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Almost Glass
Broken. Shattered. Forever searching for something I knew I'd never find. . . Happiness.
I was a girl with no purpose, with no reason to keep going—I was barely living.
Life had been nothing but a cruel joke to me. I had found love, only to lose it. I had found hope, only to watch it get snatched from my arms.
I had nothing left.
But from the darkness came a man.
He saw something in me that I couldn't.
He saw life, he saw the girl that I had lost somewhere along the way; he saw a second chance.
With his help, I picked up the glass around my feet and put my life back together.
He gave me more than anyone ever could.
He gave me his heart.
And I wanted to give him mine, I just didn't know how.
I needed to let go of the past to truly let him in.
So I did what I never could before, I gave myself a voice. I wrote a letter.
And that letter changed everything.
Author's Note: This story was originally titled Dear Author. It is about love and loss, and may contain triggers for some readers. But there is also hope, unconditional love, and finding happiness again. Walk through the darkness and you will see the light with a guaranteed HEA that will make this journey worthwhile.
I was a girl with no purpose, with no reason to keep going—I was barely living.
Life had been nothing but a cruel joke to me. I had found love, only to lose it. I had found hope, only to watch it get snatched from my arms.
I had nothing left.
But from the darkness came a man.
He saw something in me that I couldn't.
He saw life, he saw the girl that I had lost somewhere along the way; he saw a second chance.
With his help, I picked up the glass around my feet and put my life back together.
He gave me more than anyone ever could.
He gave me his heart.
And I wanted to give him mine, I just didn't know how.
I needed to let go of the past to truly let him in.
So I did what I never could before, I gave myself a voice. I wrote a letter.
And that letter changed everything.
Author's Note: This story was originally titled Dear Author. It is about love and loss, and may contain triggers for some readers. But there is also hope, unconditional love, and finding happiness again. Walk through the darkness and you will see the light with a guaranteed HEA that will make this journey worthwhile.
- GenresRomance
Unknown Binding
First published September 1, 2018
2 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 27, 2018
5 emotional stars!! Wow Leah outdid herself this time. This is not like her usual books this is outside of the box for her and damn if it did not put me in my feels.
This is a story of a young girl who hit every bump on the road. And just when it was too much her knight and shining armor came through and made her believe.
This story had me in tears. The end was everything. I wasn’t expecting it but I wouldn’t change it all. I was asked to read this book ahead of time (even before ARC’s) because the author was so nervous on how this could be received and I didn’t have anything negative to say. She did a phenomenal job and this book is a 2018 must read. This to me will relate to so many people even if it is from knowing of people going through this or loving people going through this. I personally have seen it more then I should. Sadly. I love the relationship with Fallon and Loralei. Fallon is one hell of a man. At first not so much trust but he grew on me.
Now Loralei is the main character here. This is her story and I loved growing with her. It may seem like she folded but I think she held on. I admire her strength. This book invaded my mind. I would recommend this to everyone. Not even just romance readers. I think this is a must read for many. This touches on so many subjects that need to be discussed and those who judge need to see where it starts.
Thank you Leah for allowing me to read this book ahead of time. I think my hangover from this book will be massive.
This is a story of a young girl who hit every bump on the road. And just when it was too much her knight and shining armor came through and made her believe.
This story had me in tears. The end was everything. I wasn’t expecting it but I wouldn’t change it all. I was asked to read this book ahead of time (even before ARC’s) because the author was so nervous on how this could be received and I didn’t have anything negative to say. She did a phenomenal job and this book is a 2018 must read. This to me will relate to so many people even if it is from knowing of people going through this or loving people going through this. I personally have seen it more then I should. Sadly. I love the relationship with Fallon and Loralei. Fallon is one hell of a man. At first not so much trust but he grew on me.
Now Loralei is the main character here. This is her story and I loved growing with her. It may seem like she folded but I think she held on. I admire her strength. This book invaded my mind. I would recommend this to everyone. Not even just romance readers. I think this is a must read for many. This touches on so many subjects that need to be discussed and those who judge need to see where it starts.
Thank you Leah for allowing me to read this book ahead of time. I think my hangover from this book will be massive.
September 4, 2018
Can the darkest parts of humanity kill off your desire to live, to love, and to trust?
Loralei lives in a world of hurt, and neglect. Love a foreign concept to her as everyone disowns her.
Her heart lays shattered. A thousand tiny pieces, scattered and trampled on again for good effect.
This story broke my heart. I cried, I sniffled and I snotted over Loralei and her life of desperation.
The light at the end of the tunnel distant and weak, the purgatory forever and always.
This book really touched me. It was a complete rollercoaster ride of emotions, and although I feel drained now, I loved every second of it.
The characters kidnapped my heart and mind. Locked them up and threw away the key, feeding me only thoughts of them. The world forgotten.
Loralei so lost unable to escape, her strength hidden so deep, like a light under a bushel.
Fallon the light in a very dark and dreary world, kind, compassionate and an utter darling. We all need a guy like this in our lives!
I've not read a book that has affected me quite as much as this has in a long time. I need chocolate to recover!!
Loralei lives in a world of hurt, and neglect. Love a foreign concept to her as everyone disowns her.
Her heart lays shattered. A thousand tiny pieces, scattered and trampled on again for good effect.
This story broke my heart. I cried, I sniffled and I snotted over Loralei and her life of desperation.
The light at the end of the tunnel distant and weak, the purgatory forever and always.
This book really touched me. It was a complete rollercoaster ride of emotions, and although I feel drained now, I loved every second of it.
The characters kidnapped my heart and mind. Locked them up and threw away the key, feeding me only thoughts of them. The world forgotten.
Loralei so lost unable to escape, her strength hidden so deep, like a light under a bushel.
Fallon the light in a very dark and dreary world, kind, compassionate and an utter darling. We all need a guy like this in our lives!
I've not read a book that has affected me quite as much as this has in a long time. I need chocolate to recover!!
September 7, 2018
An emotional roller coaster ride that I could ride everyday!
Holy moly! Dear Author had me in tears from the first chapter. Dealing with loss is always difficult but putting the pieces back together can everything better even if it takes a while. When everything seems as if her world will crumble that's when he swoops in and eases the pain, to help the journey back to love. I don't think I've ever read such an emotionally charged book in my life. Dear Author is at the top of my 2018 reads!
Holy moly! Dear Author had me in tears from the first chapter. Dealing with loss is always difficult but putting the pieces back together can everything better even if it takes a while. When everything seems as if her world will crumble that's when he swoops in and eases the pain, to help the journey back to love. I don't think I've ever read such an emotionally charged book in my life. Dear Author is at the top of my 2018 reads!
August 24, 2018
Excellent! Please read this book. It's complex, emotional, heart breaking, rebuilding and loving
September 4, 2018
Dear Author by Leah Holt grabbed me from the first page, the compulsion to read this book was overwhelming. This was the first book by Leah Holt that I have read and I couldn't have been more impressed, I was totally blown away by this book. The writing was heartbreakingly poignant and uplifting at the same time. The character development was phenomenal, I felt like I was inside the main characters head. This book will burrow into your heart, mind and soul, leaving you thinking about it for a very long time.
Dear author is about an average teenager, Loralei, who experiences two major events in her life and when she needs her parent’s love the most they emotionally beat her down and turn their backs. She is so heartbroken by these events and her lack of control in her life, so she turns to self destructive behaviors. But, sometimes it only takes one person to believe in you, to see the beauty in you, to love you unconditionally. For Loralei this was Fallon. He somehow made Loralei see that she was worthy of love and a life worth living.
This is a remarkable book, that you will not be able to put down. I highly recommend that you read this book. Dear Author is one of the best books I have read this year.
***I kindly received an ARC of this book by way of Booksprout. I was not contacted, asked or required to leave a review in order to read this book. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. This is my honest review.***
Dear author is about an average teenager, Loralei, who experiences two major events in her life and when she needs her parent’s love the most they emotionally beat her down and turn their backs. She is so heartbroken by these events and her lack of control in her life, so she turns to self destructive behaviors. But, sometimes it only takes one person to believe in you, to see the beauty in you, to love you unconditionally. For Loralei this was Fallon. He somehow made Loralei see that she was worthy of love and a life worth living.
This is a remarkable book, that you will not be able to put down. I highly recommend that you read this book. Dear Author is one of the best books I have read this year.
***I kindly received an ARC of this book by way of Booksprout. I was not contacted, asked or required to leave a review in order to read this book. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. This is my honest review.***
September 5, 2018
Leah Holt is a new to me author! But boy am I glad to have finally found her!
Dear Author is one of the most gripping, heart-wrenching stories I’ve ever encountered. Real and dirty and raw…vivid…
I’m gonna be honest here, about 50% of the way in I considered having to stop. When I read, I want to read to be entertained. I want to feel light and airy and look forward to the HEA. At 50%, I wasn’t sure I’d ever see the sunshine again.
”Then there’s reality. Most of us are blind to reality. We either choose to see it or choose to look away.”
I normally choose to stay blind to reality when I pick up a book. Dear Author doesn’t let you stay blind. You’re in to witness real struggle, real heart break, real loss and abuse and addiction. It was almost too much for me. I don’t want to believe this kind of world is possible. That a young woman, maybe just around the corner from my front door, could be facing such a reality.
”But people change, that’s the beauty of life, nothing is set in stone.”
So I persevered. And thank heaven I did. Dear Author is a book full of dirt…but also hope, hard work, determination, faith, and strength. I found some of the strongest and most willful characters. I found hope and inspiration. And I know you will too, when you pick up this story!
”Life isn’t always bright and sunny….But you’re not living unless you feel every last ounce of it.”
Dear Author is one of the most gripping, heart-wrenching stories I’ve ever encountered. Real and dirty and raw…vivid…
I’m gonna be honest here, about 50% of the way in I considered having to stop. When I read, I want to read to be entertained. I want to feel light and airy and look forward to the HEA. At 50%, I wasn’t sure I’d ever see the sunshine again.
”Then there’s reality. Most of us are blind to reality. We either choose to see it or choose to look away.”
I normally choose to stay blind to reality when I pick up a book. Dear Author doesn’t let you stay blind. You’re in to witness real struggle, real heart break, real loss and abuse and addiction. It was almost too much for me. I don’t want to believe this kind of world is possible. That a young woman, maybe just around the corner from my front door, could be facing such a reality.
”But people change, that’s the beauty of life, nothing is set in stone.”
So I persevered. And thank heaven I did. Dear Author is a book full of dirt…but also hope, hard work, determination, faith, and strength. I found some of the strongest and most willful characters. I found hope and inspiration. And I know you will too, when you pick up this story!
”Life isn’t always bright and sunny….But you’re not living unless you feel every last ounce of it.”
September 3, 2018
I have no words!!!! I am completely in utter emotional chaos!!! Wow!!!
Leah Holt, this book killed me and I absolutely loved every moment of it. From page one till the crazy end that I wasn’t quite expecting I was engrossed and an emotional wreck. I felt everything for Lorelei and she is truly a strong character.
Lorelei felt like life has beaten her down and she did what she had to in order to survive it. Her story is real and relatable and pulls at your heart strings. You want so badly to hug her and ice her a happy ending. When Fallon takes it upon himself to help her and show her how amazing she really is you know she is gonna fight that. He doesn’t give up on her though, he truly cares and will do what it takes to make her see that. I just love these two!!
This story is a must read.... one I am sure you won’t put down once you start!!! Just be prepared for the roller coaster of emotions that you will feel and be ware that it will hit home with some of it!!!! Leah Holt your amazing!!!
Leah Holt, this book killed me and I absolutely loved every moment of it. From page one till the crazy end that I wasn’t quite expecting I was engrossed and an emotional wreck. I felt everything for Lorelei and she is truly a strong character.
Lorelei felt like life has beaten her down and she did what she had to in order to survive it. Her story is real and relatable and pulls at your heart strings. You want so badly to hug her and ice her a happy ending. When Fallon takes it upon himself to help her and show her how amazing she really is you know she is gonna fight that. He doesn’t give up on her though, he truly cares and will do what it takes to make her see that. I just love these two!!
This story is a must read.... one I am sure you won’t put down once you start!!! Just be prepared for the roller coaster of emotions that you will feel and be ware that it will hit home with some of it!!!! Leah Holt your amazing!!!
August 28, 2018
I'm sitting here in an absolute daze after finishing this book. There are few books one can read that truly speaks to a readers soul and this is one of them. This book is not for the faint of heart this book will change you to your core and some if it was quite personal for me and spoke the deep truth of how heartbreaking some losses truly are when you have ne control if the situation. From the first chapter my heart broke for Loreli and the author did such an amazing job telling the story you just want to leap into the pages and hug her back together again and eventually Fallon finds her and does just that! I don't want to go too into detail about what happens in the book because I truly feel you need to go into this story blind to really feel this story, but please read it you will not regret it. To the author you did an amazing thing writing this book. It was simply beautiful!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2018
Wow Leah outdid herself this time. I was hooked from the first chapter couldn't put it down until the end. I love the way you draw us in Leah, you make us feel everything that the characters feel.
A well written story about a young girl that loved and lost. The choice she made to abuse her body was so that she wouldn't have to feel the pain that her young life was dealt. She didn't think she would survive, she didn't want to.
Fallon is a true hero, a real life knight in shining armour who chose to take a chance on Loralei. He sees the good in her no matter her tragic past and pushes her forward even when she pushes him away. She just needed to be loved, needed to have someone on her side just once, to show her just how strong she really is. He’s there every step of the way
This is a book that no matter what, you will be glad that you took the time to read it.
The ending of this book took my breath away!
YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!!!
A well written story about a young girl that loved and lost. The choice she made to abuse her body was so that she wouldn't have to feel the pain that her young life was dealt. She didn't think she would survive, she didn't want to.
Fallon is a true hero, a real life knight in shining armour who chose to take a chance on Loralei. He sees the good in her no matter her tragic past and pushes her forward even when she pushes him away. She just needed to be loved, needed to have someone on her side just once, to show her just how strong she really is. He’s there every step of the way
This is a book that no matter what, you will be glad that you took the time to read it.
The ending of this book took my breath away!
YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!!!
September 4, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Wow! What an emotional read, I loved it, I was captivated from the start until the end. I couldn’t put this down and neither will you. You are going to have all kinds of feels, heartache, loss, tears, Lorelei’s story will definitely pull at your heart strings and not let go. Lorelei has always had to do what she had to, to get by. She’s had tragedy in her life and has never quite recovered and when Fallon steps in to help her he really is her white knight and wants to show her beautiful she is inside and out and help in anyway no matter how hard she pushes. Lorelei’s story is so relatable and Leah had outdone herself with this story, no spoiler from me. You need to read this for yourselves, you will be grabbed in a way that may just change your life in the smallest way.
August 30, 2018
Oh my. Not nearly enough stars to rate this book.
I just finished wiping the tears from my eyes and have to keep a tissue close to blot my nose. My heart is breaking and I am sad. The overwhelming sorrow of this story speaks so loudly that I don't know where to put all the emotion. This author is amazing and writes in such a real way that this feels as if it is happening in real time. Loralei's strength to overcome and Fallon's unconditional support is what dreams are made of. As you can tell I would highly recommend this book and am so glad to have read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I just finished wiping the tears from my eyes and have to keep a tissue close to blot my nose. My heart is breaking and I am sad. The overwhelming sorrow of this story speaks so loudly that I don't know where to put all the emotion. This author is amazing and writes in such a real way that this feels as if it is happening in real time. Loralei's strength to overcome and Fallon's unconditional support is what dreams are made of. As you can tell I would highly recommend this book and am so glad to have read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2018
This book certainly pulled the emotion from me. Told by our female MC Lorelei, she details to the readers how her life spun out of control after two horrendous incidents. With her family shunning her and trying to make an example out of her and her own depression and memories not giving her an escape she spirals, until Fallon the male MC sees her for who she is, not wanting anything from her but to help her.
A stunning, emotional story that will keep you glued to your seat as you devour this book. I loved it and would certainly recommend it highly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A stunning, emotional story that will keep you glued to your seat as you devour this book. I loved it and would certainly recommend it highly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2018
Wow! This story was incredible, touched my heart , made me cry so many tears and healed my heart in the end. What this poor girl Lorelei went thru and fought thru was amazing. A true hero Fallon chose to take a chance on someone who just needed to be loved, needed to have someone on her side just once. From a little girl who made one choice that ended up destroying her to one choice that brought her love and happiness. U will not regret picking up this story just make sure u have the tissues handy!
September 3, 2018
This book is Amazing! It's an emotional story to read. Once I started I couldn't stop. Lorelei story is so heartbreaking but yet so realistic in everyday life situations. Fallon is so supportive and is a saint really. This book should be read by everyone! After reading this it made me wonder just how many people are facing this type of struggle alone and well you need to read this. I don't want to give away spoilers so please give this book a chance. It may not be for everyone but I highly recommend it for everyone. One paperback I would love to own.
September 5, 2018
Omg I'm still feeling the emotions from reading this phenomenal book. Leah pulls you into this gut wrenching, heart wringing story of Loralei and her struggle to overcome everything that life threw at her and Fallon the man who stood by her who saw something inside her and made her realize life is worth living. This just broke my heart for all the thing's this girl had to endure. This story will chew you up and spit you out it's probably one of the best stories Leah has written and I've loved all of her book's, but this one wow just wow. I would highly highly recommend reading this book.
This is my opinion and my voluntary review
This is my opinion and my voluntary review
August 30, 2018
Wow!!
Her life had never been easy, her parents were a team who didn't deserve children.
Then something happened that changed everything.
She didn't think she would survive, she didn't want to, then her knight in shining armour turned up to save her.
This story broke me, It make me ugly cry and that doesn't happen often.
I love the way you draw us in Leah, you make us feel everything that the characters feel.
Absolute smasher and a must read. ❤
Her life had never been easy, her parents were a team who didn't deserve children.
Then something happened that changed everything.
She didn't think she would survive, she didn't want to, then her knight in shining armour turned up to save her.
This story broke me, It make me ugly cry and that doesn't happen often.
I love the way you draw us in Leah, you make us feel everything that the characters feel.
Absolute smasher and a must read. ❤
September 24, 2018
Wow! I don't think I can put in to words just how truly amazing this book is.
I've been in some of the situations that Lorelei was, in that dark place where the pain was too much, that the voice inside my head was telling me to end my life. I may have not found a hero in a spouse, but I did end up finding meaning to my life in other things, which is all that matters. This book sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions. It's definitely worth a read, or two, for anyone.
I've been in some of the situations that Lorelei was, in that dark place where the pain was too much, that the voice inside my head was telling me to end my life. I may have not found a hero in a spouse, but I did end up finding meaning to my life in other things, which is all that matters. This book sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions. It's definitely worth a read, or two, for anyone.
August 28, 2018
I voluntarily read an Arc of this book. It had me hooked from page one. The story was tearfully beautiful. I felt so much while reading this book. I felt sadness, anger and also hope. I couldn't put it down, finished it in two hours. Was a fantastic story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2018
A well written story about a young girl that loved and lost. The choice she made to abuse her body was so that she wouldn't have to feel the pain that her young life was dealt. When Fallon stepped in to help Lorelei, she wouldn't let herself believe that someone could love her. When you let others in, love can conquer all past hurts and disappointments! Well done Leah Holt!
September 4, 2018
This book is well written, fastpaced and took me on a emotional rollercoaster.
I loved the storyline and the characters.
Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the storyline and the characters.
Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2018
I absolutely loved it!!!! All the raw emotion and struggle made it seem so real. Like it was actually a real life story instead of just a book with characters. Really great job Leah.
September 2, 2018
Wow what a emotion read. This story will have you on a bumpy ride and hangingbon from the very beginning to the very end. This story will have your heart on a emotion up roar. Must read.
September 6, 2018
There are no words to describe the feelings you will have reading this book! Your heart will break and you will cry tears of joy as you read Loralei’s story. As Loralei’s life is falling apart, Fallon is there to help her put the pieces back together and to show her how strong she really is. The ending of this book took my breath away! You MUST read this book! I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 6, 2018
This is a book that no matter what, you will be glad that you took the time to read it. Yes it is absolutely emotional and you are probably going to need a tissue or two but it is so worth it. Fallon is the best! He sees the good in Lorelei no matter her tragic past and pushes her forward even when she pushes him away. He’s there every step of the way! Everyone needs someone like Fallon in their life! The epilogue was also amazing!!!
September 10, 2018
This book came into my Kindle with a warning and I'll say it was justified. The warning looks a lot like the author's note at the bottom of the blurb: Walk through the darkness and you will see the light. The story is raw, realistic, dark and I think for some people, it should come with a trigger warning.
I did not have a problem with the topics addressed in this book but I know of people that could have them. I'll warn you beforehand. This story has drug abuse, female physical abuse, suicide attempt and deep emotional issues involving the loss of a son.
Lorelei has been through the ringer in life. She's been dealt with a cold, hard hand and she couldn't have reacted differently, at least I think she couldn't, not with all the emotional pain she was carrying and concealing from the world. I felt her pain. This character was raw, felt realistic and touched my heart strings pretty much from the get-go until the end.
Fallon is a man of medicine but he's also a man that has seen a lot in his line of work to know that some people are worth fighting for. He sees Lorelei for something that she was, in the beginning, but slowly he helps her build herself back up to become the amazing woman he knows she could be. His love and absolute conviction, just as his willingness to stay at her side no matter how many times she falls down the rabbit hole... that man is precious.
The character development in this book was absolutely incredible. I do have to say that at some point Lorelei seemed to act mean for the sake of being mean to me, or even annoying when she yelled at Fallon, but when you put that into context, and you put yourself in her shoes... it fits almost perfectly.
Writing wise I have no complaints what so ever. I did not find any mistakes on my copy of the book or maybe I was just so engrossed that I didn't even notice them, which is a testament of the story quality and author's ability if that was the case.
I would recommend this book if you want a taste of the harsh realities of someone's life while they look for a reason to keep living. I would also recommend you read this book with a box of tissues close by.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I did not have a problem with the topics addressed in this book but I know of people that could have them. I'll warn you beforehand. This story has drug abuse, female physical abuse, suicide attempt and deep emotional issues involving the loss of a son.
Lorelei has been through the ringer in life. She's been dealt with a cold, hard hand and she couldn't have reacted differently, at least I think she couldn't, not with all the emotional pain she was carrying and concealing from the world. I felt her pain. This character was raw, felt realistic and touched my heart strings pretty much from the get-go until the end.
Fallon is a man of medicine but he's also a man that has seen a lot in his line of work to know that some people are worth fighting for. He sees Lorelei for something that she was, in the beginning, but slowly he helps her build herself back up to become the amazing woman he knows she could be. His love and absolute conviction, just as his willingness to stay at her side no matter how many times she falls down the rabbit hole... that man is precious.
The character development in this book was absolutely incredible. I do have to say that at some point Lorelei seemed to act mean for the sake of being mean to me, or even annoying when she yelled at Fallon, but when you put that into context, and you put yourself in her shoes... it fits almost perfectly.
Writing wise I have no complaints what so ever. I did not find any mistakes on my copy of the book or maybe I was just so engrossed that I didn't even notice them, which is a testament of the story quality and author's ability if that was the case.
I would recommend this book if you want a taste of the harsh realities of someone's life while they look for a reason to keep living. I would also recommend you read this book with a box of tissues close by.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2018
Incredibly moving love story
I don't know if Dear Author is based on any one particular young woman's life, but it feels so real, it hits so viscerally, that it surely must be somebody's true story. Lorelei at sixteen does what unloved and lonely girls do - she finds a clandestine boyfriend and they have sex - once. When its obvious that she's pregnant and he's long gone, her friends and her family turn on her. She's forced to have the baby and place it for adoption. Lorelei at seventeen does what many others in her situation have done, are doing, and (God help us) will do - she turns inward, shuts herself off, and slides into substance abuse. Fallon, the paramedic who first meets her when she goes into labor, becomes so much more than Lorelei's rescuer that it cheapens the story to call this a romance. It's a hard, sad, gritty and ultimately beautiful love story, in which a man who truly knows how to love reaches out to teach the junkie whore who gives up to stand up, speak truth, and be Lorelei again. The writing is smooth but it sounds honest and unrehearsed , rather than slick or professional. The subject matter may trigger some people - it did me, and I ended up with a cry-ugly pile of used tissues. But I also ended up feeling hope and compassion for the addicts who have touched my life, and feeling blessed for myself because "there but for the grace of God..." If you know a lonely teen-aged girl, a single mother with no safety-net, a woman who has placed her child for adoption, or lost a child in any other way, you will understand.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my voluntary, independent and uncompensated opinion.
I don't know if Dear Author is based on any one particular young woman's life, but it feels so real, it hits so viscerally, that it surely must be somebody's true story. Lorelei at sixteen does what unloved and lonely girls do - she finds a clandestine boyfriend and they have sex - once. When its obvious that she's pregnant and he's long gone, her friends and her family turn on her. She's forced to have the baby and place it for adoption. Lorelei at seventeen does what many others in her situation have done, are doing, and (God help us) will do - she turns inward, shuts herself off, and slides into substance abuse. Fallon, the paramedic who first meets her when she goes into labor, becomes so much more than Lorelei's rescuer that it cheapens the story to call this a romance. It's a hard, sad, gritty and ultimately beautiful love story, in which a man who truly knows how to love reaches out to teach the junkie whore who gives up to stand up, speak truth, and be Lorelei again. The writing is smooth but it sounds honest and unrehearsed , rather than slick or professional. The subject matter may trigger some people - it did me, and I ended up with a cry-ugly pile of used tissues. But I also ended up feeling hope and compassion for the addicts who have touched my life, and feeling blessed for myself because "there but for the grace of God..." If you know a lonely teen-aged girl, a single mother with no safety-net, a woman who has placed her child for adoption, or lost a child in any other way, you will understand.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my voluntary, independent and uncompensated opinion.
September 7, 2018
This is not for the faint of heart and I suggest having tissues on hand, especially at the end. Ms. Holt has penned one emotionally raw and gripping read from start to finish. It chronicles the life of Lorelei from her teen years through adulthood and vividly describes all of the challenges and obstacles that she had to endure. It reads true to life. Lorelei grew up in a very strict household with a mother who expected her to be perfect. When she accidentally becomes pregnant at sixteen, her world spins out of control as she winds up alone without her family. A child should be able to rely on his/her family without question or being made to feel ostracized due to poor choices. Due to her low self-esteem and having her choices taken away from her, she looks for ways to numb the pain and forget. This has her falling down a very dark hole by using drugs. Her usage illustrates the growing problem of addiction, the struggle addicts go through to quit their habit and some of the reasons they succumb in the first place. I would give this book more than five stars if available as the themes that are highlighted are some that need to be demonstrated more in peoples everyday lives; that of tolerance, forgiveness, common decency, respect and love.
I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.
I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.
September 19, 2018
Loralei is the main character. The book starts off with her as a 16 yr old teenager. Her mother and family could use a whole lotta love. The mother is at odd's against her at every turn. The mother needs some compassion lessons. I hope not every teenager who goes through what Loralei goes through has such an uncaring family and mother.
Loralei goes out on her own after her and her mother go rounds. She is on the street's at 16 /17 yrs old. How can she even take care of herself? Does her mother / father / family even care that she's out on the street's?
Loralei is just living life one day at a time, one day gets her to the next to get her drug fix.
Loralei begins to get her feelings out on paper - by writing to Dear Author, like a diary entry. She wants to get her thoughts out there, but, doesn't want to go through the traditional rehab counseling sessions. Writing things out is a good way she can express her thoughts and what has happened to her.
This book has triggers / or warnings in it. Drug abuse, mental abuse, shunning are in this book.
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Loralei goes out on her own after her and her mother go rounds. She is on the street's at 16 /17 yrs old. How can she even take care of herself? Does her mother / father / family even care that she's out on the street's?
Loralei is just living life one day at a time, one day gets her to the next to get her drug fix.
Loralei begins to get her feelings out on paper - by writing to Dear Author, like a diary entry. She wants to get her thoughts out there, but, doesn't want to go through the traditional rehab counseling sessions. Writing things out is a good way she can express her thoughts and what has happened to her.
This book has triggers / or warnings in it. Drug abuse, mental abuse, shunning are in this book.
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2018
Wow, this story takes you on an emotional journey that will stay with you long after the last page. As a teenager Lorelei made a decision that had consequences that she was unprepared to deal with. At a time when she needed those she loved the most they turned their backs on her and she was left to struggle alone. This led to a series of bad decisions that sends her into a downward spiral that we think she may never recover from. There is one person who sees her for the woman she can be rather than what she appears to be and the journey to find that person is not only inspiring it is amazing.
This story will not only tear you up emotionally, but it will also give you hope and it is an experience you don’t want to miss. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This story will not only tear you up emotionally, but it will also give you hope and it is an experience you don’t want to miss. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
October 9, 2018
This was a poignant look at the life of someone suffering with substance abuse. It was slightly repetitive and I wish there was a little more story and less explanation about how someone can possibly become addicted to drugs, BUT I understand the point the author was trying to get across.
My biggest beef was the love story. It came out of nowhere. Fallon's appearance and sudden interest in Loralie just didn't jive for me at all. It's very hard for me to understand falling in love with someone when they are at rock bottom, at their worst. I get it if you loved them and then this happened and you stand by them. He didn't really know her before that, just a chance meeting, so I just find it hard to believe that those feelings were just instantly there.
My biggest beef was the love story. It came out of nowhere. Fallon's appearance and sudden interest in Loralie just didn't jive for me at all. It's very hard for me to understand falling in love with someone when they are at rock bottom, at their worst. I get it if you loved them and then this happened and you stand by them. He didn't really know her before that, just a chance meeting, so I just find it hard to believe that those feelings were just instantly there.
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