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The Dandelion
At thirty-five, Abigail Simmons has mastered only one thing—running. When tragedy strikes, she runs. This time her urge to flee brings Abi back to her hometown, where she hopes she can find the peace she’s always searched for. That hope is dashed when Abi’s ex, Sam Forrester, bumps his way back into her life.
Sam has flourished in ways Abi hasn’t. From the outside, he has it all—a successful medical practice, a beautiful daughter, and a charming wife.
Who is dying.
Sara Forrester is dying and her final wish is for Sam to find love again so she can meet the woman who will finish raising her daughter and grow old with her husband. Abi seems like the perfect fit, but what Sara doesn’t know is that Abi has a secret, a secret no one could guess.
And it’s a deal breaker.
Sam has flourished in ways Abi hasn’t. From the outside, he has it all—a successful medical practice, a beautiful daughter, and a charming wife.
Who is dying.
Sara Forrester is dying and her final wish is for Sam to find love again so she can meet the woman who will finish raising her daughter and grow old with her husband. Abi seems like the perfect fit, but what Sara doesn’t know is that Abi has a secret, a secret no one could guess.
And it’s a deal breaker.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2018
98 people are currently reading
654 people want to read
About the author
M. Leighton
67 books9,431 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, M. Leighton, is a native of Ohio. She relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: literary fiction. Having written over a dozen novels, these days Michelle enjoys letting her mind wander to more romantic settings with sexy Southern guys, much like the one she married and the ones you'll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren't roaming in that direction, she'll be riding wild horses, skiing the slopes of Aspen or scuba diving with a hot rock star, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.
About Michelle: I love coffee and chocolate, even more so when they are combined. I'm convinced that one day they could be the basis for world peace. I also love the color red and am seriously considering dying my hair.
About Michelle: I love coffee and chocolate, even more so when they are combined. I'm convinced that one day they could be the basis for world peace. I also love the color red and am seriously considering dying my hair.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
May 6, 2018
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Female, partially dual
Rating:
Abigail (Abi) Simmons was desperate for a break. To find the peace she needed she decided to go back to her hometown for the first time since she left years ago. But what greeted her was not serenity but a ghost from her past that threatened her well laid plan.
Sam Forrester was once the love of her life. Now as a doctor, he became the love of the small town with his beautiful wife and daughter. However, what seemed perfect on the outside was just an illusion that hid an inevitable pain that could either mend them or annihilate them.
Right from the very beginning I couldn't help but to fall in love with Sam. Throughout all his suffering, he still put others first before his own needs.
I understood Abi's reasons for choosing the path she set. I felt her hopelessness and her pain. But at the same time I was also angry with her selfishness especially after she realized it herself.
This book is not about romance, but it is about love and how it could both hurt and heal broken souls. I like how the author set the characters dynamic. On the surface, their agreement might seem irrational but their situation justified their actions. You wouldn’t understand the dynamic unless you read the book.
The Dandelion is a story of love and life. It would appeal to readers looking for an engaging and emotional read with elements of romance.
🔹 🌼 🔹 . . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . 🔹 🌼 🔹
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Female, partially dual
Rating:
Abigail (Abi) Simmons was desperate for a break. To find the peace she needed she decided to go back to her hometown for the first time since she left years ago. But what greeted her was not serenity but a ghost from her past that threatened her well laid plan.
Sam Forrester was once the love of her life. Now as a doctor, he became the love of the small town with his beautiful wife and daughter. However, what seemed perfect on the outside was just an illusion that hid an inevitable pain that could either mend them or annihilate them.
He is rain. And thunder. Rain for my parched soul. Thunder in my veins.
Right from the very beginning I couldn't help but to fall in love with Sam. Throughout all his suffering, he still put others first before his own needs.
I’m like a black widow of the heart. My kiss is deadly. My love is life threatening.
I understood Abi's reasons for choosing the path she set. I felt her hopelessness and her pain. But at the same time I was also angry with her selfishness especially after she realized it herself.
This book is not about romance, but it is about love and how it could both hurt and heal broken souls. I like how the author set the characters dynamic. On the surface, their agreement might seem irrational but their situation justified their actions. You wouldn’t understand the dynamic unless you read the book.
Our misery binds us, like stitches that draw us close but have no hope of mending our broken hearts.
The Dandelion is a story of love and life. It would appeal to readers looking for an engaging and emotional read with elements of romance.
🔹 🌼 🔹 . . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . 🔹 🌼 🔹
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
never-no-way
April 12, 2018A dying woman wants to find someone who will love her child and husband after she has gone...
And who is a better option than his ex? The one with a secret... (hmm, it sounds like a secret baby but I don't know for sure.)
So far from my type of romance... So not my cuppa!
And who is a better option than his ex? The one with a secret... (hmm, it sounds like a secret baby but I don't know for sure.)
So far from my type of romance... So not my cuppa!
September 2, 2019
another Dandelion gif ↓ - it doesn't have anything to do with the book, but it's sooo adorable - I just had to add it to my review☺
Abi left her home town in South Carolina with her mom when she was 17 years old.
Now, 18 years later, she's back.
She's 'running' from something. From pain that happened to her, but also pain that she caused. But we don't know any details.
She just wants a few nice summer months back home where she was happy as a kid and teenager. To find some peace and quiet.
And maybe to see what happened to the love of her life Sam.
He was already saving to buy a ring back then, but then she had to leave.
But now ... now he's married and has an adorable little daughter.
But he doesn't seem happy. There's a huge sadness in his eyes.
Abi vows to help him with whatever is happening in his life.
And Sam's wife ... she's right there with her. She wants Abi to help Sam.
But what Sara wants Abi to do might be too much. Or rather too late.
Abi didn't come back home to stay - she thinks she doesn't deserve a happy ending.
What is happening to Abi & Sam?
Will there be a HEA?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺
════════════════════
Grrr, Michelle. Another one of those super-moving and heartbreakingly sad books.
About a love story that seems so hopeless before we even start reading! Stupid blurb almost making me cry already! ☺
BUT I LOVED THE BOOK!!!! Duh!
I almost didn't start reading - I was too afraid of a non-happy-end thing!!!
But of course I started reading - and I kept on reading. I just couldn't stop.
It was all so heartbreakingly sad and beautiful and a bit mysterious and sweet and adorable and frustrating and I just could. Not. Stop. Reading. But I also didn't want to pick the kindle up again when I came back from doing something else. I was too afraid that it was all too hopeless for our darlings. But of course I kept on reading.
I'm not gonna spoil anything for you.
Just know that I loved it and that it's a beautiful and heartbreakingly moving second-chance love story.
BEAUTIFUL BOOK! Beautiful characters. A lot of heartache and sadness. Lots of pain and healing. Lots of adorable little Noelle & Daddy moments .... and ALL THE FEELS!
But we also hope so very hard for a happily ever after ... but will there be one??? It doesn't look very promising if we listen to the blurb ... BUT KEEP ON READING!!! DON'T GIVE UP! ☺
THE DANDELION was such a heartbreakingly beautiful & adorable & moving second-chance love story! Please run to your nearest amazon for some tissue boxes and for your own Sam! This one is MINE!!!!!
And now for all those I NEED TO KNOW IF THERE'S A HAPPY END readers. I'll put it in a spoiler thingy!
♡
♡
April 9, 2018
I don’t even know where to begin my review of this highly emotionally charged book. I guess I can start by saying that it was a really sad story but one filled with so much love, hope and second chances.
Abi has returned to her lakeside hometown after leaving the boy she promised she would love forever behind 20 years ago. When she sees Sam again she is glad to see that he is happily married and they have a beautiful wee daughter. She is also left with a sense of sadness too, of the life she could have had with him. You never forget your first love and they will always carry a small piece of your heart with them.
‘In the wreckage that is my life, seeing Sam is like a life raft from the past, a bright dot of salvation floating on the otherwise bleak horizon. I didn’t realise how much I needed this place. Or to see kind, familiar faces.’
Over the past 20 years Abi has had her fair share of tragedy and has never felt more alone in her life. She is a broken shadow of the girl she used to be and with no hope of ever finding that peace she craves, she thinks that a few months back in the place she was last truly happy will give her just what she needs.
‘This is where I’ll find peace from the pain. And maybe redemption for what I’ve done. If I’m even redeemable.’
Sam is such an amazing person, an incredibly strong, loyal and loving man. He is deeply in love with his wife and is living with the knowledge that their time is limited. She is dying and there is nothing he can do about it. He absolutely adores his daughter Noelle and completely dotes on her. He is trying to keep things as normal as he can with the time they have left.
‘That’s the consequence of living – dying. Life leads to death. It’s unavoidable. It’s an inarguable fact.’
Sam’s wife Sara is someone that I hoped I could be like if I was faced with the same things she was. She is compassionate, beautiful and selfless. She may be faced with the confronting truth that her time is nearly up but her focus is not on herself but on Sam and Noelle. She needs to leave this earth knowing that they are being looked after and loved when she goes.
When Sara hears about Abi’s return she makes it her business to meet her and get to know her. And when she does, she knows, she just knows that this is the woman she can count to fulfil her dying wish. A beautiful friendship begins between them and Abi is torn between doing what is being asked of her and the consequences of making promises she may not be able to keep.
‘I shouldn’t like the woman who married the man I loved. I shouldn’t help the woman who has made such a wonderful life with the guy who should’ve been mine.’
'Yet I do. I do like her. I do want to help her.'
And that is all I will say about this, all of the above is covered off in the book blurb so I won’t go into any further plot details. This book had a very thought provoking subject and it had me thinking about what if that was happening in my life what would I do if I was faced with the same situation? A very unique story that I am still thinking about….
‘We can’t avoid living because we want to avoid pain. Life without pain is life without living. Like you just said, the pain let’s us know we’re alive.’
Abi has returned to her lakeside hometown after leaving the boy she promised she would love forever behind 20 years ago. When she sees Sam again she is glad to see that he is happily married and they have a beautiful wee daughter. She is also left with a sense of sadness too, of the life she could have had with him. You never forget your first love and they will always carry a small piece of your heart with them.
‘In the wreckage that is my life, seeing Sam is like a life raft from the past, a bright dot of salvation floating on the otherwise bleak horizon. I didn’t realise how much I needed this place. Or to see kind, familiar faces.’
Over the past 20 years Abi has had her fair share of tragedy and has never felt more alone in her life. She is a broken shadow of the girl she used to be and with no hope of ever finding that peace she craves, she thinks that a few months back in the place she was last truly happy will give her just what she needs.
‘This is where I’ll find peace from the pain. And maybe redemption for what I’ve done. If I’m even redeemable.’
Sam is such an amazing person, an incredibly strong, loyal and loving man. He is deeply in love with his wife and is living with the knowledge that their time is limited. She is dying and there is nothing he can do about it. He absolutely adores his daughter Noelle and completely dotes on her. He is trying to keep things as normal as he can with the time they have left.
‘That’s the consequence of living – dying. Life leads to death. It’s unavoidable. It’s an inarguable fact.’
Sam’s wife Sara is someone that I hoped I could be like if I was faced with the same things she was. She is compassionate, beautiful and selfless. She may be faced with the confronting truth that her time is nearly up but her focus is not on herself but on Sam and Noelle. She needs to leave this earth knowing that they are being looked after and loved when she goes.
When Sara hears about Abi’s return she makes it her business to meet her and get to know her. And when she does, she knows, she just knows that this is the woman she can count to fulfil her dying wish. A beautiful friendship begins between them and Abi is torn between doing what is being asked of her and the consequences of making promises she may not be able to keep.
‘I shouldn’t like the woman who married the man I loved. I shouldn’t help the woman who has made such a wonderful life with the guy who should’ve been mine.’
'Yet I do. I do like her. I do want to help her.'
And that is all I will say about this, all of the above is covered off in the book blurb so I won’t go into any further plot details. This book had a very thought provoking subject and it had me thinking about what if that was happening in my life what would I do if I was faced with the same situation? A very unique story that I am still thinking about….
‘We can’t avoid living because we want to avoid pain. Life without pain is life without living. Like you just said, the pain let’s us know we’re alive.’
i-rather-throw-myself-over-a-cliff
July 10, 2019Why can’t the heroine have a successful life, love and sex for once? Why does she needs to be this loser? Why is it always the hero who has to be successful, have a wife and kids that he loves? And I bet that secret is her having his secret baby. 🤔😏More importantly why do authors hate women so much?
“Sam has flourished in ways Abi hasn’t. From the outside, he has it all—a successful medical practice, a beautiful daughter, and a charming wife.”
“Sam has flourished in ways Abi hasn’t. From the outside, he has it all—a successful medical practice, a beautiful daughter, and a charming wife.”
July 9, 2018
3-3.5 Stars
May 7, 2018
4.5stars
This was a great read, I loved the chemistry, the story itself was different, sad and I was able to connect with the characters. I didn't ugly cried a lot but I definitely had my ugly cry moment 🙄😆
I most definitely will be checking out more of this author's books.
This was a great read, I loved the chemistry, the story itself was different, sad and I was able to connect with the characters. I didn't ugly cried a lot but I definitely had my ugly cry moment 🙄😆
I most definitely will be checking out more of this author's books.
April 8, 2018
I had such high hopes for this book after reading the blurb. It had me pumped for what I thought would be a profoundly emotional story full of depth and second chances. I was geared up for heartache, for angst, for... something. Unfortunately I struggled with connecting much to the story at all. There's a lot more telling than showing in this book, and because of that, I never felt the chemistry between Sam and Abi, I never felt grief or loss or heartache. It existed, the characters say they're heartbroken, but that was never conveyed to the reader in a meaningful way that I believed in.
I honestly didn't feel much at all as I read to be honest. The main plot point, Sam's wife's illness, really should've been delved into a bit deeper. It was held right at the surface and her wishes and her fears should've been a kick right to the gut to the reader but it never got there. And with all the other things going on in Abi's life, her history and her plans for the future, it took away from Sara's situation. Truthfully, there was too much going on and not enough dimension. It was a lot of throwing everything against the wall to see what would stick rather than really cultivating the more meaningful aspects of this storyline.
It's never fun to be so overly critical about a book but I just had a really hard time finding anything I could hold onto with this story. I was a spectator hearing the details but was never invited in to really feel all the things a reader should feel when they pick up a book. This is the first book I've read from Michelle Leighton who formerly wrote under M Leighton and I'm just not sure this author's writing is my cup of tea.
I honestly didn't feel much at all as I read to be honest. The main plot point, Sam's wife's illness, really should've been delved into a bit deeper. It was held right at the surface and her wishes and her fears should've been a kick right to the gut to the reader but it never got there. And with all the other things going on in Abi's life, her history and her plans for the future, it took away from Sara's situation. Truthfully, there was too much going on and not enough dimension. It was a lot of throwing everything against the wall to see what would stick rather than really cultivating the more meaningful aspects of this storyline.
It's never fun to be so overly critical about a book but I just had a really hard time finding anything I could hold onto with this story. I was a spectator hearing the details but was never invited in to really feel all the things a reader should feel when they pick up a book. This is the first book I've read from Michelle Leighton who formerly wrote under M Leighton and I'm just not sure this author's writing is my cup of tea.
May 27, 2018
This author is one hell of a story teller. I enjoy reading when an author talks about the scenery and gives us the reader a visual of the story. This way I can get the whole picture.
A second chance love story with angst and heartbreak. Little blonde girl takes the whole story to a different level. Noelle is her name and she is three with a mind of a grown up. Sam Forrester and his wife Sara are heading into the most painful goodbyes. Before she dies she is determined to find a new love for her husband and child. This is their story.
A second chance love story with angst and heartbreak. Little blonde girl takes the whole story to a different level. Noelle is her name and she is three with a mind of a grown up. Sam Forrester and his wife Sara are heading into the most painful goodbyes. Before she dies she is determined to find a new love for her husband and child. This is their story.
not-interested
April 11, 2018With a blurb like that I just can't read it. And don't think it's because of the supposed sadness. It's more for the silliness. I may sound cold, what I really am, but this kind of situation just annoys me. And I don't think any dying person would be on the hunt for another love for their partner and a parent for their kid. Just one situation this worked for me: it was an episode of GOLDEN GIRLS and a woman who was dying was trying to get Sophia to date her husband so she could look after him when she really passed. And this was comedy. So that's that.
April 15, 2018
There was something about this which reminded me of 'sister-wives'
April 11, 2018
FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED
With its eye-catching cover that is indicative of the story inside and a book blurb assured to grab and hold the attention of readers, I won’t be giving away much more of this plot. I would only be spoiling the overall effect and the unexpected revelations you should encounter on your own. Not a story that's always easy on the heart, this is a soul-searching journey and one that won’t soon be forgotten. The Dandelion was a lot different from what I expected – and so much more in every way.
This is where I’ll find peace from the pain. And maybe redemption for what I’ve done. If I’m even redeemable.
Into every life a little rain must fall – but Abigail Simmons, a weary soul, has clearly suffered more than her fair share of downpours. Starting at age seventeen with what seemed to be a target on her back, her dreams are lost and she has weathered repeated devastating tragedies and the accompanying heartache, pain and sadness and guilt that never seems to end. For a girl whose name means “joy,” she’s lost the joy and the light has gone out of her life. With a return to the last place where Abi felt at peace, she begins her quest for redemption.
This is a second chance romance about a love lost – but the feelings remained even after a separation of almost two decades. Told from dual points of view by Sam and Abi in a “then” and “now” timeframe. Life hasn’t exactly gone according to plan for the three main characters. This book is a fair measure of human nature and really makes you stop and consider the choices you’ve made to get to the point you are now and the lengths people will go to in securing the care and happiness for our loved ones. But it embraces so much more. Although it’s a deep and tragic story, there’s also a nice blend of humor and camaraderie that helps to lighten things up.
In the wreckage that is my life, seeing Sam is like a life raft from the past, a bright dot of salvation floating on the otherwise bleak horizon. I didn’t realize how much I needed this place. Or to see kind, familiar faces.
Abi, Sam and Sara are each appealing, inspiring and sympathetic lead characters that are sure to capture the hearts of readers. But they are not perfect – then again, maybe Sara is. There is so much about these characters that drew me in and kept me captivated and in awe. I fell completely in love with each one. Leighton doesn’t stop there though – she does a great job peppering this story with secondary characters that add dimension to the book as well. Every bit of darkness needs some sunshine. To brighten up the gloom. Just when you think you can’t possibly smile amid the tragedy of this story, there’s a delightful and adorable little bee named Noelle who provides a welcomed respite and proves you wrong. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel.
Michelle Leighton’s story carries inspiration, along with hope, which had a profound influence upon my heart. This story grabbed me by the heartstrings and wouldn't let go—and there were several places in the story where I openly wept at its beauty and depth.
Leighton’s uses well-learned techniques for mixing emotions that take readers up and down and then up again. Otherwise there would be zero effect on keeping readers engaged and those much-relished feelings stirring on all levels for a satisfying read.
But most importantly, The Dandelion is well-written with a thought-provoking plotline that tackles some really tough issues. Even though I knew these well-developed and expressive characters are fictional and the events aren’t real, my reactions and emotions were. I really felt the sadness and grief, laughter and tears, the joy and love. And through it all, I could only hope for a happily-ever-after - even though bittersweet -- for characters who deserved it so very much.
I can’t recommend this stunning book highly enough. There just aren’t words – at least I don’t have them. In my opinion, this is the best yet from Michelle Leighton.
With its eye-catching cover that is indicative of the story inside and a book blurb assured to grab and hold the attention of readers, I won’t be giving away much more of this plot. I would only be spoiling the overall effect and the unexpected revelations you should encounter on your own. Not a story that's always easy on the heart, this is a soul-searching journey and one that won’t soon be forgotten. The Dandelion was a lot different from what I expected – and so much more in every way.
This is where I’ll find peace from the pain. And maybe redemption for what I’ve done. If I’m even redeemable.
Into every life a little rain must fall – but Abigail Simmons, a weary soul, has clearly suffered more than her fair share of downpours. Starting at age seventeen with what seemed to be a target on her back, her dreams are lost and she has weathered repeated devastating tragedies and the accompanying heartache, pain and sadness and guilt that never seems to end. For a girl whose name means “joy,” she’s lost the joy and the light has gone out of her life. With a return to the last place where Abi felt at peace, she begins her quest for redemption.
This is a second chance romance about a love lost – but the feelings remained even after a separation of almost two decades. Told from dual points of view by Sam and Abi in a “then” and “now” timeframe. Life hasn’t exactly gone according to plan for the three main characters. This book is a fair measure of human nature and really makes you stop and consider the choices you’ve made to get to the point you are now and the lengths people will go to in securing the care and happiness for our loved ones. But it embraces so much more. Although it’s a deep and tragic story, there’s also a nice blend of humor and camaraderie that helps to lighten things up.
In the wreckage that is my life, seeing Sam is like a life raft from the past, a bright dot of salvation floating on the otherwise bleak horizon. I didn’t realize how much I needed this place. Or to see kind, familiar faces.
Abi, Sam and Sara are each appealing, inspiring and sympathetic lead characters that are sure to capture the hearts of readers. But they are not perfect – then again, maybe Sara is. There is so much about these characters that drew me in and kept me captivated and in awe. I fell completely in love with each one. Leighton doesn’t stop there though – she does a great job peppering this story with secondary characters that add dimension to the book as well. Every bit of darkness needs some sunshine. To brighten up the gloom. Just when you think you can’t possibly smile amid the tragedy of this story, there’s a delightful and adorable little bee named Noelle who provides a welcomed respite and proves you wrong. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel.
Michelle Leighton’s story carries inspiration, along with hope, which had a profound influence upon my heart. This story grabbed me by the heartstrings and wouldn't let go—and there were several places in the story where I openly wept at its beauty and depth.
Leighton’s uses well-learned techniques for mixing emotions that take readers up and down and then up again. Otherwise there would be zero effect on keeping readers engaged and those much-relished feelings stirring on all levels for a satisfying read.
But most importantly, The Dandelion is well-written with a thought-provoking plotline that tackles some really tough issues. Even though I knew these well-developed and expressive characters are fictional and the events aren’t real, my reactions and emotions were. I really felt the sadness and grief, laughter and tears, the joy and love. And through it all, I could only hope for a happily-ever-after - even though bittersweet -- for characters who deserved it so very much.
I can’t recommend this stunning book highly enough. There just aren’t words – at least I don’t have them. In my opinion, this is the best yet from Michelle Leighton.
April 23, 2018
I have wanted to meet a Michelle Leighton story for YEARS, as I’ve hoarded a couple of paperback pretties on my shelf of hers but never met them. When offered an opportunity to read The Dandelion, I was so THRILLED to finally meet this author’s words. Finally, I’d soak up a story from an author who’s been on my TBR for a long time.
The cover of The Dandelion is STUNNING with an ethereal beauty that didn’t quite reach the story. With an emotionally-wielding blurb, small town setting, and allure of the nostalgic second-chance romance trope, I was excited to read The Dandelion. I expected to feel this story hard based on the emotional roller coaster of a blurb.
The plot concept is on point and so compelling with so much potential, but the story failed to deliver for me. I failed to feel anything from a story where I expected to feel EVERYTHING. I’m a crier who typically feels every word I read but I didn’t shed a tear here and I should have needed all the tissues. I loved the family bond and ties woven throughout this story, the way the hero and heroine would risk so much to protect and help their families, but I never felt that bond.
While elements of the characters endeared me, I neither forged a connection to the characters nor the storyline. I could not feel the chemistry between the hero and heroine. The characters lacked strength and compatibility. I think if this story entailed more dialogue and showed more rather than described what happened, painting a picture in my head, I would have developed that connection and those feelings that, sadly, were missing. While The Dandelion’s premise is a beautiful concept, I just could not feel this story as much as I wanted to badly. I WANTED to love this book that ended up OKAY but I expected greatness based on the stunning synopsis, I really did.
The cover of The Dandelion is STUNNING with an ethereal beauty that didn’t quite reach the story. With an emotionally-wielding blurb, small town setting, and allure of the nostalgic second-chance romance trope, I was excited to read The Dandelion. I expected to feel this story hard based on the emotional roller coaster of a blurb.
The plot concept is on point and so compelling with so much potential, but the story failed to deliver for me. I failed to feel anything from a story where I expected to feel EVERYTHING. I’m a crier who typically feels every word I read but I didn’t shed a tear here and I should have needed all the tissues. I loved the family bond and ties woven throughout this story, the way the hero and heroine would risk so much to protect and help their families, but I never felt that bond.
While elements of the characters endeared me, I neither forged a connection to the characters nor the storyline. I could not feel the chemistry between the hero and heroine. The characters lacked strength and compatibility. I think if this story entailed more dialogue and showed more rather than described what happened, painting a picture in my head, I would have developed that connection and those feelings that, sadly, were missing. While The Dandelion’s premise is a beautiful concept, I just could not feel this story as much as I wanted to badly. I WANTED to love this book that ended up OKAY but I expected greatness based on the stunning synopsis, I really did.
May 2, 2018
This is only the second book I have read by Michelle Leighton but once again, I have been blown away by this emotionally charged story she has written. From reading the synopsis, I knew "The Dandelion" was going to be a heart breaker of a read and I wasn't wrong. Abi, Sam and Sara's story absolutely devastated me. From start to finish, I read this book with a such heavy heart, a lump in my throat and the threat of tears never far away because of the impossible situation these characters found themselves in. It was tragic with a sense of despair at the forefront of every page I read. Each of these characters was going through so much and I felt every ounce of their pain and suffering.
"The Dandelion" (very much like "The Empty Jar") was one of those books I know I'll remember for a long time, the storyline definitely leaving its mark on me. Why? Well because so much of it felt so real. The situation the characters found themselves in, their actions, their sacrifices and their selflessness really made me think and question, "what would I do in their shoes?" Would I have the strength and courage to do as they did? Would I be brave enough? I honestly don't know but for me, the story definitely toyed with my conscience. For me, the best kind of books are the thought provoking ones and this was 100% that!
Michelle Leighton bought this heart breaking tale to life two fold. Firstly, the emotionally charged writing that ensured I felt every single thing the characters went through and secondly, because of her excellent use of imagery that ensured I was able to quite literally live this story right alongside the characters. I was a part of the small town. I was a resident at the lake. I felt the beautiful sun on my face and I watched the world go by as I sat on my adirondack chair on my porch. I loved the sense of family and nostalgia that came with the setting too. For the few hours it took me to read this book, I felt like I was home.
"The Dandelion" was a story about love, loss, atonement and second chances that weaved itself into my emotions right from the get go. A job well done to this author for writing a story so was just so heart felt. I rated it ❤️❤️❤️❤️
"The Dandelion" (very much like "The Empty Jar") was one of those books I know I'll remember for a long time, the storyline definitely leaving its mark on me. Why? Well because so much of it felt so real. The situation the characters found themselves in, their actions, their sacrifices and their selflessness really made me think and question, "what would I do in their shoes?" Would I have the strength and courage to do as they did? Would I be brave enough? I honestly don't know but for me, the story definitely toyed with my conscience. For me, the best kind of books are the thought provoking ones and this was 100% that!
Michelle Leighton bought this heart breaking tale to life two fold. Firstly, the emotionally charged writing that ensured I felt every single thing the characters went through and secondly, because of her excellent use of imagery that ensured I was able to quite literally live this story right alongside the characters. I was a part of the small town. I was a resident at the lake. I felt the beautiful sun on my face and I watched the world go by as I sat on my adirondack chair on my porch. I loved the sense of family and nostalgia that came with the setting too. For the few hours it took me to read this book, I felt like I was home.
"The Dandelion" was a story about love, loss, atonement and second chances that weaved itself into my emotions right from the get go. A job well done to this author for writing a story so was just so heart felt. I rated it ❤️❤️❤️❤️
April 4, 2018
arc provided by the author for an honest, unbiased review
im just sitting here, in public, trying not to cry. im trying. I will not do it. ladies, its not working. I just feel so emotionally raw right now. like if people look too close, they'll see how my broken heart is justflayed open from reading this.
this whole story has felt like one huge heart crushing story. in one way or another, this story is going to break your heart in two . Whether it's Sara's story or Abi's, you are going to ache for these characters. not only for what they've been through, their separation, but also what they're going through and the plans involved.
on one hand I'm reeling from Sara's plans. I want to not understand, I want to not like her idea, I want to hate that that is how she wants her family life to go on without her. but sitting here and thinking about this, I kind of do understand. I understand wanting to know the person who's going to take your place and wanting to make sure it's the right person. as a mother, I can understand that you do want the best for your kid and this is a way of making sure it happens.
I loved Sam. I loved how he handled Sara, everything he had to do with all that responsibility of his own practice, his family and all the issues that they're dealing with daily. but then Abi comes back into his life and it's bringing back all his feelings for her. his heartbreak, his love..and it's her saving grace. just as much as she's his.
im just sitting here, in public, trying not to cry. im trying. I will not do it. ladies, its not working. I just feel so emotionally raw right now. like if people look too close, they'll see how my broken heart is justflayed open from reading this.
this whole story has felt like one huge heart crushing story. in one way or another, this story is going to break your heart in two . Whether it's Sara's story or Abi's, you are going to ache for these characters. not only for what they've been through, their separation, but also what they're going through and the plans involved.
on one hand I'm reeling from Sara's plans. I want to not understand, I want to not like her idea, I want to hate that that is how she wants her family life to go on without her. but sitting here and thinking about this, I kind of do understand. I understand wanting to know the person who's going to take your place and wanting to make sure it's the right person. as a mother, I can understand that you do want the best for your kid and this is a way of making sure it happens.
I loved Sam. I loved how he handled Sara, everything he had to do with all that responsibility of his own practice, his family and all the issues that they're dealing with daily. but then Abi comes back into his life and it's bringing back all his feelings for her. his heartbreak, his love..and it's her saving grace. just as much as she's his.
April 7, 2018
Memories…..they can haunt you for years or bring you joy from the fondness. For Abi – decades have come and gone since she fled her hometown, leaving the boy of her dreams behind in her wake. Life was anything but easy for Abi, and now she is determined to put it all behind her. To return to the one place she can seek solace and peace.
Abi knew that there was a possibility that she would run into Sam. Yet – nothing could have prepared her for just how much his life had changed in her absence. As the town doctor, Sam seems to ‘have it all’ with a beautiful wife and daughter. Looks can be deceiving and Sam is far from living the life one might think from looking from the outside.
Nothing in life is perfect. Something Sam knows all too well. His wife Sara is slowly dying and there isn’t a single thing he can do to stop it. In the face of her grave prognosis, Sara shows nothing but devotion for Sam and Noelle. Determined to make sure they have someone to lean on when she is no longer around. Giving her a peace that will only come from knowing that there will be someone around to pick up the pieces for Sam and Noelle.
When Abi returns to town, Sara knows that this could be the answer to her prayers. A shoulder to lean on for Sam, and a role model for Noelle. Time is running out for Sara, and Abi may be the only person that will fill the void. While Abi agreed to help Sam in any way possible, she didn’t count on Sara or the devotion that this town has for Sam. All of it sits like a weight on Abi’s shoulders. Nothing can make Abi believe that she deserves the love, friendship or kindness that has come her way. Is there any way to change Abi’s mind before Sara is out of options?
Let me take a moment……I’m not crying, YOU are crying!!! The Dandelion was unlike anything I prepared myself to read. It was beautiful and poignant. A tribute to the writing style that Michelle Leighton is known for when she puts pen to paper. There will be heartbreak and sadness, but the story has an underlying tone of hope and mercy. There will be moments of adoration and others that will leave you in tears as you follow in the footsteps that Sam and Abi will travel.
One thing that this book does is make you think….and I mean think HARD!! What would you do if you traveled in the shoes of these characters? Right or wrong….good or bad….the choices that these characters make will leave you thinking and feeling with all of your heart. Michelle Leighton always seems to write with such beauty, depth and thought provoking story plots. This novel is no exception.
The Dandelion is simply……..BEAUTIFUL!!!
Abi knew that there was a possibility that she would run into Sam. Yet – nothing could have prepared her for just how much his life had changed in her absence. As the town doctor, Sam seems to ‘have it all’ with a beautiful wife and daughter. Looks can be deceiving and Sam is far from living the life one might think from looking from the outside.
Nothing in life is perfect. Something Sam knows all too well. His wife Sara is slowly dying and there isn’t a single thing he can do to stop it. In the face of her grave prognosis, Sara shows nothing but devotion for Sam and Noelle. Determined to make sure they have someone to lean on when she is no longer around. Giving her a peace that will only come from knowing that there will be someone around to pick up the pieces for Sam and Noelle.
When Abi returns to town, Sara knows that this could be the answer to her prayers. A shoulder to lean on for Sam, and a role model for Noelle. Time is running out for Sara, and Abi may be the only person that will fill the void. While Abi agreed to help Sam in any way possible, she didn’t count on Sara or the devotion that this town has for Sam. All of it sits like a weight on Abi’s shoulders. Nothing can make Abi believe that she deserves the love, friendship or kindness that has come her way. Is there any way to change Abi’s mind before Sara is out of options?
Let me take a moment……I’m not crying, YOU are crying!!! The Dandelion was unlike anything I prepared myself to read. It was beautiful and poignant. A tribute to the writing style that Michelle Leighton is known for when she puts pen to paper. There will be heartbreak and sadness, but the story has an underlying tone of hope and mercy. There will be moments of adoration and others that will leave you in tears as you follow in the footsteps that Sam and Abi will travel.
One thing that this book does is make you think….and I mean think HARD!! What would you do if you traveled in the shoes of these characters? Right or wrong….good or bad….the choices that these characters make will leave you thinking and feeling with all of your heart. Michelle Leighton always seems to write with such beauty, depth and thought provoking story plots. This novel is no exception.
The Dandelion is simply……..BEAUTIFUL!!!
April 8, 2018
*4.5 Stars
My curiosity level was at an all-time high as soon as I read the synopsis for The Dandelion. I was fully aware that this was going to be an emotional read – there was absolutely no way around that, but I had to know how Michelle Leighton was going to tell Abi, Sam, and Sara’s story.
Abi just wanted to spend a few quiet months by the lake where her fondest memories took place. She wanted to find some much needed peace while offering a helping hand in her former community. Abi never expected her good deeds would go so far as granting a dying woman’s wish to spend time with her husband, love him, and help to raise his adorable daughter. Would it be so difficult for Abi to love Sam again?
As a reader, I always try to put myself in the shoes of the characters that I’m reading about. How would I be if I found myself in a similar situation? Would I react the same way? Well, this was a tough one. I like to think of myself as a good person, but I came to the conclusion that I may not be quite as selfless as I would like to believe. It didn’t matter which character’s shoes I was wearing, it was all incredibly difficult, awkward, and hurtful. There was nothing easy or painless about this situation.
I began reading The Dandelion one night and finished it the next. I was invested in these characters’ lives. I didn’t want to put it down while I was reading it – I needed to find out what was going to happen next. To say that I was surprised by a few things that were revealed would be a definite understatement. I knew that there were secrets that we weren’t privy to yet, but I didn’t expect it to go the route that it did. I love it when that happens!
The Dandelion was an all-consuming reading experience. I felt as though I was right there with the characters, sitting beside them on an Adirondack chair and listening to the waves lapping on the shore, and navigating the rough waters with them. I was able to feel every emotion that they were experiencing as they were thrust into this unconventional situation. My heart beat alongside of theirs, broke with theirs, and was put back together again.
As I mentioned earlier, I wondered how Michelle Leighton was going to tell this sensitive and emotional story. She did it with the utmost care – eloquently and beautifully.
My curiosity level was at an all-time high as soon as I read the synopsis for The Dandelion. I was fully aware that this was going to be an emotional read – there was absolutely no way around that, but I had to know how Michelle Leighton was going to tell Abi, Sam, and Sara’s story.
Abi just wanted to spend a few quiet months by the lake where her fondest memories took place. She wanted to find some much needed peace while offering a helping hand in her former community. Abi never expected her good deeds would go so far as granting a dying woman’s wish to spend time with her husband, love him, and help to raise his adorable daughter. Would it be so difficult for Abi to love Sam again?
As a reader, I always try to put myself in the shoes of the characters that I’m reading about. How would I be if I found myself in a similar situation? Would I react the same way? Well, this was a tough one. I like to think of myself as a good person, but I came to the conclusion that I may not be quite as selfless as I would like to believe. It didn’t matter which character’s shoes I was wearing, it was all incredibly difficult, awkward, and hurtful. There was nothing easy or painless about this situation.
I began reading The Dandelion one night and finished it the next. I was invested in these characters’ lives. I didn’t want to put it down while I was reading it – I needed to find out what was going to happen next. To say that I was surprised by a few things that were revealed would be a definite understatement. I knew that there were secrets that we weren’t privy to yet, but I didn’t expect it to go the route that it did. I love it when that happens!
The Dandelion was an all-consuming reading experience. I felt as though I was right there with the characters, sitting beside them on an Adirondack chair and listening to the waves lapping on the shore, and navigating the rough waters with them. I was able to feel every emotion that they were experiencing as they were thrust into this unconventional situation. My heart beat alongside of theirs, broke with theirs, and was put back together again.
As I mentioned earlier, I wondered how Michelle Leighton was going to tell this sensitive and emotional story. She did it with the utmost care – eloquently and beautifully.
October 16, 2018
Ebook
Grade: C-/D+
Not a review, just some thoughts for personal reference. Spoilers. Really. Spoilers galore. (I'm writing this for myself, so if anyone else ventures beyond this point, it's totally their own fault.)
A lot of people liked this book and I had high hopes for it, but it was a real miss for me, to the extent that I was pretty pissed off most of the time while I was reading it. I repeatedly thought about ditching it, but felt like I had to stick with it. So, what bugged me so much? Here are some things:
--I really disliked the writing style.
>It was full of short sentences.
>Dramatic sentences.
>Or sentence fragments.
>Like this.
>Each fragment a paragraph.
>To build tension.
>But was just annoying instead.
Here's a real example:
>Both of us gasp.
>Neither of us moves.
>I nod, not trusting myself to speak.
>"I'll be back later." Not a request, a pledge, and I feel it all the way down to my already-
tingling toes.
>I nod again.
>I could argue.
>I should argue.
>But I don't argue.
The whole book was like this. It's such lazy writing.
--For personal reasons, I was very angry about Saint Sara's illnesses. (Sara's the wife of Sam, the male lead.) She's nobly dying of lupus, kidney disease, and diabetes. I had my first kidney surgery when I was in the 3rd grade and was later diagnosed with lupus (among a number of other things). I really hate that every representation of lupus in books is some long-suffering soul bravely facing death. And, to top it off, Sara is self-sacrificing enough that she wants to make sure her husband Sam is hooked up with her replacement so she can die in peace. Once she's accomplished this, she quits her treatments and ascends into heaven to be with all the other angels.
--Sam's a milquetoast who goes along with all of this. He's a saint, too, but a doormat kind of saint.
--Noelle, Sam and Sara's daughter is also a saint, bravely facing her mother's illness and death and never truly misbehaving. And she apparently never butts heads with Abi (the main character and replacement mom) or resents her, even a bit, which I think would be kind of natural.
--Abi needs some serious therapy, and I got tired of her "woe is me" martyrdom. Her dad died when she was young. Her mother had a sort of breakdown and moved Abi and herself out of Molly's Knob (the town) suddenly and made them cut all ties. I can understand Abi being loyal to her mom, but she didn't make any effort to keep in touch with Sam, the supposed love of her young life. Abi later married a man who turned out to be a cheating cad. When she was walking out on him in a dramatic scene, she fell down the stairs while holding her young daughter. Daughter died. Abi was seriously injured and still suffers from severe, chronic pain, as well as overwhelming depression and guilt. But she deserves all the pain in the world because she was the worst mother ever (in her mind). She's in so much pain, both physical and emotional, that she returns to Molly's Knob in order to commit suicide there. None of these latter points were at all a surprise. It was clear from the outset that something had happened to Abi's daughter and that she blamed herself (altho I was guessing a car accident rather than a fall). It was also obvious that Abi was planning her last hurrah at the lake in Molly's Knob. That was telegraphed from the beginning, too, courtesy of a bunch of those dramatic sentence fragment thingies.
--Why does Abi have to return to Molly's Knob to kill herself? Kind of selfish to go to a place people knew her from before, and to then insinuate herself back into their lives, all while planning the big exit. Does she just want people to feel sorry for her once she's gone? If she had really been serious she could have gone anywhere else to quietly do the deed.
--Abi writes a letter to her mom (more on this later) detailing everything about her plans but then forgets to take it to her mom, leaving it behind in her rented lakeside cabin. So, you just know someone was going to find and read the letter. I'd been banking on the cleaning woman who was a friend of Abi's, but it ended up being Sam--setting up a dramatic scene.
--About the mom. She was in a car accident after leaving Molly's Knob and had a severe brain injury. She lives in a care home and has no memories of her former life or that Abi is her daughter. (Which makes it pretty stupid that Abby wrote that letter to her.) Abby regularly visits and looks after her mother, including helping to pay for the facility. In the end, the mom dies, but not before having a miraculous moment of lucidity and leaving Abbi with a profound message. It was all so unrealistic, and just turned the mom into a prop and cliche.
--After Abi left town, Sam fell apart and blew the rest of his high school time. He couldn't get into college anywhere except the local community college. But he did some volunteer work at a hospital (or something like that, can't remember), became interested in medicine, went to med school, became a doctor, and returned to Molly's Knob to take over the retiring doctor's practice. Kind of interesting how he rebounded from community college to med school (unless it was one of those Caribbean med schools), but ok.
Despite everything being so unrealistic, there were almost zero surprises in this book. The general premise had promise, but it ended up being like one of those old ABC movies of the week. Not even Lifetime quality. Just cheap, melodramatic, manipulative, and clumsy. I think the only thing I really liked about it was the dandelion analogy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2018
Michelle Leighton has always been one of my go to authors. She just writes stories that speak to my soul. She is one of the first authors I read so many moons ago and she continues to bring us these amazing stories that have me glued to my kindle. She just has a gift and if you’ve not discovered her amazingness you need to one click The Dandelion. I admit its an unconventional second chance love story but that is what I loved about it! It’s not the same ole love story that is about losing your first love only to find it years later. It was just so much more!! This is one I highly recommend especially for those who swoon over second chances.
Abi is going back to her home time after leaving twenty years ago. Back then she was in high school and in love but when her mom uproots her and moves, with her she lost the one person she loved the most. Now she returns to spend four months at the one place where she was happiest. What she didn’t expect was to run into the one who always held her heart.
Sam still leaves in the town he grew up in and is now raising his own family. On the outside it looks like he has the perfect family with a beautiful wife and daughter but it seems like fate has brought Abi back to him when he needed her most. His world is falling apart and Abi may be the one person who can hold everything together.
But Abi’s own world is falling apart in a different way. She came to her happy place looking for peace and serenity and finds Sam. Is fate telling them both something? You will need to read The Dandelion to find out!!
Abi is going back to her home time after leaving twenty years ago. Back then she was in high school and in love but when her mom uproots her and moves, with her she lost the one person she loved the most. Now she returns to spend four months at the one place where she was happiest. What she didn’t expect was to run into the one who always held her heart.
Sam still leaves in the town he grew up in and is now raising his own family. On the outside it looks like he has the perfect family with a beautiful wife and daughter but it seems like fate has brought Abi back to him when he needed her most. His world is falling apart and Abi may be the one person who can hold everything together.
But Abi’s own world is falling apart in a different way. She came to her happy place looking for peace and serenity and finds Sam. Is fate telling them both something? You will need to read The Dandelion to find out!!
April 5, 2018
Review to come on release day.
August 21, 2020
The Dandelion by Michelle Leighton
4.5 stars!!!
Abigail Simmons is thirty-five and has returned to her home town for some respite and to lay some old ghosts to rest. The only thing Abigail has ever excelled at is running, she has run her whole life, but now, with nothing else to run from she returns to her happy place, a place that holds her fondest memories, a place that she just wants to see and feel once again. The trouble with ghosts though, is that they never like to be laid to rest, they come back and haunt you.
The Dandelion is a story that has a little bit of everything, second chances, childhood love, heart breaking prose and for me, was one heck of a tear jerker, but most of all, it exuded hope, sometimes where hope never existed to begin with.
Abigail returns to her childhood town and rents a place on the lake for four months. She gives herself that time to make amends for her past, so she can move on to the next stage of her plan with a clear heart and conscience. It isn’t long before she crosses paths with her childhood love, Dr Sam Forrester, the one person that she didn’t want to leave the first time. Sam is now married and has a young daughter, on the outside he seems to have it all, but behind closed doors his life is anything but. His wife is dying and her dying wish is for Sam to find love again and Abigail is the perfect fit.
Sam and Abigail have never stopped loving one and other; even though both had moved on in their lives a huge chunk of their hearts still belonged to the other. Those feelings never die and are only reignited when their paths cross once again. Sam’s wife was one in a million, perfect on the outside and the in, she loved with her whole heart and Sam and their daughter were the centre of her whole existence. Sara has known she was dying for a long time, but she wants her family looked after before she leaves and when Abi comes back to town, she sees it as fate, kismet, and makes it her dying mission to get them back together.
This story was so unique and so emotional. Abigail keeps her past to herself and you know that something bad had happened to her, but you are never told until the author wants you to know and it comes with the biggest impact. When Abigail’s true plans come to light, my jaw hit the floor and from then on in I was so emotionally invested, I literally read the last few chapters in floods and floods of tears. Michelle Leighton managed to tap into every single emotion I possess, she plucked at every single heart string and she kept those emotions on a string and she was the puppet master.
Yes, this is a tear jerker, yes it will make you feel, but as I said above, it is full of hope. Hope where two people think they have none and yet find it within the other. Totally loved it.
www.theromancecover.com
4.5 stars!!!
“We saved each other. And my mother saved us all.”
Abigail Simmons is thirty-five and has returned to her home town for some respite and to lay some old ghosts to rest. The only thing Abigail has ever excelled at is running, she has run her whole life, but now, with nothing else to run from she returns to her happy place, a place that holds her fondest memories, a place that she just wants to see and feel once again. The trouble with ghosts though, is that they never like to be laid to rest, they come back and haunt you.
The Dandelion is a story that has a little bit of everything, second chances, childhood love, heart breaking prose and for me, was one heck of a tear jerker, but most of all, it exuded hope, sometimes where hope never existed to begin with.
“I’ve always needed you, Abi. I never stopped.”
Abigail returns to her childhood town and rents a place on the lake for four months. She gives herself that time to make amends for her past, so she can move on to the next stage of her plan with a clear heart and conscience. It isn’t long before she crosses paths with her childhood love, Dr Sam Forrester, the one person that she didn’t want to leave the first time. Sam is now married and has a young daughter, on the outside he seems to have it all, but behind closed doors his life is anything but. His wife is dying and her dying wish is for Sam to find love again and Abigail is the perfect fit.
“I’ll make love to you again one day, Abi Simmons. It’ll be something neither of us ever forgets. I’ll make damn sure of that.”
Sam and Abigail have never stopped loving one and other; even though both had moved on in their lives a huge chunk of their hearts still belonged to the other. Those feelings never die and are only reignited when their paths cross once again. Sam’s wife was one in a million, perfect on the outside and the in, she loved with her whole heart and Sam and their daughter were the centre of her whole existence. Sara has known she was dying for a long time, but she wants her family looked after before she leaves and when Abi comes back to town, she sees it as fate, kismet, and makes it her dying mission to get them back together.
“Some of us are beyond second chances. They’re a gift, a gift that I’d gladly give all the money in the world for. Yet life is handing you one, free of charge. Don’t throw it away. It dishonors those of us who have no choice when you waste yours.”
This story was so unique and so emotional. Abigail keeps her past to herself and you know that something bad had happened to her, but you are never told until the author wants you to know and it comes with the biggest impact. When Abigail’s true plans come to light, my jaw hit the floor and from then on in I was so emotionally invested, I literally read the last few chapters in floods and floods of tears. Michelle Leighton managed to tap into every single emotion I possess, she plucked at every single heart string and she kept those emotions on a string and she was the puppet master.
Yes, this is a tear jerker, yes it will make you feel, but as I said above, it is full of hope. Hope where two people think they have none and yet find it within the other. Totally loved it.
www.theromancecover.com
August 9, 2018
5+ Stars - another 2018 Favorite.
This was an emotionally stunning, angst filled, second-chance love story. An there is absolutely no cheating in this book. I would highly recommend this book to anybody, but you might want Kleenex close at hand just in case.
You first meet Abi and Sam at 17 and so much in love with each other. Then Abi's mother forces her to leave town and Sam behind. Then we forward 20 years later when Abi returns home for various reasons. One of the first people that she runs into is Sam. The boy that she loved so long ago has grown into a handsome man, but why does he look like he has storm clouds and pain in his eyes?
Sam has been dealt a bad hand and is handling it the best that he can for his daughter, Noelle. Noelle is a stunning, too-smart for her age of 3 little girl and is the apple of her dad's eye. Sam will do anything to protect Noelle and make her life better and a pain-free as possible. If that means agreeing to what his wife is asking of him, he will try, but he just doesn't know if he can when the time comes.
I will leave my review at that, because it is hard to write a review that will do Sam, Sara, Noelle and Abi justice.
I don't want to let an spoilers slip, so go grab it and read it now.
I wasn't sure about this book when I first heard about it, but I kept hearing people talk about how good it was. I caved, bought it and I don't regret that one bit. I would highly recommend this book to anybody.
This was an emotionally stunning, angst filled, second-chance love story. An there is absolutely no cheating in this book. I would highly recommend this book to anybody, but you might want Kleenex close at hand just in case.
You first meet Abi and Sam at 17 and so much in love with each other. Then Abi's mother forces her to leave town and Sam behind. Then we forward 20 years later when Abi returns home for various reasons. One of the first people that she runs into is Sam. The boy that she loved so long ago has grown into a handsome man, but why does he look like he has storm clouds and pain in his eyes?
Sam has been dealt a bad hand and is handling it the best that he can for his daughter, Noelle. Noelle is a stunning, too-smart for her age of 3 little girl and is the apple of her dad's eye. Sam will do anything to protect Noelle and make her life better and a pain-free as possible. If that means agreeing to what his wife is asking of him, he will try, but he just doesn't know if he can when the time comes.
I will leave my review at that, because it is hard to write a review that will do Sam, Sara, Noelle and Abi justice.
I don't want to let an spoilers slip, so go grab it and read it now.
I wasn't sure about this book when I first heard about it, but I kept hearing people talk about how good it was. I caved, bought it and I don't regret that one bit. I would highly recommend this book to anybody.
April 12, 2018
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
When this book came up on the TBR list, I knew I had to read it even without reading the synopsis, this author and her writing style is one I love. She can rip out your heart, throw it on the ground, stomp on it and then pick it up, dust it off, put it back in your chest and jump start it and you are back to breathing again. She can transport you into any story and make you feel every emotion. And that is just what she did to me with this one.
Abi has come back to Molly’s Knob to spend some time in the one place she calls home. It is where she grew up until she was 17. Where she has her first love and then she and her mother left. Coming home for Abi is going to give her the peace she needs to help her heal her soul, maybe. Seeing Sam, her first love, isn’t going to make things easy.
Sam has lived in Molly’s Knob his whole life and it was only right that he came back there after college. He has taken over the local medical practice, married his college sweetheart and has a beautiful daughter. He has a perfect life or so it seems.
When Abi meets Sam’s wife Sara, she can’t believe how she looks like an angel. And she can’t believe that she is dying. But Sara has a wish for Sam before she dies, she wants him to find love and a mother for their daughter. And Sara wants to help pick out this woman. When she meets Abi, she realizes that Abi and Sam still have feelings for each other, so why can’t they rekindle their feelings and make the perfect couple?
Can Sara make Abi see that Abi would be perfect for Sam and his daughter? Will Abi tell Sam why she really came back to Molly’s Knob? What will Sam do when he learns the truth?
I loved everything about this story and recommend you read it with a box of Kleenex because you will feel all of Abi and Sam’s pain from the past and present. I hope you give this one a chance and love it too.
When this book came up on the TBR list, I knew I had to read it even without reading the synopsis, this author and her writing style is one I love. She can rip out your heart, throw it on the ground, stomp on it and then pick it up, dust it off, put it back in your chest and jump start it and you are back to breathing again. She can transport you into any story and make you feel every emotion. And that is just what she did to me with this one.
Abi has come back to Molly’s Knob to spend some time in the one place she calls home. It is where she grew up until she was 17. Where she has her first love and then she and her mother left. Coming home for Abi is going to give her the peace she needs to help her heal her soul, maybe. Seeing Sam, her first love, isn’t going to make things easy.
Sam has lived in Molly’s Knob his whole life and it was only right that he came back there after college. He has taken over the local medical practice, married his college sweetheart and has a beautiful daughter. He has a perfect life or so it seems.
When Abi meets Sam’s wife Sara, she can’t believe how she looks like an angel. And she can’t believe that she is dying. But Sara has a wish for Sam before she dies, she wants him to find love and a mother for their daughter. And Sara wants to help pick out this woman. When she meets Abi, she realizes that Abi and Sam still have feelings for each other, so why can’t they rekindle their feelings and make the perfect couple?
Can Sara make Abi see that Abi would be perfect for Sam and his daughter? Will Abi tell Sam why she really came back to Molly’s Knob? What will Sam do when he learns the truth?
I loved everything about this story and recommend you read it with a box of Kleenex because you will feel all of Abi and Sam’s pain from the past and present. I hope you give this one a chance and love it too.
October 29, 2025
So I have a hard time connecting to characters that just met and dont already have an established connection. I guess thats why second chance romance speak to me because there was already a bond to build upon. I did label this book as a love triangle but it's definitely not a traditional love triangle at all.
The fmc and mmc dated in high school, they were in love amd talked about marriage and a future but then the fmc had to leave town due to family issues and didnt come back. The mmc was heartbroken 💔 but moved on, marrying and having a child. The fmc also moved on but endured heartache and tragedy, leaving her alone and returning to her hone town where she runs into the mmc and his family.
The mmcs wife is at the end of her life and befriends the fmc seeing her as someone who could fill the space in her family that she's leaving behind. The mmc is shockingly not against this as he did love the fmc and sees his daughter bonding to her but the fmc has secret plans that dont include a husband an a child.
This story was well written and on KU. Id definitely recommend giving it a go.
The fmc and mmc dated in high school, they were in love amd talked about marriage and a future but then the fmc had to leave town due to family issues and didnt come back. The mmc was heartbroken 💔 but moved on, marrying and having a child. The fmc also moved on but endured heartache and tragedy, leaving her alone and returning to her hone town where she runs into the mmc and his family.
The mmcs wife is at the end of her life and befriends the fmc seeing her as someone who could fill the space in her family that she's leaving behind. The mmc is shockingly not against this as he did love the fmc and sees his daughter bonding to her but the fmc has secret plans that dont include a husband an a child.
This story was well written and on KU. Id definitely recommend giving it a go.
April 8, 2018
This story ripped my heart apart but slowly put it back together again. I read this book knowing that it would be a tough one to read because of the subject, a dying wife wanting her husband to find love again before she passes so she can get to know the woman that will help Sam raise their daughter, Noelle. As I sit here writing my review there are tears streaming down my face because I would want the same thing for my family.
I will not give any spoilers because YOU MUST READ THIS EMOTIONAL STORY yourself, I enjoyed the hopefulness of Sara, the dedication of Sam, the sweetness of Abi, and the loving young Noelle.
You can see my full review here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...
I will not give any spoilers because YOU MUST READ THIS EMOTIONAL STORY yourself, I enjoyed the hopefulness of Sara, the dedication of Sam, the sweetness of Abi, and the loving young Noelle.
You can see my full review here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...
April 8, 2018
Angst galore.
I think for half the book my heart was aching. The other half it was aching and I was crying my eyes out.
I loved Abi. Abi is so strong, only she doesn’t know it. She’s in so much pain, physical and emotional. She’s running, true, but she doesn’t realize she’s running towards her true home, toward redemption and towards a second chance.
Deciding on four months of vacation before she’s free of her old life, Abi is determined to live life helping others. She volunteers, doing everything in her power to be cheerful and pleasant with everyone. Including her ex, her true love, the one she left and has regretted for almost 20 years.
When she’s approached with a request, her determination propels her to oblige. She’s sure she’ll be able to bring peace to a woman she’s only known for a few weeks, but Abi has plans that are somewhat derailed by that request.
When Sam comes across his old love, the one he never truly got over, he’s overwhelmed and still does everything in his power to be true and loving to his dying wife. A wife he loves very much, despite never really getting over Abi.
Sam will do anything for his wife, and her last wish is to meet the woman who will replace her in Sam’s life. In her daughter, Noelle’s life. She doesn’t realize there are some dark secrets in Abi’s life.
This second chance love story is probably one of the most heartbreaking stories I’ve read. It’s exceptionally well written in a way that will go through all layers of skin, tissue and muscles and will grab hold of your heart only to squeeze and squeeze with only short moments of relief.
The story is a must read for anyone with a penchant for angst, for drama and for second chances in love. It’s absolutely beautiful and one I’d love to also own in hard copy.
I think for half the book my heart was aching. The other half it was aching and I was crying my eyes out.
I loved Abi. Abi is so strong, only she doesn’t know it. She’s in so much pain, physical and emotional. She’s running, true, but she doesn’t realize she’s running towards her true home, toward redemption and towards a second chance.
Deciding on four months of vacation before she’s free of her old life, Abi is determined to live life helping others. She volunteers, doing everything in her power to be cheerful and pleasant with everyone. Including her ex, her true love, the one she left and has regretted for almost 20 years.
When she’s approached with a request, her determination propels her to oblige. She’s sure she’ll be able to bring peace to a woman she’s only known for a few weeks, but Abi has plans that are somewhat derailed by that request.
When Sam comes across his old love, the one he never truly got over, he’s overwhelmed and still does everything in his power to be true and loving to his dying wife. A wife he loves very much, despite never really getting over Abi.
Sam will do anything for his wife, and her last wish is to meet the woman who will replace her in Sam’s life. In her daughter, Noelle’s life. She doesn’t realize there are some dark secrets in Abi’s life.
This second chance love story is probably one of the most heartbreaking stories I’ve read. It’s exceptionally well written in a way that will go through all layers of skin, tissue and muscles and will grab hold of your heart only to squeeze and squeeze with only short moments of relief.
The story is a must read for anyone with a penchant for angst, for drama and for second chances in love. It’s absolutely beautiful and one I’d love to also own in hard copy.
April 30, 2020
The Dandelion is a stunning read with a beautiful romance, that is not your average love story. It is heartwarming and heartfelt and the author clearly poured her heart and soul into the book. It is a story not to be missed.
This book is impossible to review without spoiling things, so I’m going to go the short and sweet route here. I could talk about this book for days on end, but there are a lot of twists along the way and I don’t want to take those twists away from the reader. This book is simply amazing. It draws you in and doesn’t let you go. Its equal parts devastating and hopeful. It broke my heart in two and made me cry many times, but it also made me smile. I loved every single character in this book and the way they all intertwined. The emotions jumped off of the page and really made you feel. This book caught me off guard and I don’t know if I’ve ever read anything quite like it and I loved it all the more for that. Michelle Leighton delivered a truly heartfelt read and fans who enjoyed The Empty Jar are sure to love this one as well.
This book is impossible to review without spoiling things, so I’m going to go the short and sweet route here. I could talk about this book for days on end, but there are a lot of twists along the way and I don’t want to take those twists away from the reader. This book is simply amazing. It draws you in and doesn’t let you go. Its equal parts devastating and hopeful. It broke my heart in two and made me cry many times, but it also made me smile. I loved every single character in this book and the way they all intertwined. The emotions jumped off of the page and really made you feel. This book caught me off guard and I don’t know if I’ve ever read anything quite like it and I loved it all the more for that. Michelle Leighton delivered a truly heartfelt read and fans who enjoyed The Empty Jar are sure to love this one as well.
April 9, 2018
What a beautifully written story about the life journey of two strong women. Sara is dying and makes her husband Sam promise to find love again. Abi is running--again-- and plans to spend her summer chilling at the lake near her home town. Sam is the man that has loved both of these women in his life.
Even with this little bit of information about the story, you know your heart is just going to get crushed. It's a slow burn about second chances, and wishes, and dreams. It's about first love and forever love. It's about hope. Everything wrapped up in this amazing story will make your heart weep but at the same time, make it sing for the promise of the new day.
take a chance on the story. Abi and Sara are two wonderful characters and deserve your time. And Sam will be the pillar of strength to help you get through it all. Fantastic story!
*Complimentary copy provided via the publisher for an honest review.
Even with this little bit of information about the story, you know your heart is just going to get crushed. It's a slow burn about second chances, and wishes, and dreams. It's about first love and forever love. It's about hope. Everything wrapped up in this amazing story will make your heart weep but at the same time, make it sing for the promise of the new day.
take a chance on the story. Abi and Sara are two wonderful characters and deserve your time. And Sam will be the pillar of strength to help you get through it all. Fantastic story!
*Complimentary copy provided via the publisher for an honest review.
April 8, 2018
This book is an emotional, wonderful read!
The Dandelion is filled with incredible characters, fabulous setting and a whole lotta heartache too!!
If you're looking for a book that will keep you captivated until the end, one that will make you cry tears of joy/pain, love, loss, friendship.... this is the book for you!!!!
Trust me, this is one book I won't forget about anytime soon! It's one of a kind and one that you'll be envious of... I'd love to have that man, Sam in my life!!! #totalbookboyfriend!!!!!!!
5 Dandelion stars!!!!
The Dandelion is filled with incredible characters, fabulous setting and a whole lotta heartache too!!
If you're looking for a book that will keep you captivated until the end, one that will make you cry tears of joy/pain, love, loss, friendship.... this is the book for you!!!!
Trust me, this is one book I won't forget about anytime soon! It's one of a kind and one that you'll be envious of... I'd love to have that man, Sam in my life!!! #totalbookboyfriend!!!!!!!
5 Dandelion stars!!!!
March 7, 2019
I loved Sam, not so much a fan of Abigail (she has issues and I get it, but I just got frustrated with her and her negative 'tude). I could tell that Sam never stopped loving her in some way, even though they were torn apart as teens.
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