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The Girl Who Cries Colors
A painter with a spark in his hands. A muse who holds all the colors inside of her. Together, they will go on a tumultuous path of pain and love. Fate brings them together, but life will rip them apart.
This is a dark romance filled with lyrical words of heartbreak, magic, and violence.
The powerful prose in this love story will show you the real meaning of colors. Because he’s the prodigal painter who creates beauty, and she’s the storm that carries the rainbow in her eyes. Together, their colors will coat the world, and you will never see them the same way again.
Author's Note: This book is intended for mature audiences only. Trigger Warnings: It does include scenes of violence, substance use, and non-consensual sex.
This is a dark romance filled with lyrical words of heartbreak, magic, and violence.
The powerful prose in this love story will show you the real meaning of colors. Because he’s the prodigal painter who creates beauty, and she’s the storm that carries the rainbow in her eyes. Together, their colors will coat the world, and you will never see them the same way again.
Author's Note: This book is intended for mature audiences only. Trigger Warnings: It does include scenes of violence, substance use, and non-consensual sex.
270 pages, ebook
First published October 28, 2018
493 people are currently reading
1849 people want to read
About the author
Raven Kennedy
50 books20.3k followersRaven Kennedy is a tea and dark chocolate kind of girl and can often be found binge-watching The Office or The Great British Baking Show.
She enjoys writing all kinds of books, because each one brings a different experience. Whatever the genre, she hopes she creates characters you can root for.
When she’s not reading or writing, she’s with her family, probably messing up a recipe or going on a hike that she thinks she can do, but in reality she can't because she remembers that all she does is sit at a computer all day and write her heart out.
You can connect with her on Facebook in Raven Kennedy's Reader Group, as well as @ravenkennedybooks on Instagram.
She enjoys writing all kinds of books, because each one brings a different experience. Whatever the genre, she hopes she creates characters you can root for.
When she’s not reading or writing, she’s with her family, probably messing up a recipe or going on a hike that she thinks she can do, but in reality she can't because she remembers that all she does is sit at a computer all day and write her heart out.
You can connect with her on Facebook in Raven Kennedy's Reader Group, as well as @ravenkennedybooks on Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
September 20, 2020
4.5 stars.
“He was the magnificent painter with the spark in his hands. She was the one who carried the rainbow of rain inside of her. He had the warmth and she had the storm. He was the artist, and she was the brush with all the colors.
Together, they painted the world.”
My Thoughts: The following are my thoughts about this book:
General:
- Trigger warning-marital abuse, marital rape. Willow's husband is abusive and doesn’t hesitate to take what he wants without her permission (marital rape). Although it’s not necessarily violently descriptive (she doesn’t fight, just lets him do whatever just to get it over with) I think it’s descriptive enough to warrant a trigger warning. There are probably 2 to 3 scenes of this nature.
- Setting: late 1960's - early 1970's. Windrip, New Hampshire, USA. Part 2 of the book takes place in New York.
The story:
The book is separated into two parts.
Part 1: told from David’s POV and goes from age 10 to 18. David has 4 siblings, his parents own a bakery, they don’t have much money, he has no friends and is bullied at school. So things in David’s life (at least from his young perspective) are a bit rough. During part 1 young David and young Willow form an extremely precious and close bond. Their foundation is built on finding that special person who can ease the loneliness, accept you just as you are, share all the joys and disappointments of youth and unconditionally provide the support needed to get them through every situation.
In Part 1 Willow shares her unique gift with David and they set out to learn what all the colors mean. Also, (thanks to Willow) David discovers his gift and "need" for painting. All throughout Part 1, David and Willow support and encourage each other and their friendship is sweet and precious. It didn't seem like anything could break the bonds they formed, but then Willow's family moved and life irrevocably changed for both.
Part 2: told from Willow’s POV and definitely takes on a much darker tone. When Willow was 17 her family moved and she fell apart without David. Fast forward 4 years (so mid 20’s) and Willow has now gotten herself into a bad situation. Sheltered all her life because of her parents fears (they were terrified people would discover Willow's unusual "gift"), Willow rebelled and made some bad choices. Her last letter to David revealed how lost she was.....
“David,
Do you think fate made us meet? Out of all the people in all the world, how is it that I met you? We’re both chasing the colors, but in different ways. The colors are beautiful, aren’t they? They’re ugly, too. Sometimes I hate them. But I’m too far in now. Have you ever realized it? You’re the brush, and I’m the paint.
But I think I’m something else, too.
—W
Dear Willow,
What are you?
David,
Drowning.”
Other:
- I'm not sure how to classify this book. There is very little romance because the focus of a large portion of the story was their friendship as kids. I wouldn’t classify as paranormal, but it’s also definitely not “normal”. So, I don’t know what category to put this in. But maybe that’s good because it means it’s unique!!
- I felt the time hops and the flashbacks were a bit disjointed in Part 2. I had to reread a couple places to fully understand the time/setting.
- I wanted more time with David and Willow. In Part 1 they were too young and in Part 2 she was with someone else. They had an amazing friendship connection in Part 1, but I didn’t get to experience their “more” connection in Part 2.
- Part 2 had a completely different vibe than part 1 and I didn’t enjoy it as much.
- Thank you for the epilogue!!! OMG, I was a bit of a mess at the end of the final chapter. The epilogue was so very necessary.
- The writing brings out some intense emotions and the emotions that bleed off the page are sometimes quite painful. There is physical loss (death and distance) and emotional loss that constricts the heart and hurts when experiencing it.
- There is a HEA
Overall, this was a very unique and enjoyable book. If you’re looking for a hot, steamy romance, this isn’t it. If you’re looking for an emotional story about two kids who have an incredible connection and a heart tugging relationship, this is it. Kudos to the author for writing something so unique.
I picked up this book solely due to the cover. I’ve always said if the cover is unique, the story inside probably is too. Therefore, my expectation was set when I started the book and I’m happy to say I wasn’t disappointed. I really loved my time spent with David and Willow.
Quotes
“People forget to see. Sure they look, they even stare, but to actually see takes a different kind of eye—an artist’s eye. People have blinded themselves. Some do it in self-preservation for fear of what they might find. Some only look inward at themselves. Others only see the world in one-dimension, never able to gaze beyond. But you, David, you have the eye. You see. Show everyone what they’ve been missing.”
“Watching him paint is probably something like listening to angels sing.”
“This is better but try for best”
“There’s something to be said about loneliness. It reminds you of the person you really are. Being alone strips you down to the genuine version of yourself, unaided by anyone else’s declaration. Being lonely meant that there was nothing left for you, but you.”
“She couldn’t stand to be inside herself without feeling what someone else felt. She needed the release of others’ grief, yearned to let the colors out of her turbulent body, or else they stormed and raged inside of her until she couldn’t breathe.”
“He was the magnificent painter with the spark in his hands. She was the one who carried the rainbow of rain inside of her. He had the warmth and she had the storm. He was the artist, and she was the brush with all the colors.
Together, they painted the world.”
My Thoughts: The following are my thoughts about this book:
General:
- Trigger warning-marital abuse, marital rape. Willow's husband is abusive and doesn’t hesitate to take what he wants without her permission (marital rape). Although it’s not necessarily violently descriptive (she doesn’t fight, just lets him do whatever just to get it over with) I think it’s descriptive enough to warrant a trigger warning. There are probably 2 to 3 scenes of this nature.
- Setting: late 1960's - early 1970's. Windrip, New Hampshire, USA. Part 2 of the book takes place in New York.
The story:
The book is separated into two parts.
Part 1: told from David’s POV and goes from age 10 to 18. David has 4 siblings, his parents own a bakery, they don’t have much money, he has no friends and is bullied at school. So things in David’s life (at least from his young perspective) are a bit rough. During part 1 young David and young Willow form an extremely precious and close bond. Their foundation is built on finding that special person who can ease the loneliness, accept you just as you are, share all the joys and disappointments of youth and unconditionally provide the support needed to get them through every situation.
In Part 1 Willow shares her unique gift with David and they set out to learn what all the colors mean. Also, (thanks to Willow) David discovers his gift and "need" for painting. All throughout Part 1, David and Willow support and encourage each other and their friendship is sweet and precious. It didn't seem like anything could break the bonds they formed, but then Willow's family moved and life irrevocably changed for both.
Part 2: told from Willow’s POV and definitely takes on a much darker tone. When Willow was 17 her family moved and she fell apart without David. Fast forward 4 years (so mid 20’s) and Willow has now gotten herself into a bad situation. Sheltered all her life because of her parents fears (they were terrified people would discover Willow's unusual "gift"), Willow rebelled and made some bad choices. Her last letter to David revealed how lost she was.....
“David,
Do you think fate made us meet? Out of all the people in all the world, how is it that I met you? We’re both chasing the colors, but in different ways. The colors are beautiful, aren’t they? They’re ugly, too. Sometimes I hate them. But I’m too far in now. Have you ever realized it? You’re the brush, and I’m the paint.
But I think I’m something else, too.
—W
Dear Willow,
What are you?
David,
Drowning.”
Other:
- I'm not sure how to classify this book. There is very little romance because the focus of a large portion of the story was their friendship as kids. I wouldn’t classify as paranormal, but it’s also definitely not “normal”. So, I don’t know what category to put this in. But maybe that’s good because it means it’s unique!!
- I felt the time hops and the flashbacks were a bit disjointed in Part 2. I had to reread a couple places to fully understand the time/setting.
- I wanted more time with David and Willow. In Part 1 they were too young and in Part 2 she was with someone else. They had an amazing friendship connection in Part 1, but I didn’t get to experience their “more” connection in Part 2.
- Part 2 had a completely different vibe than part 1 and I didn’t enjoy it as much.
- Thank you for the epilogue!!! OMG, I was a bit of a mess at the end of the final chapter. The epilogue was so very necessary.
- The writing brings out some intense emotions and the emotions that bleed off the page are sometimes quite painful. There is physical loss (death and distance) and emotional loss that constricts the heart and hurts when experiencing it.
- There is a HEA
Overall, this was a very unique and enjoyable book. If you’re looking for a hot, steamy romance, this isn’t it. If you’re looking for an emotional story about two kids who have an incredible connection and a heart tugging relationship, this is it. Kudos to the author for writing something so unique.
I picked up this book solely due to the cover. I’ve always said if the cover is unique, the story inside probably is too. Therefore, my expectation was set when I started the book and I’m happy to say I wasn’t disappointed. I really loved my time spent with David and Willow.
Quotes
“People forget to see. Sure they look, they even stare, but to actually see takes a different kind of eye—an artist’s eye. People have blinded themselves. Some do it in self-preservation for fear of what they might find. Some only look inward at themselves. Others only see the world in one-dimension, never able to gaze beyond. But you, David, you have the eye. You see. Show everyone what they’ve been missing.”
“Watching him paint is probably something like listening to angels sing.”
“This is better but try for best”
“There’s something to be said about loneliness. It reminds you of the person you really are. Being alone strips you down to the genuine version of yourself, unaided by anyone else’s declaration. Being lonely meant that there was nothing left for you, but you.”
“She couldn’t stand to be inside herself without feeling what someone else felt. She needed the release of others’ grief, yearned to let the colors out of her turbulent body, or else they stormed and raged inside of her until she couldn’t breathe.”
March 31, 2020
I'm left speechless.
This is the best book I have read in 2020 so far.
Bravo!!!
This is the best book I have read in 2020 so far.
Bravo!!!
November 13, 2020
What a story. Heart wrenching and beautiful, sweet and cruel, and above all else, utterly original.
November 1, 2018
Raven Kennedy has killed me.
This book.
I cried way more than I care to admit.
It was so beautifully written and the emotions that she was able to convey were absolutely heartbreaking.
This book makes you feel things. So many things.
This book.
I cried way more than I care to admit.
It was so beautifully written and the emotions that she was able to convey were absolutely heartbreaking.
This book makes you feel things. So many things.
December 31, 2018
This book wasn't what I was expecting... It read like a rather newish contemp. romance. Which isn't a bad thing. Just felt very sweet and an awful quick read for me. The slight paranormal aspect was quite intriguing and I felt could have been even more further explored. Well done! 4 stars.
April 28, 2020
3.25 Stars
I was drawn to this one because I found it perplexing. The blurb didn’t give me any idea of the plot; it “felt” fluffy, and mentioned magic, but then has a trigger warning of violence and rape. It has good reviews, but they give nothing away. Maybe we’re supposed to go into it blind, but personally, I like to know what I’m getting into, so if you too are curious…then this review is for you. This won’t have any major spoilers, just the outline of the plot, but please skip if you want to go in blind.
This is a coming of age/childhood friends to lovers’ type of romance between David, and Willow. It isn’t paranormal, the only “magic” element is that Willow cries colored tears depending on her or others emotions, and David feels a “spark” in his hands after meeting her which turns him into a painting prodigy.
The book is separated into two parts. The first part revolves around a young David, and follows him through his life until 18ish. We meet his family, see his struggles, and watch as he meets Willow. The second part starts four years later, and revolves around Willow. We see what’s going on in her life, and where she’s been through flashbacks. Willow is in an abusive relationship which is where we get the triggers. I know this can be a hard limit for some readers so I’ll broadly lay it out so you can determine for yourself. The rape trigger is 2-3 scenes of marital rape situations, not overly descriptive or violent; she’s not into it at all, but doesn’t fight to avoid angering him.
Bottom line- This is a well written book, but I didn’t have the emotional connection that other readers did. I did enjoy it, and it kept my interest, but there are a couple of parts where I know I should have felt sad or moved, but I felt kinda like…huh bummer…but… like I said, the majority of readers really enjoyed it, so it could just be me.
I was drawn to this one because I found it perplexing. The blurb didn’t give me any idea of the plot; it “felt” fluffy, and mentioned magic, but then has a trigger warning of violence and rape. It has good reviews, but they give nothing away. Maybe we’re supposed to go into it blind, but personally, I like to know what I’m getting into, so if you too are curious…then this review is for you. This won’t have any major spoilers, just the outline of the plot, but please skip if you want to go in blind.
This is a coming of age/childhood friends to lovers’ type of romance between David, and Willow. It isn’t paranormal, the only “magic” element is that Willow cries colored tears depending on her or others emotions, and David feels a “spark” in his hands after meeting her which turns him into a painting prodigy.
The book is separated into two parts. The first part revolves around a young David, and follows him through his life until 18ish. We meet his family, see his struggles, and watch as he meets Willow. The second part starts four years later, and revolves around Willow. We see what’s going on in her life, and where she’s been through flashbacks. Willow is in an abusive relationship which is where we get the triggers. I know this can be a hard limit for some readers so I’ll broadly lay it out so you can determine for yourself. The rape trigger is 2-3 scenes of marital rape situations, not overly descriptive or violent; she’s not into it at all, but doesn’t fight to avoid angering him.
Bottom line- This is a well written book, but I didn’t have the emotional connection that other readers did. I did enjoy it, and it kept my interest, but there are a couple of parts where I know I should have felt sad or moved, but I felt kinda like…huh bummer…but… like I said, the majority of readers really enjoyed it, so it could just be me.
December 28, 2018
Wow. 😭😭I am completely stunned and emotional This book is so unique and amazing.
March 30, 2020
THE GIRL WHO CRIES COLORS by Raven Kennedy
Heartbreakingly beautiful and soul touching. Emotionally charged. Artistically crafted.
This is a book I would read again and again and again. It belongs on everyone's shelf.
“People forget to see. Sure they look, they even stare, but to actually see takes a different kind of eye— an artist’s eye. People have blinded themselves. Some do it in self- preservation for fear of what they might find. Some only look inward at themselves. Others only see the world in one-dimension, never able to gaze beyond. But you, David, you have the eye. You see. Show everyone what they’ve been missing.”
Raven Kennedy absolutely stunned me with this phenomenal novel. This is one of those books that plants itself on your heart and burrows into your psyche. It leaves it's rainbow of colors there. And gives you a new appreciation for life and life's broad painter's canvas of colors. It's a love story, but it's so much more than that.
"There’s something to be said about loneliness. It reminds you of the person you really are. Being alone strips you down to the genuine version of yourself, unaided by anyone else’s declaration. Being lonely meant that there was nothing left for you, but you."
Be prepared to cry. And sigh. And hold your breath. Because this novel is a journey and a pleasure to your senses. A gift for your heart. I will absolutely be picking up more from this author!
The quick details that need mentioning:
Triggers. There are a few of them and they are listed at the front of the book: Violence, rape, and substance abuse. Not for a younger audience.
Told in two parts and two perspectives. Both parts draw you in and give you the chance to get to know the characters, David and Willow deeply and intimately. I appreciated that. There was no skipping around timelines or questions about who we were following. It was clear, authentic and intriguing. The characters leap off of the pages and surround you with their life, their outlook and their emotions. Their life isn't one of rose-colored glasses, but one of multi-colored hues that are true to life, difficult, gritty and beautiful. So beautiful. Then, the final two chapters of the book give the wrap up from a new perspective. And I really enjoyed the way it was presented and concluded.
Genre is magical realism, but the second half of the book should be considered suspense as well. Secrets and questions and climatic situations fill the second half of this book and keep those pages turning!
5 star read. Would absolutely demand - I mean, *recommend* this book. 👌
"His hands were instruments, and the colors were his music. He always understood the colors. It was a rare trait. Lots of people see them, but he knew what they meant."
Heartbreakingly beautiful and soul touching. Emotionally charged. Artistically crafted.
This is a book I would read again and again and again. It belongs on everyone's shelf.
“People forget to see. Sure they look, they even stare, but to actually see takes a different kind of eye— an artist’s eye. People have blinded themselves. Some do it in self- preservation for fear of what they might find. Some only look inward at themselves. Others only see the world in one-dimension, never able to gaze beyond. But you, David, you have the eye. You see. Show everyone what they’ve been missing.”
Raven Kennedy absolutely stunned me with this phenomenal novel. This is one of those books that plants itself on your heart and burrows into your psyche. It leaves it's rainbow of colors there. And gives you a new appreciation for life and life's broad painter's canvas of colors. It's a love story, but it's so much more than that.
"There’s something to be said about loneliness. It reminds you of the person you really are. Being alone strips you down to the genuine version of yourself, unaided by anyone else’s declaration. Being lonely meant that there was nothing left for you, but you."
Be prepared to cry. And sigh. And hold your breath. Because this novel is a journey and a pleasure to your senses. A gift for your heart. I will absolutely be picking up more from this author!
The quick details that need mentioning:
Triggers. There are a few of them and they are listed at the front of the book: Violence, rape, and substance abuse. Not for a younger audience.
Told in two parts and two perspectives. Both parts draw you in and give you the chance to get to know the characters, David and Willow deeply and intimately. I appreciated that. There was no skipping around timelines or questions about who we were following. It was clear, authentic and intriguing. The characters leap off of the pages and surround you with their life, their outlook and their emotions. Their life isn't one of rose-colored glasses, but one of multi-colored hues that are true to life, difficult, gritty and beautiful. So beautiful. Then, the final two chapters of the book give the wrap up from a new perspective. And I really enjoyed the way it was presented and concluded.
Genre is magical realism, but the second half of the book should be considered suspense as well. Secrets and questions and climatic situations fill the second half of this book and keep those pages turning!
5 star read. Would absolutely demand - I mean, *recommend* this book. 👌
"His hands were instruments, and the colors were his music. He always understood the colors. It was a rare trait. Lots of people see them, but he knew what they meant."
October 31, 2023
✨ 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ✨
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: The Girl Who Cries Colors
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Raven Kennedy
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4/5
“𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘣𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘏𝘦 𝘩𝘢��� 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮. 𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘴.
𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥.”
🎨 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
💧 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺
🎨 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
💧 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀
🎨 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲
Well, I did not expect to be so emotionally distraught by this plot arc. I genuinely feel a bit wrung out! 😂
This is not the type of romantasy that I have come to adore by this author but there was still an element of magical realism that was unique, poetic, and beautiful, painted on a background of a rather triggering story to provoke tears.
I wish I could have experienced more of David and Willow’s romantic connection, in the first half the focus is on their platonic friendship which does develop, but then in the second half Willow spends most of her time with a different partner, so it did feel like there was a lot of risk and not a lot of reward.
Whilst I didn’t get as much happy sunshine rainbows romance as I like, this story is still worthy of reading if you like being squeezed for tears and short dark romances.
—Kayleigh🤍
♡ 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦
♡ 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
♡ 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: The Girl Who Cries Colors
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Raven Kennedy
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4/5
“𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘣𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘏𝘦 𝘩𝘢��� 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮. 𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘴.
𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥.”
🎨 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
💧 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺
🎨 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
💧 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀
🎨 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲
Well, I did not expect to be so emotionally distraught by this plot arc. I genuinely feel a bit wrung out! 😂
This is not the type of romantasy that I have come to adore by this author but there was still an element of magical realism that was unique, poetic, and beautiful, painted on a background of a rather triggering story to provoke tears.
I wish I could have experienced more of David and Willow’s romantic connection, in the first half the focus is on their platonic friendship which does develop, but then in the second half Willow spends most of her time with a different partner, so it did feel like there was a lot of risk and not a lot of reward.
Whilst I didn’t get as much happy sunshine rainbows romance as I like, this story is still worthy of reading if you like being squeezed for tears and short dark romances.
—Kayleigh🤍
♡ 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦
♡ 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
♡ 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬
December 10, 2018
I am speechless, I just finished this remarkable, incredible, and well-written masterpiece. I truly have no words for the plethora of emotions, and thoughts that now are running on repeat through my mind with the completion of this book. I mean, WOW, reading this carefully crafted story, with its spins, twists, and turns! Then add running your emotions through the emotional gauntlet from the first page to the last you will experience reactions from happiness, joy, smitten, love, hate, sadness, upheaval, pain, and countless more… a box of tissues is a MUST while reading this epic novel!
The author’s creation of this dynamic storyline allows for intense emotions, twists, and unexpectedness of the plot truly allows for the person to sit down and read in one sitting! I personally recommend grabbing a cup of joe, your fav snack, and the best comfy chair you can find for this adventure of love, loss, and so much more!
I was riveted from the start and love the author’s way of illuminating the family dynamics, of growing up poor, isolated, friendless and how this affect one’s emotions and thoughts. To further see how these two young kids, one who cries in color and one who “sees” the world as bland, dull and grey until she breaths life into his soul with her colors.
We see these intense passions and yearnings that Davie and Willow feel at 10 years old, to have this undying need to feel accepted and have an unconditional friendship that can stand the test of time. I love how Davie and Willow’s relationship starts, the trials and tribulations that these two go through. As with age, comes life’s hard knocks; we then see how these two grow and change. From Willow’s struggles, her love for Davie, the sacrifices she endures for both her love of him and her family is colossal. Davie is the quiet, shy kid who struggles with bullying but as he grows and is forced to deal with life of grief, loss, and the struggles of being poor we see the person he becomes; one of unyielding love and forgiveness.
This is not one of those lovey dovey stories, this is real life, this is what we go through, this is how life slaps you in the face and you say screw this and get back up dust yourself off and keep going. The author gives face, words, and colors to life’s struggles, the ugly of our world. With the Girl Who Cries Colors, every color has a meaning, this is the visual representation of life in color form something that gives us understanding of human nature, humanity, and the struggles he or she is enduring which is something that can’t always be explain. This novel is gritty with emotion, this story doesn’t show us the perfect relationship, with the perfect life but the truth of life, the truth of love and devotion. This is hands down on of the best stories I have had the absolute pleasure to read this year. I highly recommend this to all to read and will read this more this once! But please grab a box tissues 😊
The author’s creation of this dynamic storyline allows for intense emotions, twists, and unexpectedness of the plot truly allows for the person to sit down and read in one sitting! I personally recommend grabbing a cup of joe, your fav snack, and the best comfy chair you can find for this adventure of love, loss, and so much more!
I was riveted from the start and love the author’s way of illuminating the family dynamics, of growing up poor, isolated, friendless and how this affect one’s emotions and thoughts. To further see how these two young kids, one who cries in color and one who “sees” the world as bland, dull and grey until she breaths life into his soul with her colors.
We see these intense passions and yearnings that Davie and Willow feel at 10 years old, to have this undying need to feel accepted and have an unconditional friendship that can stand the test of time. I love how Davie and Willow’s relationship starts, the trials and tribulations that these two go through. As with age, comes life’s hard knocks; we then see how these two grow and change. From Willow’s struggles, her love for Davie, the sacrifices she endures for both her love of him and her family is colossal. Davie is the quiet, shy kid who struggles with bullying but as he grows and is forced to deal with life of grief, loss, and the struggles of being poor we see the person he becomes; one of unyielding love and forgiveness.
This is not one of those lovey dovey stories, this is real life, this is what we go through, this is how life slaps you in the face and you say screw this and get back up dust yourself off and keep going. The author gives face, words, and colors to life’s struggles, the ugly of our world. With the Girl Who Cries Colors, every color has a meaning, this is the visual representation of life in color form something that gives us understanding of human nature, humanity, and the struggles he or she is enduring which is something that can’t always be explain. This novel is gritty with emotion, this story doesn’t show us the perfect relationship, with the perfect life but the truth of life, the truth of love and devotion. This is hands down on of the best stories I have had the absolute pleasure to read this year. I highly recommend this to all to read and will read this more this once! But please grab a box tissues 😊
Want to read
March 16, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/16/2020)! 🎁
June 21, 2025
3.5
What a terrible cover
What a terrible cover
February 6, 2019
It was so unique and amazing! I truly loved this book!
March 26, 2024
3.8⭐️
Ok ok hear me out. This book was everything I want and more in a book to be UNTIL I reached the last 20-30% of it.
I wish we were able to see more of David’s perspective (although idk if that would have affected the plot twist(s)). Especially because of how heavily built up David is in the beginning, I was hoping to read about his perspective. Instead, Archie’s POV is pulled in. I understand his role in Willows story, but he greatly overshadowed David, who seemed to be just a side thought in this section.
I also am not a huge fan about how the book had to feel completed by reading the epilogue (and only then in David rlly mentioned from the past 10-20% of the book.) It seemed out of place and offered a completely different ending. Idk maybe this ‘twist’ just wasn’t supported enough for me. Healing their trauma and how exactly Willow and David got back together was not explored and I feel as if this book went straight from the climax just to the resolution. (And the resolution wasn’t rlly explored except for the epilogue.) No wind down. (I guess the funeral could be considered one but that did not describe the relationship between David and Willow at all (which was basically the whole focus of the book)).
I feel like this book was so good until it tried to pull out all of these twists. The second half felt Wattpady and unsupported. Scenes felt out of place and I found myself confused as to who and what was where and what was going on (especially with the abusive husband and explaining the timeline). After explaining one event/point in the timeline I feel like she would just add over it or say ‘jk this also happened like 2 days before 🤪’.
On a good note, I LOVED these characters. The first half was a masterpiece. I love how their relationship is described and it feels complete. This book described hurt, love, color, and comfort perfectly and constructed it all into the characters and dialogue. This author clearly has a way with words. I have so many highlights and quotes that have lingered in my mind after reading this, and I definitely think this would be near 5 starts for me if it weren’t for the ending and inconsistentcies towards the end. I STILL ATE THIS UP BTW. This book consumed me and I was so entertained and teary 🥹.
Ok ok hear me out. This book was everything I want and more in a book to be UNTIL I reached the last 20-30% of it.
I wish we were able to see more of David’s perspective (although idk if that would have affected the plot twist(s)). Especially because of how heavily built up David is in the beginning, I was hoping to read about his perspective. Instead, Archie’s POV is pulled in. I understand his role in Willows story, but he greatly overshadowed David, who seemed to be just a side thought in this section.
I also am not a huge fan about how the book had to feel completed by reading the epilogue (and only then in David rlly mentioned from the past 10-20% of the book.) It seemed out of place and offered a completely different ending. Idk maybe this ‘twist’ just wasn’t supported enough for me. Healing their trauma and how exactly Willow and David got back together was not explored and I feel as if this book went straight from the climax just to the resolution. (And the resolution wasn’t rlly explored except for the epilogue.) No wind down. (I guess the funeral could be considered one but that did not describe the relationship between David and Willow at all (which was basically the whole focus of the book)).
I feel like this book was so good until it tried to pull out all of these twists. The second half felt Wattpady and unsupported. Scenes felt out of place and I found myself confused as to who and what was where and what was going on (especially with the abusive husband and explaining the timeline). After explaining one event/point in the timeline I feel like she would just add over it or say ‘jk this also happened like 2 days before 🤪’.
On a good note, I LOVED these characters. The first half was a masterpiece. I love how their relationship is described and it feels complete. This book described hurt, love, color, and comfort perfectly and constructed it all into the characters and dialogue. This author clearly has a way with words. I have so many highlights and quotes that have lingered in my mind after reading this, and I definitely think this would be near 5 starts for me if it weren’t for the ending and inconsistentcies towards the end. I STILL ATE THIS UP BTW. This book consumed me and I was so entertained and teary 🥹.
October 2, 2019
I absolutely loved this story .
As I first began reading bed I knew instantly I was going to love it the story started out slow but sweet and getting to know the characters and the time. And what was going on in their lives.
So it starts being set like in the 50s and 60s and the main character David comes from a good family his father is a baker, his mother and all other siblings help in the bakery, and they are poor so they just work with what they have and survive on hand-me-downs. So David goes through school being picked on and doesn’t have a lot of friends.
He then meets a new girl living in down the street , willow . She comes from a wealthy family, she is an only child, and her parents seem very protective at first meeting them.
Pretty soon the two become friends and then they comfort each other and confide in each other and find out that Willow has a secret, when she touches people she can feel their feelings and pain and tears and then she begins to cry herself, but the big secret is that she cries colors. They hang every Saturday and are best friends and lean on each other in every way .
So they talk about colors, and David begins to paint, and they discover he has a very raw unique talent and is quickly introduced to one of Willow’s dad‘s associates who helps him get paint things and he starts to paint for the town and everyone says how wonderful he is.
A lot of stuff happens in their lives they get a little older, and then it turns out that Willow has to move because her family got a new job, so they keep in touch through letters but then they start to fade away from each other and don’t talk as much, even though they both are in love with each other.
Unfortunately his parents have a tragic accident and he is unable to talk to Willow he tries to find her years later and they never reconnect quite yet.
Willow goes through a hard life while David is becoming a pronounced painter and doing very well for himself, she has gotten involved with a crazy man and he is abusive and rude and sells drugs and guns and is involved with gangs.
There’s a huge spoiler and big turn of events huge twist and turn and all through the end that is totally mind blowing, this book will have you on your seats edge and in every emotion possible good and bad and it is absolutely addicting and I devoured it and it was wonderfully written and the words may as well have been painted in beautiful rainbow colors because the pictures and the story was depicted so amazing!
I highly recommend this book.
As I first began reading bed I knew instantly I was going to love it the story started out slow but sweet and getting to know the characters and the time. And what was going on in their lives.
So it starts being set like in the 50s and 60s and the main character David comes from a good family his father is a baker, his mother and all other siblings help in the bakery, and they are poor so they just work with what they have and survive on hand-me-downs. So David goes through school being picked on and doesn’t have a lot of friends.
He then meets a new girl living in down the street , willow . She comes from a wealthy family, she is an only child, and her parents seem very protective at first meeting them.
Pretty soon the two become friends and then they comfort each other and confide in each other and find out that Willow has a secret, when she touches people she can feel their feelings and pain and tears and then she begins to cry herself, but the big secret is that she cries colors. They hang every Saturday and are best friends and lean on each other in every way .
So they talk about colors, and David begins to paint, and they discover he has a very raw unique talent and is quickly introduced to one of Willow’s dad‘s associates who helps him get paint things and he starts to paint for the town and everyone says how wonderful he is.
A lot of stuff happens in their lives they get a little older, and then it turns out that Willow has to move because her family got a new job, so they keep in touch through letters but then they start to fade away from each other and don’t talk as much, even though they both are in love with each other.
Unfortunately his parents have a tragic accident and he is unable to talk to Willow he tries to find her years later and they never reconnect quite yet.
Willow goes through a hard life while David is becoming a pronounced painter and doing very well for himself, she has gotten involved with a crazy man and he is abusive and rude and sells drugs and guns and is involved with gangs.
There’s a huge spoiler and big turn of events huge twist and turn and all through the end that is totally mind blowing, this book will have you on your seats edge and in every emotion possible good and bad and it is absolutely addicting and I devoured it and it was wonderfully written and the words may as well have been painted in beautiful rainbow colors because the pictures and the story was depicted so amazing!
I highly recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2020
4.5 - rounded up.
In a word, this was painful. The emotions that bleed through this almost, but not quite, contemporary romance are brutal, with roots that grab the characters as well as the reader.
Set in the recent past (Vietnam era), we follow two characters who fall through the cracks of their own loneliness, finding solace and comfort in each other as only children can. That comfort blossoms into love as they grow, leading into an intense story that leaves the reader reeling, lost in the events that sweep through their lives.
It's strangely real, even as the aura of 'surreal' surrounds it. A girl who cries colors? Literally cries the colors? It's beautiful, poignant and dangerously illustrative, illuminating an allegory that speaks of life and loss.
I cried while I read, though it is hard to define just one scene that moved my heart. It was the whole tapestry, woven together, that gave the picture that hurt my soul. I both enjoyed this book, and hated it. Regardless, the melodic tone and historic feel entrances, and paints a different view of this talented author - one that most everyone should glimpse.
In a word, this was painful. The emotions that bleed through this almost, but not quite, contemporary romance are brutal, with roots that grab the characters as well as the reader.
Set in the recent past (Vietnam era), we follow two characters who fall through the cracks of their own loneliness, finding solace and comfort in each other as only children can. That comfort blossoms into love as they grow, leading into an intense story that leaves the reader reeling, lost in the events that sweep through their lives.
It's strangely real, even as the aura of 'surreal' surrounds it. A girl who cries colors? Literally cries the colors? It's beautiful, poignant and dangerously illustrative, illuminating an allegory that speaks of life and loss.
I cried while I read, though it is hard to define just one scene that moved my heart. It was the whole tapestry, woven together, that gave the picture that hurt my soul. I both enjoyed this book, and hated it. Regardless, the melodic tone and historic feel entrances, and paints a different view of this talented author - one that most everyone should glimpse.
March 22, 2019
Oh wow!!
This was such an unexpected read for myself. This is the second book I've read by this author and I'm floored seriously. This author has a way of just reeling you in and then BAM!! You lose your breath, you are heartbroken, ugly tears and just in awe.
This one I am not going to go into detail for this review. I don't want to ruin the story for you...just know it's very unexpected, gut wrenching but beautifully told!
I highly recommend this book!
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis
This was such an unexpected read for myself. This is the second book I've read by this author and I'm floored seriously. This author has a way of just reeling you in and then BAM!! You lose your breath, you are heartbroken, ugly tears and just in awe.
This one I am not going to go into detail for this review. I don't want to ruin the story for you...just know it's very unexpected, gut wrenching but beautifully told!
I highly recommend this book!
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis
May 18, 2022
This is really interesting.
Heaps that I didn’t really understand but still an interesting premise.
3 star listen with duel narration which I enjoyed Connor and LaCies voices worked well together. I don’t think I’ve heard either of them before.
A girl who cried colours and a boy who could paint.
So much love from both families but still brutal.
Trigger warnings. Non con/rape, bullying, assault.
There is a HEA
no smut but due to the themes in the later chapters this would be considered an adult novel or at least a NA.
dark themes.
Heaps that I didn’t really understand but still an interesting premise.
3 star listen with duel narration which I enjoyed Connor and LaCies voices worked well together. I don’t think I’ve heard either of them before.
A girl who cried colours and a boy who could paint.
So much love from both families but still brutal.
Trigger warnings. Non con/rape, bullying, assault.
There is a HEA
no smut but due to the themes in the later chapters this would be considered an adult novel or at least a NA.
dark themes.
November 2, 2018
Although this story is unlike her other series, it bought a certain element that her others did not. It was massively emotional, but in a way that you are rooting for every single character as they face what they must. Yes, there were elements that I don't typically enjoy reading, but in some cases that is part of real life. This story makes you think, appreciate, and cherish what you have because you are not facing the challenges (or you have defeated the same challenges) these characters are experiencing.
I love that she was able to bring a real world feel to her story while weaving in a magical aspect. The world is harsh and hard, but there is always good and this story shows that. Well done!
I love that she was able to bring a real world feel to her story while weaving in a magical aspect. The world is harsh and hard, but there is always good and this story shows that. Well done!
January 1, 2024
This book was fantastic, I felt so many different emotions while reading it and couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed it and thought it was very well written. The story of David and Willow was perfect and the plot twists were great too. I did not see the ending coming and I really was pleasantly surprised with it. I definitely recommend reading however there might be some triggers! The girl who cries colors was definitely a great pick for my last book of 2023!
March 23, 2024
Why is this book not talked about more?! It was SO good! Raven Kennedy has such a way with words, and excels in every genre she writes. This book was gorgeous. I soaked up every word like a woman dying of thirst. I can’t recommend enough! Free on KU!
August 18, 2019
Très belle histoire !
December 7, 2023
Who would have thought the book named “The Girl Who Cries Colors” to literally be about a girl who cries colors… Wow.
June 8, 2024
4.5 phewwww 😮💨😭
August 1, 2024
Absolutely Beautiful, utterly tragic and completely original! I’ll be thinking about this one for a while!!
October 1, 2020
4.25 stars
November 1, 2018
Heartbreakingly beautifully
I had no idea what to expect when I started this book, but being a huge fan of Raven Kennedy I decided to dive right into the unknown. The Girl Who Cries Colors was unlike anything I've ever read, a trule tale of magical realism, finding beauty in pain and emotions in color. Absolutely wonderful
I had no idea what to expect when I started this book, but being a huge fan of Raven Kennedy I decided to dive right into the unknown. The Girl Who Cries Colors was unlike anything I've ever read, a trule tale of magical realism, finding beauty in pain and emotions in color. Absolutely wonderful
August 26, 2019
Histoire qui mêle subtilement la poésie et le réel, les émotions sont au rendez-vous.
November 4, 2018
The Girl Who Cries Colors. . . This captivated me from page one. I’d heard about this book and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. This is an epic journey with the highest highs, the darkest lows, twists and turns you’ll never see coming. I highly recommend this beautiful soul wrenching tale. It held me emotionally well after the book was over. (Book hangover is currently commencing)
June 8, 2022
Infinite+++++ Stars
Profound, deeply moving ,tearful story which breaks you and then puts you back too.
Profound, deeply moving ,tearful story which breaks you and then puts you back too.
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