nathan was a well thought out secondary character
Thank god there was a epilogue, as it was finally time to hear from Emerson and her thoughts and feelings!
Thanks for writing an emotional but loving book! Absolutely loved it!!
December 13, 2016
This book was so good. It left me so emotional. I ugly cried reading this book. Spenser is down as low as a person can be. He doesn't want people's sympathy. He has had a hard time getting back up. He doesn't even want to. That's until he meets Emerson. Can she change the way he feels or is he too stubborn
December 20, 2016
This was so damn good! I loved it!! K did a wonderful job with this emotional story! It really touched my heart and I can always get into the characters head with her amazing writing!
thanks for writing! <3
thanks for writing! <3
September 27, 2017
I loved this book however it was extremely serious and sad yet comical at the same time. The character Lauren who has my name was an extremely sad character and the fact that she ended up committing suicide in the beginning of the book pissed me off and the fact that she did Spencer the way she did and ever since she died; her spirit has taken Spencer through the ringer and totally becoming a total ASS to any and everyone around him especially Emerson who by the way my favorite character while Spencer is my least favorite. Emerson dealt with so much from not just Spencer but her dad as well and that treatment was something that she was used to and accustomed to. It was her normal but to Spencer she was his ray of sunshine even though he didn’t deserve it. Emerson was his true Sunlight Girl. All in all this was a really good read however only Read this book if you are in the right headspace mentally because this is a truly serious and sad read with a few comical things in it. I give this book Four Stars and if you want to see more of this review along with her other books subscribe to Strawberry Reads YouTube Channel to see more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews