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Juniper #3
Juniper Skies
Delphine has been traveling in an RV with her grandmother since she was two years old. Abe has never lived anywhere but Juniper.
Delphine has seen America, but life on the road is lonesome for a teen. She’s never had friends her own age, a job, or her first kiss. When her grandmother buys a house in Juniper, it seems like everything Delphine longs for is finally within reach. She quickly makes friends, but Abe, the one friend she wants the most, keeps pushing her away.
When Abe meets Delphine at the Founder’s Day Festival on her first day in town, he can’t deny that she intrigues him. But his life is too complicated to make time for friends. His father is getting out of prison, and Abe doesn’t want him to return to Juniper and undo all the changes of the last four years. But how can he keep that from happening? And can he dare let Delphine be his friend and find out about his past?
Juniper Skies is the third book in The Juniper Series, a collection of contemporary YA romances that will make your heart race!
Delphine has seen America, but life on the road is lonesome for a teen. She’s never had friends her own age, a job, or her first kiss. When her grandmother buys a house in Juniper, it seems like everything Delphine longs for is finally within reach. She quickly makes friends, but Abe, the one friend she wants the most, keeps pushing her away.
When Abe meets Delphine at the Founder’s Day Festival on her first day in town, he can’t deny that she intrigues him. But his life is too complicated to make time for friends. His father is getting out of prison, and Abe doesn’t want him to return to Juniper and undo all the changes of the last four years. But how can he keep that from happening? And can he dare let Delphine be his friend and find out about his past?
Juniper Skies is the third book in The Juniper Series, a collection of contemporary YA romances that will make your heart race!
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2018
28 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Lora Richardson
14 books131 followersHi, I'm Lora. Thanks for taking a peek in here. I live a quiet life in Indiana with my family. I spend my days reading, writing, and hanging out with my people.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 27, 2018
Delphine’s life has been a nomadic one, traveling the country with the beloved grandmother who raised her. Now she’s looking forward to settling into life in Juniper the summer before her senior year of high school. She even has a list of things she wants to do – Friday night football games, a lunch table filled with friends, and her first kiss. Again and again she finds herself spending time with quiet and broody Abe, despite warnings about him from her new friends. And working alongside him at a part-time job shows her a much different side to Abe than the boy her friends describe.
Abe has a history in Juniper. And everyone knows about the event four years ago that shattered his family and sent his father to prison. Since then, Abe went through a couple of rough years, getting into trouble, and now he might as well be invisible. He keeps to himself and his former friends keep their distance. And then there’s Delphine – a girl who doesn’t know his past and who ignores his attempts to rebuff her friendship. He’s spent so long living on the fringe he’s not even sure how to talk to her. All he knows is that he wants to, because when he’s around Delphine he finally feels a sense of peace.
I adored Delphine and Abe, both separately and together. They were both lonely and in need of a true friend who would accept them as they were. As their friendship developed I often found myself reading with a big smile on my face because they were just so good together. Delphine was friendly and open and just filled with positivity. She practically radiated sunshine. Abe was living with a staggering burden of guilt and self-loathing and my heart broke for him again and again. But it was so rewarding to watch as he started to come out of his shell, learned to open up to Delphine, and began to allow something good back in his life.
Returning to the small town of Juniper was like getting a warm hug. I’m not often drawn to rural settings, but there’s something about Richardson’s bucolic little town that makes me want to pack up and head to Indiana. Sure I want to wander around the park, hang out at the pond, and get some ice cream at the Dream Cone, but it’s the people that really draw me in. I want to hang out and talk to Fay at her tea shop, I want to spend time soaking up Gram’s wisdom and Marigold’s kindness and acceptance, and I want to be friends with Delphine. It’s Richardson’s multi-layered and oh so genuine characters that keep me coming back for more.
Juniper Skies has so many of the elements that I love in a YA contemporary: realistic characters and dialogue, loyal friendships (no mean girls in sight), parents and other adults who are present and flawed, and swoony romance that is slow paced and feels completely genuine. I can’t understand why this series does not get more attention because it truly deserves it. Let me put it simply: if you enjoy contemporary YA, you need to read this book. (While you’re at it, do yourself a favor and read the whole trilogy.) This is likely the final book in the Juniper series and while I will miss these characters, I’m excited to see what comes next from Richardson. Because after three amazing, heartfelt novels, I’ll read whatever Lora Richardson writes.
Note: A complimentary copy was provided by the author. This is no way changes my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
I liked the way he backed down when I was right. I liked other things about being around him, too. I liked the way he’d look at me, but look away as soon as I noticed. I liked that I didn’t feel the need to be on my best behavior. I could let down my defenses some. It felt safe to be my messy self with Abe.
Abe has a history in Juniper. And everyone knows about the event four years ago that shattered his family and sent his father to prison. Since then, Abe went through a couple of rough years, getting into trouble, and now he might as well be invisible. He keeps to himself and his former friends keep their distance. And then there’s Delphine – a girl who doesn’t know his past and who ignores his attempts to rebuff her friendship. He’s spent so long living on the fringe he’s not even sure how to talk to her. All he knows is that he wants to, because when he’s around Delphine he finally feels a sense of peace.
A lump rose in Abe’s throat and he clenched his hands into fists beneath the table. He hadn’t said the things he wanted to say in a long time. He hadn’t let anything matter in an even longer time. The things that mattered were the things that could cause pain.
I adored Delphine and Abe, both separately and together. They were both lonely and in need of a true friend who would accept them as they were. As their friendship developed I often found myself reading with a big smile on my face because they were just so good together. Delphine was friendly and open and just filled with positivity. She practically radiated sunshine. Abe was living with a staggering burden of guilt and self-loathing and my heart broke for him again and again. But it was so rewarding to watch as he started to come out of his shell, learned to open up to Delphine, and began to allow something good back in his life.
People told him he didn’t have anything to be guilty about. But it didn’t matter if that was true. Abe felt the need to atone. So he did. Every day.
Returning to the small town of Juniper was like getting a warm hug. I’m not often drawn to rural settings, but there’s something about Richardson’s bucolic little town that makes me want to pack up and head to Indiana. Sure I want to wander around the park, hang out at the pond, and get some ice cream at the Dream Cone, but it’s the people that really draw me in. I want to hang out and talk to Fay at her tea shop, I want to spend time soaking up Gram’s wisdom and Marigold’s kindness and acceptance, and I want to be friends with Delphine. It’s Richardson’s multi-layered and oh so genuine characters that keep me coming back for more.
"Hey, it's going to be okay." I didn't know what was upsetting him so badly, but I figured it would probably turn out okay.
He didn't look at me but shook his head. "When? When will it be okay?"
I swallowed, the hurt in his voice reaching down through my ears and pinching my own heart.
Juniper Skies has so many of the elements that I love in a YA contemporary: realistic characters and dialogue, loyal friendships (no mean girls in sight), parents and other adults who are present and flawed, and swoony romance that is slow paced and feels completely genuine. I can’t understand why this series does not get more attention because it truly deserves it. Let me put it simply: if you enjoy contemporary YA, you need to read this book. (While you’re at it, do yourself a favor and read the whole trilogy.) This is likely the final book in the Juniper series and while I will miss these characters, I’m excited to see what comes next from Richardson. Because after three amazing, heartfelt novels, I’ll read whatever Lora Richardson writes.
Note: A complimentary copy was provided by the author. This is no way changes my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
August 14, 2018
In Juniper Skies you meet Delphine a young girl who has traveled and seen the world with her grandmother in an RV. Now her grandmother has decided to put down roots and gets a house in Juniper. Delphine is happy and trying to make friends, but the one person she wants to be around pushes her away. Celia's brother Abe is quiet and has always been in Juniper. He keeps to himself ever since his dad was sent to prison. When he meets Delphine he is drawn to her, but he knows they won't be friends. He knows that others will tell her all about him and that she won't want to be his friend anymore. Together they face the past and make a wonderful future.
I'm sure you other readers will love this, so let me just give you a little laugh before I give you my review! The first line mentions a clown and the word sinister and I almost stopped reading. I have a fear of clowns so I was like NOPE NOPE NOPE! Not my favorite beginning to a book! I know! I know! Don't judge a book by its first line ;) HAHA It's ok! I wasn't going to stop reading, but this did give me a laugh, AFTER the fact.
Now after getting that off my chest (haha) this book was awesome. These books always put a smile on my face. They are full of drama and romance. They are real and down to earth. They are written in such a way that just grabs you. I always get emotional with these Juniper stories. The characters are so young, yet they face such hardships. This story, like the others before, was a emotional read that sucked me in. Abe is a character you meet in the other books, but this story really gave him more depth. Delphine is an awesome character and one I can relate too. She seems to be a bit scared at the beginning, in her new surroundings and when meeting new people and I'm the same way. I can't tell you how many times I've gave myself a good speech like she gives to herself. These two have such an awesome story. Just like the others I found myself sad, mad, and happy throughout the book.
This story was written well and was hard to put down. I loved it! Overall, this was another great book in an already awesome series!!!
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I'm sure you other readers will love this, so let me just give you a little laugh before I give you my review! The first line mentions a clown and the word sinister and I almost stopped reading. I have a fear of clowns so I was like NOPE NOPE NOPE! Not my favorite beginning to a book! I know! I know! Don't judge a book by its first line ;) HAHA It's ok! I wasn't going to stop reading, but this did give me a laugh, AFTER the fact.
Now after getting that off my chest (haha) this book was awesome. These books always put a smile on my face. They are full of drama and romance. They are real and down to earth. They are written in such a way that just grabs you. I always get emotional with these Juniper stories. The characters are so young, yet they face such hardships. This story, like the others before, was a emotional read that sucked me in. Abe is a character you meet in the other books, but this story really gave him more depth. Delphine is an awesome character and one I can relate too. She seems to be a bit scared at the beginning, in her new surroundings and when meeting new people and I'm the same way. I can't tell you how many times I've gave myself a good speech like she gives to herself. These two have such an awesome story. Just like the others I found myself sad, mad, and happy throughout the book.
This story was written well and was hard to put down. I loved it! Overall, this was another great book in an already awesome series!!!
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August 20, 2025
I've read all her books from NP school
June 11, 2018
https://functioninginsanity.blogspot....
I was lucky enough to be provided a copy in exchange for an honest review but honestly as soon as I found out little Abe was getting his own story as he grew up I knew I had to read it!
Rating: 5 Quarts Rocks
As I said I read the previous books about the other characters in this small town and I really enjoyed them. I knew Abe as he was young going through some things that no child should have to deal with but still grabbing hold of your heart. Now we have seen the stories from his cousin and sister but now it’s his turn, years after the last book when he is working hard in the summer before his senior year. We also meet Delphine, who has spent her whole life on the road traveling with her gram from place to plan in an RV. It's an interesting life for sure but she has a desire to settle down in one place for at least a little while and so her gram decides Juniper will be her home for all of her senior year.
Abe and his life has changed quite a bit since we last saw him. He isn't the happy easy going kid. He is a loner with a bit of a reputation. He doesn't want to be around people but keeps to himself. This books, series as a whole really, manages to tackle some really deep and real issues. With his father in prison for the past few years about to get out and the emotional upheaval that brings up, to the way he has struggled with his fathers history as he grew into a young man. I loved reading his parts as we saw what was going on for him and how everything impacted his life and his choices to this point. I loved seeing him with his family both his mother and sister but more with the family he made with Faye/Malcolm and his mom. He still has a support system and you are rooting for him to take their advise.
Delphine has never really had any real friends. Moving too often to make any lasting friendships. She has a whole list of things she wants to accomplish in fact including kissing a boy. She reminded me a lot of how Abe used to be with a special helping of determination. She wants to make new friends and form her own opinions and not let others shape her view of someone. I loved her chapters as she got to know others around town and even when she wanted to be liked and included she didn't succumb to the pressure and change who she is.
There are several foot in mouth moments as these town begin to know and understand one another. It is slow burning and beautiful. I was so in awe of this story and how it weaved such emotionally powerful moments dealing with real emotion and issues into such an overall sweet and uplifting story. It amazed me from start to finish. I loved the romance between them some of the moments written for them had me swooning something fierce. Seriously this is where book boyfriends are made! This was a story all about Abe and Delphine but one added benefit is we also got to check in on our other couples from the previous books because of their closeness to Abe in this one big mixed up family! I love it all. I'm sad this is supposed to be the end of Juniper but thrilled to know they have each other.
I was lucky enough to be provided a copy in exchange for an honest review but honestly as soon as I found out little Abe was getting his own story as he grew up I knew I had to read it!
Rating: 5 Quarts Rocks
As I said I read the previous books about the other characters in this small town and I really enjoyed them. I knew Abe as he was young going through some things that no child should have to deal with but still grabbing hold of your heart. Now we have seen the stories from his cousin and sister but now it’s his turn, years after the last book when he is working hard in the summer before his senior year. We also meet Delphine, who has spent her whole life on the road traveling with her gram from place to plan in an RV. It's an interesting life for sure but she has a desire to settle down in one place for at least a little while and so her gram decides Juniper will be her home for all of her senior year.
Abe and his life has changed quite a bit since we last saw him. He isn't the happy easy going kid. He is a loner with a bit of a reputation. He doesn't want to be around people but keeps to himself. This books, series as a whole really, manages to tackle some really deep and real issues. With his father in prison for the past few years about to get out and the emotional upheaval that brings up, to the way he has struggled with his fathers history as he grew into a young man. I loved reading his parts as we saw what was going on for him and how everything impacted his life and his choices to this point. I loved seeing him with his family both his mother and sister but more with the family he made with Faye/Malcolm and his mom. He still has a support system and you are rooting for him to take their advise.
Delphine has never really had any real friends. Moving too often to make any lasting friendships. She has a whole list of things she wants to accomplish in fact including kissing a boy. She reminded me a lot of how Abe used to be with a special helping of determination. She wants to make new friends and form her own opinions and not let others shape her view of someone. I loved her chapters as she got to know others around town and even when she wanted to be liked and included she didn't succumb to the pressure and change who she is.
There are several foot in mouth moments as these town begin to know and understand one another. It is slow burning and beautiful. I was so in awe of this story and how it weaved such emotionally powerful moments dealing with real emotion and issues into such an overall sweet and uplifting story. It amazed me from start to finish. I loved the romance between them some of the moments written for them had me swooning something fierce. Seriously this is where book boyfriends are made! This was a story all about Abe and Delphine but one added benefit is we also got to check in on our other couples from the previous books because of their closeness to Abe in this one big mixed up family! I love it all. I'm sad this is supposed to be the end of Juniper but thrilled to know they have each other.
April 20, 2018
"I walked toward the funhouse, watching where I stepped so I wouldn't trip over the thick cables stretched across the matted grass."
If you grew up in the Midwest with summers filled with county fairs and weekend-long festivals, this tiny detail at the beginning of Juniper Skies will immediately take you back there and draw you in to Richardson’s world of Juniper, Indiana.
If you are familiar with this YA series, you will easily sink into this novel and feel right at home with characters that you loved in Juniper Limits and The Edge of Juniper. We pick up with Abe at the start of his senior year, and the ghosts of his father’s alcoholism haunt him in such a way that he is living on the fringes of the life that he used to have. From bad decisions, to sabotaging his closest childhood friendship, Abe has isolated himself and is just hoping to get through life without being noticed. This tactic is one that he has perfected, at least until his hero’s heart is unable to ignore what he thinks is a cry of distress.
Far from being distressed, spunky Delphine is just getting ready to take her new “hometown” by storm. Determined to make her senior year memorable, she has a plan and she’s ready to act on it, and, when a handsome stranger suddenly appears from the woods, her fear is quickly replaced with curiosity.
With a background as mysterious and colorful as Delphine’s, and one as troubled and heart-breaking as Abe’s, this story will capture the interest of the reader from their first meeting. Richardson’s prose will immerse all of your senses in Juniper, and you’ll feel all of the hope, the hurt, the agonies and the thrills of teenagers trying to figure out life and love… and in the end, you’ll be affected by the simple beauty of life in a Midwestern town.
Fans of Richardson’s novels will find lots of little surprises waiting for them in Juniper Skies, and you will be delighted when you see where much-loved characters are winding up. There are a few new characters that will pique your curiosity, and have you (like me) just hoping and praying that Richardson isn’t finished with the people in Juniper!
If you grew up in the Midwest with summers filled with county fairs and weekend-long festivals, this tiny detail at the beginning of Juniper Skies will immediately take you back there and draw you in to Richardson’s world of Juniper, Indiana.
If you are familiar with this YA series, you will easily sink into this novel and feel right at home with characters that you loved in Juniper Limits and The Edge of Juniper. We pick up with Abe at the start of his senior year, and the ghosts of his father’s alcoholism haunt him in such a way that he is living on the fringes of the life that he used to have. From bad decisions, to sabotaging his closest childhood friendship, Abe has isolated himself and is just hoping to get through life without being noticed. This tactic is one that he has perfected, at least until his hero’s heart is unable to ignore what he thinks is a cry of distress.
Far from being distressed, spunky Delphine is just getting ready to take her new “hometown” by storm. Determined to make her senior year memorable, she has a plan and she’s ready to act on it, and, when a handsome stranger suddenly appears from the woods, her fear is quickly replaced with curiosity.
With a background as mysterious and colorful as Delphine’s, and one as troubled and heart-breaking as Abe’s, this story will capture the interest of the reader from their first meeting. Richardson’s prose will immerse all of your senses in Juniper, and you’ll feel all of the hope, the hurt, the agonies and the thrills of teenagers trying to figure out life and love… and in the end, you’ll be affected by the simple beauty of life in a Midwestern town.
Fans of Richardson’s novels will find lots of little surprises waiting for them in Juniper Skies, and you will be delighted when you see where much-loved characters are winding up. There are a few new characters that will pique your curiosity, and have you (like me) just hoping and praying that Richardson isn’t finished with the people in Juniper!
July 12, 2018
Amazing to say the least..
I have now read all 3 books in 2 days i couldn't put them down a bit sad there aren't more. But let me tell you if you love a love story in a small town with a touch of real life these are great i really loved how I could actually relate to some parts and how Lora didn't shy away from issues that actually happen in life wether it be teens having sex yeah I said it.. Or them sneaking around and lying to them having real problems going on within themselves because of their home lives to having parents who divorce or having other problems that could affect a family these books have good bad and sad within them they made me laugh and cry and even think about my life I think everyone should read them.
I have now read all 3 books in 2 days i couldn't put them down a bit sad there aren't more. But let me tell you if you love a love story in a small town with a touch of real life these are great i really loved how I could actually relate to some parts and how Lora didn't shy away from issues that actually happen in life wether it be teens having sex yeah I said it.. Or them sneaking around and lying to them having real problems going on within themselves because of their home lives to having parents who divorce or having other problems that could affect a family these books have good bad and sad within them they made me laugh and cry and even think about my life I think everyone should read them.
December 7, 2020
I'm so glad we got a book from Abe's perspective. This book was probably the most emotional book for me in the series. Watching Abe grow from a pre-teen and make choices on how to cope with the events from his home life was heartbreaking. I'm so glad that he was able to open up to Delphine. I really enjoyed watching their relationship blossom. I also really love Delphine's overall storyline. I'm glad this book was written in dual perspectives from Abe and Delphine. I'm sad that our time in Juniper has come to an end. I also listened to this one on audiobook while following along on my Kindle. I highly recommend the audiobook!
September 4, 2020
Great story
I really loved the Juniper series. I enjoyed the connection between the earlier books and the newest ones and I've loved the other books I've read by Lora.
I really loved the Juniper series. I enjoyed the connection between the earlier books and the newest ones and I've loved the other books I've read by Lora.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews