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Bright Lights From A Hurricane
Olivia Jefferson has always been a good little automaton. At least, that’s what her best friend Angela had always told her. She was a dutiful daughter, straight A student, and a devoted friend.
But when Angela dies at seventeen of terminal brain cancer, Olivia’s automaton life gets turned upside down.
She made a promise that she would finish Angela’s bucket list for her.
But number one is to go on the scariest ride at the County Fair, The Hurricane, and number two is to go on a Grand Adventure. Both seem impossible. So when a pretty, blue eyed carnie boy offers her a place on the carnival for the summer, she couldn’t possibly go, right?
Deciding to abandon her well planned future, Olivia follows the carnival along the bottom States, from Florida to LA. What she learns as she works her way through Angela’s bucket list will make her reexamine her dreams, her beliefs and make her really question: Who is Olivia
But when Angela dies at seventeen of terminal brain cancer, Olivia’s automaton life gets turned upside down.
She made a promise that she would finish Angela’s bucket list for her.
But number one is to go on the scariest ride at the County Fair, The Hurricane, and number two is to go on a Grand Adventure. Both seem impossible. So when a pretty, blue eyed carnie boy offers her a place on the carnival for the summer, she couldn’t possibly go, right?
Deciding to abandon her well planned future, Olivia follows the carnival along the bottom States, from Florida to LA. What she learns as she works her way through Angela’s bucket list will make her reexamine her dreams, her beliefs and make her really question: Who is Olivia
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2019
16 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Grace McGinty
64 books2,201 followersWhen I was nine, my grandmother and her friends used to read and swap Harlequin Mills and Boons novels. When I was busted reading one, they started sneaking me boxes full of strong heroines and rugged men. Thus started a long love affair with the romance genre.
Then I discovered urban fantasy, and fell in love with broody Alphas and sexy paranormals, and combining them together was a no brainer.
Then I discovered Reverse Harem.... Oh my. Why choose, am I right?
Then I discovered urban fantasy, and fell in love with broody Alphas and sexy paranormals, and combining them together was a no brainer.
Then I discovered Reverse Harem.... Oh my. Why choose, am I right?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 1, 2019
5/5
I was sent this book from my honest review from the publisher and author.
In this contemporary book we follow Livy a recent high school grad getting ready to go to college but she has just lost her best friend and is having a bit of a hard time. She is tasked by her passed friend to finish a bucket list they had been going through before she got to sick to do anything. In the processes of doing one of the items on the list she meets a carnival worker who invites her to work with them for the summer and task off another item on the list and a wonderful and crazy adventure happens that we get to read about.
I have to say I loved this book so much, I thought it was well written, had a great story and wonderful characters. I just didn't want to put it down and I wanted more when it ended, I wanted so much more. I want more from Livy and Dallas, I want more from the other characters, I want books from before this adventure with Livy and her best friend. I also just want to read more books form the author, her writing was beautiful and she just built the story and world the best way and I bet I would love any other book form her as well. I would recommend this book to any one but defiantly if you are interested or like contemporary books.
I was sent this book from my honest review from the publisher and author.
In this contemporary book we follow Livy a recent high school grad getting ready to go to college but she has just lost her best friend and is having a bit of a hard time. She is tasked by her passed friend to finish a bucket list they had been going through before she got to sick to do anything. In the processes of doing one of the items on the list she meets a carnival worker who invites her to work with them for the summer and task off another item on the list and a wonderful and crazy adventure happens that we get to read about.
I have to say I loved this book so much, I thought it was well written, had a great story and wonderful characters. I just didn't want to put it down and I wanted more when it ended, I wanted so much more. I want more from Livy and Dallas, I want more from the other characters, I want books from before this adventure with Livy and her best friend. I also just want to read more books form the author, her writing was beautiful and she just built the story and world the best way and I bet I would love any other book form her as well. I would recommend this book to any one but defiantly if you are interested or like contemporary books.
January 16, 2026
4.4 stars.
This was beautiful. I hated that Dallas had a manwhore past but otherwise it was awesome. And thankfully he didn't flirt with any other girls after he met her.
This is definitely a sad story because Livvy is mourning her best friend and that overshadows the whole story. There are some intense situations, including an attempted rape of the main character.
These two are young! She's 18 and he might be late teens or early 20s. I was so thankful the author faded to black for their sex scene because I was not interested in teenage sex.
This was beautiful. I hated that Dallas had a manwhore past but otherwise it was awesome. And thankfully he didn't flirt with any other girls after he met her.
This is definitely a sad story because Livvy is mourning her best friend and that overshadows the whole story. There are some intense situations, including an attempted rape of the main character.
These two are young! She's 18 and he might be late teens or early 20s. I was so thankful the author faded to black for their sex scene because I was not interested in teenage sex.
February 12, 2019
I don’t have words to describe the love I have for this book. The adventure and love shown in it brought me to my knees and swelled my heart. The whole Hellson family is now forever a part of my heart. I am so thankful to have had the pleasure to read it. I cried and laughed and was scared for these characters throughout the book. I know also want to become a carnie for a summer. The message of living your life to the fullest really stuck home for me. All the surprises made me melt for Dallas. I love this book so much! It has a piece of my heart now.
January 30, 2019
ARC received for an honest review.
4.5 stars
I don't know what to say. This book made me speechless. In a good way. I was expecting a cliché contemporary romance but it was so much more. It made me smile, made me laugh, made me cry (which is very rare). The flashbacks into Olivia's old life just made the whole thing so hauntingly realistic and gave the book that added depth. I could feel every emotion she was feeling and it's so rare to find a book that can do that.
Olivia is a girl that has her whole life planned out for her. She was born into a rich family but never received her parents' love or affection. Her best friend Angela dies before completing her bucket list and Olivia promised her that she would finish it for her. On her journey to complete the list, she joins a carnival (which leads to her getting disowned) and finds out first hand what it's like to live like the unprivileged... and fall in love. This book is about love, family, belonging and courage.
There was significant character development as we see Olivia work her way through the bucket list. I loved seeing her relationships with each character develop (I love Dallas!) and the snipets of her friendship with Angela. There was so much growth in her character that we see in the span on one summer. It was beautifully constructed and to see a girl that started of in the beginning of the story broken and lost from the loss of her best friend come out as a brave and whole woman was truly amazing.
The writing style is so smooth and flowed so well. There was the exact amount of description that you could feel and imagine everything that was happening. I did feel at the beginning of the book that it kind of rushed into the story because we don't know anything about Olivia and it begins with her joining the Carnival, but that was made up for with the awesome flashbacks and description. Also, some elements of the plot did feel a little far-fetched but what's the point of books if they won't be a little unrealistic?
I definitely recommend this to all romance novel lovers and anyone that wants a book that has character and setting depth and development.
[Bookstagram]
4.5 stars
I don't know what to say. This book made me speechless. In a good way. I was expecting a cliché contemporary romance but it was so much more. It made me smile, made me laugh, made me cry (which is very rare). The flashbacks into Olivia's old life just made the whole thing so hauntingly realistic and gave the book that added depth. I could feel every emotion she was feeling and it's so rare to find a book that can do that.
Olivia is a girl that has her whole life planned out for her. She was born into a rich family but never received her parents' love or affection. Her best friend Angela dies before completing her bucket list and Olivia promised her that she would finish it for her. On her journey to complete the list, she joins a carnival (which leads to her getting disowned) and finds out first hand what it's like to live like the unprivileged... and fall in love. This book is about love, family, belonging and courage.
There was significant character development as we see Olivia work her way through the bucket list. I loved seeing her relationships with each character develop (I love Dallas!) and the snipets of her friendship with Angela. There was so much growth in her character that we see in the span on one summer. It was beautifully constructed and to see a girl that started of in the beginning of the story broken and lost from the loss of her best friend come out as a brave and whole woman was truly amazing.
The writing style is so smooth and flowed so well. There was the exact amount of description that you could feel and imagine everything that was happening. I did feel at the beginning of the book that it kind of rushed into the story because we don't know anything about Olivia and it begins with her joining the Carnival, but that was made up for with the awesome flashbacks and description. Also, some elements of the plot did feel a little far-fetched but what's the point of books if they won't be a little unrealistic?
I definitely recommend this to all romance novel lovers and anyone that wants a book that has character and setting depth and development.
[Bookstagram]
February 14, 2019
I received an eARC of this novel from NineTales Publishing, but that does not affect my opinions on it.
Olivia Jefferson's life had always been proper - she got straight A's, was a good daughter and friend. The joy she had in her life was all thanks to her friend Angela as unfortunately she hadn't been that lucky in the parents department.
But life isn't all peaches and cream. Everything changed when her best friend died of terminal cancer. Best friend who left her a bucket list because she knew Olivia would otherwise crawl into her shell to mourn her and wouldn't live her life to the fullest.
The first item in the list was to ride the scariest ride at the county fair called The Hurricane, the second to go on an adventure. And that's where she meets Blue Eyes, Dallas Hellson, who, finding out about her friend's wish, asks her to join the carnival. And that's what she does.
Having moved to Ireland when I was 18, I could really relate to Olivia being in a new unfamiliar environment. The character development was very true to life as I myself have gone through it. Nothing like being on your own to make you grow up a lot quicker than you would've had you stayed at a place you're used to.
This book took me on a ride on an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed, I cried, felt all the love between the characters. Felt my insides cramp up from the nastiness, hate, and sense of entitlement oozing out of some of them. Felt my heart swell during the romantic and sweet moments. The text flowed, everything was balanced, and such a joy to read. Plus I'm low key jealous I can't just join a carnival myself. Or maybe I could? Genuinely tempted to look it up!
All in all, this first (and brilliant) novel is such a fun, heartwarming, and quick read. I never reread books, but with this one, I will definitely make an exception.
Olivia Jefferson's life had always been proper - she got straight A's, was a good daughter and friend. The joy she had in her life was all thanks to her friend Angela as unfortunately she hadn't been that lucky in the parents department.
But life isn't all peaches and cream. Everything changed when her best friend died of terminal cancer. Best friend who left her a bucket list because she knew Olivia would otherwise crawl into her shell to mourn her and wouldn't live her life to the fullest.
The first item in the list was to ride the scariest ride at the county fair called The Hurricane, the second to go on an adventure. And that's where she meets Blue Eyes, Dallas Hellson, who, finding out about her friend's wish, asks her to join the carnival. And that's what she does.
Having moved to Ireland when I was 18, I could really relate to Olivia being in a new unfamiliar environment. The character development was very true to life as I myself have gone through it. Nothing like being on your own to make you grow up a lot quicker than you would've had you stayed at a place you're used to.
This book took me on a ride on an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed, I cried, felt all the love between the characters. Felt my insides cramp up from the nastiness, hate, and sense of entitlement oozing out of some of them. Felt my heart swell during the romantic and sweet moments. The text flowed, everything was balanced, and such a joy to read. Plus I'm low key jealous I can't just join a carnival myself. Or maybe I could? Genuinely tempted to look it up!
All in all, this first (and brilliant) novel is such a fun, heartwarming, and quick read. I never reread books, but with this one, I will definitely make an exception.
February 23, 2019
Disclaimer: I received this book from NineTales publishing. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: February 14, 2019
Genre: New Adult Romance
Recommended Age: 16+ (trigger warning for attempted rape! Romance, love, self discovery, alligators, and accidents)
Publisher: NineTales Publishing
Pages: 328
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Olivia Jefferson has always been a good little automaton. At least, that’s what her best friend Angela had always told her. She was a dutiful daughter, straight A student, and a devoted friend.
But when Angela dies at seventeen of terminal brain cancer, Olivia’s automaton life gets turned upside down.
She made a promise that she would finish Angela’s bucket list for her.
But number one is to go on the scariest ride at the County Fair, The Hurricane, and number two is to go on a Grand Adventure. Both seem impossible. So when a pretty, blue eyed carnie boy offers her a place on the carnival for the summer, she couldn’t possibly go, right?
Deciding to abandon her well planned future, Olivia follows the carnival along the bottom States, from Florida to LA. What she learns as she works her way through Angela’s bucket list will make her reexamine her dreams, her beliefs and make her really question: Who is Olivia
Review: This book is a very quick read! The book is adorable and the story is unlike any other. I really felt for the characters and, while there was some play on the legal aspects, I felt that the book was very realistic. The book characters were all very well developed and the plot was interesting. The writing was also very well done and this book is not as much a romance but a self discovery book.
My only huge complaint is that the book has a massive attempted rape scene and this can be very triggering for some people. The scene comes out of nowhere and without warning. It shook me a little when I read it. I think that this can be issue if there’s no trigger warning to warn people ahead of time.
Verdict: A great book!
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: February 14, 2019
Genre: New Adult Romance
Recommended Age: 16+ (trigger warning for attempted rape! Romance, love, self discovery, alligators, and accidents)
Publisher: NineTales Publishing
Pages: 328
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Olivia Jefferson has always been a good little automaton. At least, that’s what her best friend Angela had always told her. She was a dutiful daughter, straight A student, and a devoted friend.
But when Angela dies at seventeen of terminal brain cancer, Olivia’s automaton life gets turned upside down.
She made a promise that she would finish Angela’s bucket list for her.
But number one is to go on the scariest ride at the County Fair, The Hurricane, and number two is to go on a Grand Adventure. Both seem impossible. So when a pretty, blue eyed carnie boy offers her a place on the carnival for the summer, she couldn’t possibly go, right?
Deciding to abandon her well planned future, Olivia follows the carnival along the bottom States, from Florida to LA. What she learns as she works her way through Angela’s bucket list will make her reexamine her dreams, her beliefs and make her really question: Who is Olivia
Review: This book is a very quick read! The book is adorable and the story is unlike any other. I really felt for the characters and, while there was some play on the legal aspects, I felt that the book was very realistic. The book characters were all very well developed and the plot was interesting. The writing was also very well done and this book is not as much a romance but a self discovery book.
My only huge complaint is that the book has a massive attempted rape scene and this can be very triggering for some people. The scene comes out of nowhere and without warning. It shook me a little when I read it. I think that this can be issue if there’s no trigger warning to warn people ahead of time.
Verdict: A great book!
February 13, 2019
I don’t normally read contemporary books but this was an absolute brilliant introduction for me to the world of YA contemporary. I loved the storyline, the characters were well developed and the plot was real and emotional. I cried and laughed and really felt like this book spoke to me. One of those pieces of work that make you feel better for having read it. Grace McGinty has done an amazing job. I can’t wait to get my hands on her next novels. ★★★★★
February 26, 2021
B E A U T I F U L
I’m not crying - you’re crying ! This book was beautiful! While I am familiar with this author with other books, the way she wrote this was captivating! It pulled you in right away and you felt it. You felt exactly what the FMC was going through, her nerves, her sadness, her nothingness with her parents and her heart when she started to fall in love.
This book had me teary eyed from the start. It starts right away at the carnival when Olivia/Livvy/Liv is starting to do her bucket list for her very best friend that has already passed. Dallas is their from the beginning as being the carni who’s working the ride “Hurricane.” After nerves get the best of Livvy, Dallas immediately takes interest and she tells him her and Angles story. He convinces her one of the items on Angels bucket list for a ‘Grand Adventure’ should be to join the carnival for the summer and see where it takes her.
This book pulled you in and pulled at every feeling you could possibly have. Livvy went through some trials and tribulations that summer on top of everything she had going on with her bestest friend passing. She grew into a beautiful young women, just this summer and the author captured it all in such a great way. Dallas and all of the other characters were amazing. I wish their were more books for the other characters.
I personally never find endings enough but I truly truly didn’t want this book to end! I need more of Liv and Dallas. I want their beautiful future. I want it alll!!!!
*Overall 5/5
*Heat? The attraction between the two characters definitely grew stronger and stronger but no Heat.
*Romance? I think because of how everything worked out between them and they were friends first it made it all that much sweeter 5/5
*First person POV just Livvy. It would have been nice to hear from Dallas every now and then, but it was still perfect.
*HEA? Yessss but I really want more! lol
I’m not crying - you’re crying ! This book was beautiful! While I am familiar with this author with other books, the way she wrote this was captivating! It pulled you in right away and you felt it. You felt exactly what the FMC was going through, her nerves, her sadness, her nothingness with her parents and her heart when she started to fall in love.
This book had me teary eyed from the start. It starts right away at the carnival when Olivia/Livvy/Liv is starting to do her bucket list for her very best friend that has already passed. Dallas is their from the beginning as being the carni who’s working the ride “Hurricane.” After nerves get the best of Livvy, Dallas immediately takes interest and she tells him her and Angles story. He convinces her one of the items on Angels bucket list for a ‘Grand Adventure’ should be to join the carnival for the summer and see where it takes her.
This book pulled you in and pulled at every feeling you could possibly have. Livvy went through some trials and tribulations that summer on top of everything she had going on with her bestest friend passing. She grew into a beautiful young women, just this summer and the author captured it all in such a great way. Dallas and all of the other characters were amazing. I wish their were more books for the other characters.
I personally never find endings enough but I truly truly didn’t want this book to end! I need more of Liv and Dallas. I want their beautiful future. I want it alll!!!!
*Overall 5/5
*Heat? The attraction between the two characters definitely grew stronger and stronger but no Heat.
*Romance? I think because of how everything worked out between them and they were friends first it made it all that much sweeter 5/5
*First person POV just Livvy. It would have been nice to hear from Dallas every now and then, but it was still perfect.
*HEA? Yessss but I really want more! lol
January 24, 2019
Olivia has just lost her best friend Angela, before she dies Angela asks Olivia to help complete a bucket list, this leads Olivia to a carnival ride called the Hurricane and so starts an epic road trip journey of growth and self discovery.
This book at its roots is a romantic comedy, but the depth in which the author writes about family dynamics and grief as well as some of the hurdles Olivia has to overcome makes it so much more than this. It is a rollercoaster of a read, moving from some laugh out loud parts (the names of some of the animals) to parts where I couldn't stop a tear from falling (Angela) and to anger (anything to do with her parents).
This is a quick and fun read, it's not all light and fluffy, but it's the perfect book for me at this moment in time.
I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
This book at its roots is a romantic comedy, but the depth in which the author writes about family dynamics and grief as well as some of the hurdles Olivia has to overcome makes it so much more than this. It is a rollercoaster of a read, moving from some laugh out loud parts (the names of some of the animals) to parts where I couldn't stop a tear from falling (Angela) and to anger (anything to do with her parents).
This is a quick and fun read, it's not all light and fluffy, but it's the perfect book for me at this moment in time.
I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
February 14, 2019
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review,
I absolutely loved this book with a passion. Olivia is trying to grieve the passing of her best friend by completing a bucket list. With many wild and unachievable items on the list, she doesn’t expect to get through even half of them until she meets Dallas.
I really enjoyed, not only Olivia’s growth throughout, but each character’s arc. Dallas and Ruben were both such well written and rounded characters. I fell just as much in love with then as I did with my new OTP, Olivia and Dallas. This book had me smiling, laughing out loud, and even crying. I cannot express enough how much I loved it.
For those who like light, mushy romances (with some darkness, fair warning), this book is for you!
I absolutely loved this book with a passion. Olivia is trying to grieve the passing of her best friend by completing a bucket list. With many wild and unachievable items on the list, she doesn’t expect to get through even half of them until she meets Dallas.
I really enjoyed, not only Olivia’s growth throughout, but each character’s arc. Dallas and Ruben were both such well written and rounded characters. I fell just as much in love with then as I did with my new OTP, Olivia and Dallas. This book had me smiling, laughing out loud, and even crying. I cannot express enough how much I loved it.
For those who like light, mushy romances (with some darkness, fair warning), this book is for you!
January 18, 2019
Omg love love love this book. Initially I was reading shadow and bones and this book at the same time. But then I was just hook on to this book and thus I had to stop reading shadow and bone for a day.
While reading the book it really felt like a great adventure around the carnival! Especially for a person like me who's super scared of heights I have never ride on a roller-coaster. So when Olivia had to ride the hurricane I was like omygosh. I fear for her too!! And doing all those bucket list I was just imagining every single thing. And I really wish there was pictures for each and individual part of it!
It's really a romantic and adventure read!!
While reading the book it really felt like a great adventure around the carnival! Especially for a person like me who's super scared of heights I have never ride on a roller-coaster. So when Olivia had to ride the hurricane I was like omygosh. I fear for her too!! And doing all those bucket list I was just imagining every single thing. And I really wish there was pictures for each and individual part of it!
It's really a romantic and adventure read!!
March 15, 2019
ARC REVIEW IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH/RESEÑA EDICIÓN ANTICIPADA EN INGLÉS Y ESPAÑOL
ENGLISH REVIEW
___________________________________________________________
I received this book from Ninetales Publishing for a Honest Review.
.
.
.
If you had the possibility to fulfill the last wish of your best friend, would you leave everything you know and risk the unknown?
I greatly appreciate the editorial and the author for this anticipated edition, I needed a few days to assimilate and handle all the feelings I had when reading it.
This is one of those books that from the beginning catches you with the plot, I had already read a book with a similar theme, but the truth is that it exceeded all my expectations.
Not only does it touch a difficult and heartbreaking issue such as cancer or terminal illness in a loved one, as it happens here with Angela, the best friend of our protagonist, but little by little, she delves into varied topics such as friendship, forgiveness, personal growth and social issues that really let you reflect.
The author was able to capture the conflicts that many people have when taking a leap of faith into the unknown, highlighting with mastery that there will always be good and bad results and that life is not rose color but a balance that helps us in our formation of our personality and as a person.
I loved Livvy and Dallas! I think both protagonists had a great development and that, little by little their experiences and mutual support made their relationship beautiful and one of those that one would like to have.
There was an excellent handling of the characters that made me feel identified with some things and made me greatly appreciate the changes that both the main and the secondary ones had; the one that had the greatest impact and that I really appreciated was Livvy's, the gradual but constant change that she obtained -in the interior as well as in the exterior- by the experiences, her decisions and by the support of each person she came to know as well as I found his old acquaintances wonderful.
I think this is one of the plots that is successful if you know how to get to the heart of the reader and the author achieved it with a lot of success, demonstrated by the multiple emotions that I felt as I was reading.
It is a book with a great development and that never decays in its rhythm, what you can not stop reading until you know what will happen next and that leaves you something of it with you.
A story of farewells, hope, changes, that touches difficult issues in a subtle way and that although I cried a lot, I appreciate having the opportunity to read it.
I highly recommend it for lovers of contemporary romance and heartbreaking stories.
RESEÑA EN ESPAÑOL
___________________________________________________________
Recibí este libro de Ninetales Publishing para dar una Reseña Honesta.
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.
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¿Si tuvieras la posibilidad de cumplir el último deseo de tu mejor amiga, dejarías todo lo que conoces y te arriesgarías a lo desconocido?
Agradezco enormemente a la editorial y a la autora por esta edición anticipada, necesitaba unos días para asimilar y manejar todos los sentimientos que tuve al leerlo.
Este es uno de esos libros que desde el comienzo te atrapa con la trama, ya había leído un libro con una temática parecida, pero la verdad es que este superó todas mis expectativas.
No sólo toca un tema tan difícil y desgarrador como lo es el cáncer o una enfermedad Terminal en un ser querido como ocurre aquí con Angela, la mejor amiga de nuestra protagonista, sino que poco a poco, profundiza en temas variados como la amistad, el perdón, el crecimiento personal y temas sociales que la verdad te dejan reflexionando.
La autora supo plasmar los conflictos que muchas personas tenemos al dar un salto de fe a lo desconocido, destacando con maestría que siempre habrá buenos y malos resultados y que la vida no es color de rosa sino un equilibrio que nos ayuda en nuestra formación de nuestra personalidad y como persona.
¡Amé a Livvy y Dallas! Creo que ambos protagonistas tuvieron un gran desarrollo y que, poco a poco sus vivencias y apoyo mutuo hizo que su relación fuera hermosa y de esas que uno quisiera tener.
Hubo un excelente manejo de los personajes me hizo sentir identificada con algunas cosas y me hizo apreciar enormemente los cambios que tanto los principales como los secundarios tuvieron; el que mayor impacto tuvo y que realmente aprecié fue el de Livvy, el cambio gradual pero constante que obtuvo –en el interior como en el exterior– por las vivencias, sus decisiones y por el apoyo de cada persona que llegó a conocer así como de sus viejos conocidos me pareció maravillosa.
Creo que esta es una de las tramas que tiene éxito si sabes llegar al corazón del lector y la autora lo logró con creces, demostrado por las múltiples emociones que sentí a medida que iba leyendo.
Es un libro con un gran desarrollo y que nunca decae en su ritmo, lo que logra no puedas parar de leer hasta saber que ocurrirá después y que te deja algo de la misma contigo.
Una historia de encuentros, despedidas, esperanza, cambios, que toca temas difíciles de manera sutil y que a pesar de que lloré mucho, agradezco haber tenido la oportunidad de leerla.
La recomiendo mucho para los amantes del romance contemporáneo y las historias rompe corazones.
ENGLISH REVIEW
___________________________________________________________
I received this book from Ninetales Publishing for a Honest Review.
.
.
.
If you had the possibility to fulfill the last wish of your best friend, would you leave everything you know and risk the unknown?
I greatly appreciate the editorial and the author for this anticipated edition, I needed a few days to assimilate and handle all the feelings I had when reading it.
This is one of those books that from the beginning catches you with the plot, I had already read a book with a similar theme, but the truth is that it exceeded all my expectations.
smile and compliment everyone, because you never know if it will be the only beacon in the depths of someone's darkness.
Not only does it touch a difficult and heartbreaking issue such as cancer or terminal illness in a loved one, as it happens here with Angela, the best friend of our protagonist, but little by little, she delves into varied topics such as friendship, forgiveness, personal growth and social issues that really let you reflect.
I just let their insults roll off my back, knowing that these people were just propagating stereotypes to help themselves feel better about their sad little lives.
The author was able to capture the conflicts that many people have when taking a leap of faith into the unknown, highlighting with mastery that there will always be good and bad results and that life is not rose color but a balance that helps us in our formation of our personality and as a person.
Maybe that's what she meant by taking risks. There’ll be times it will work, and times it will all go wrong. The real risk was trying anyway.
I loved Livvy and Dallas! I think both protagonists had a great development and that, little by little their experiences and mutual support made their relationship beautiful and one of those that one would like to have.
Sometimes when you are lost in grief, the touch of another person was like an anchor.
There was an excellent handling of the characters that made me feel identified with some things and made me greatly appreciate the changes that both the main and the secondary ones had; the one that had the greatest impact and that I really appreciated was Livvy's, the gradual but constant change that she obtained -in the interior as well as in the exterior- by the experiences, her decisions and by the support of each person she came to know as well as I found his old acquaintances wonderful.
“You did it, Livvy. You conquered the Hurricane.” I felt like I’d conquered far more than that.
I think this is one of the plots that is successful if you know how to get to the heart of the reader and the author achieved it with a lot of success, demonstrated by the multiple emotions that I felt as I was reading.
Regardless of your personal beliefs, the truth of the matter is you have lost a lot, but you have gained a lot as well. You lost one family, but gained two. You lost one friend, but gained a dozen more. You lost your faith in humanity, but its beauty surrounds you on a daily basis.
It is a book with a great development and that never decays in its rhythm, what you can not stop reading until you know what will happen next and that leaves you something of it with you.
A story of farewells, hope, changes, that touches difficult issues in a subtle way and that although I cried a lot, I appreciate having the opportunity to read it.
I highly recommend it for lovers of contemporary romance and heartbreaking stories.
RESEÑA EN ESPAÑOL
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Recibí este libro de Ninetales Publishing para dar una Reseña Honesta.
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¿Si tuvieras la posibilidad de cumplir el último deseo de tu mejor amiga, dejarías todo lo que conoces y te arriesgarías a lo desconocido?
Agradezco enormemente a la editorial y a la autora por esta edición anticipada, necesitaba unos días para asimilar y manejar todos los sentimientos que tuve al leerlo.
Este es uno de esos libros que desde el comienzo te atrapa con la trama, ya había leído un libro con una temática parecida, pero la verdad es que este superó todas mis expectativas.
Sonríe y hazle cumplidos a todos, porque nunca se sabe si será el único faro en las profundidades de la oscuridad de alguien.
No sólo toca un tema tan difícil y desgarrador como lo es el cáncer o una enfermedad Terminal en un ser querido como ocurre aquí con Angela, la mejor amiga de nuestra protagonista, sino que poco a poco, profundiza en temas variados como la amistad, el perdón, el crecimiento personal y temas sociales que la verdad te dejan reflexionando.
Simplemente dejé que sus insultos salieran de mi espalda, sabiendo que estas personas solo estaban propagando estereotipos para ayudarse a sentirse mejor con sus tristes y pequeñas vidas.
La autora supo plasmar los conflictos que muchas personas tenemos al dar un salto de fe a lo desconocido, destacando con maestría que siempre habrá buenos y malos resultados y que la vida no es color de rosa sino un equilibrio que nos ayuda en nuestra formación de nuestra personalidad y como persona.
Tal vez eso es lo que ella quería decir por tomar riesgos. Habrá momentos en que funcionará, y tiempos en que todo saldrá mal. El verdadero riesgo era intentar de todos modos.
¡Amé a Livvy y Dallas! Creo que ambos protagonistas tuvieron un gran desarrollo y que, poco a poco sus vivencias y apoyo mutuo hizo que su relación fuera hermosa y de esas que uno quisiera tener.
A veces, cuando estás perdido en el dolor, el contacto de otra persona era como un ancla.
Hubo un excelente manejo de los personajes me hizo sentir identificada con algunas cosas y me hizo apreciar enormemente los cambios que tanto los principales como los secundarios tuvieron; el que mayor impacto tuvo y que realmente aprecié fue el de Livvy, el cambio gradual pero constante que obtuvo –en el interior como en el exterior– por las vivencias, sus decisiones y por el apoyo de cada persona que llegó a conocer así como de sus viejos conocidos me pareció maravillosa.
"Lo hiciste, Livvy. Has conquistado el huracán". Sentí que había conquistado mucho más que eso.
Creo que esta es una de las tramas que tiene éxito si sabes llegar al corazón del lector y la autora lo logró con creces, demostrado por las múltiples emociones que sentí a medida que iba leyendo.
Independientemente de tus creencias personales, la verdad del asunto es que has perdido mucho, pero también has ganado mucho. Perdiste una familia, pero ganaste dos. Perdiste a una amiga, pero ganaste una docena más. Perdiste tu fe en la humanidad, pero su belleza te rodea diariamente
Es un libro con un gran desarrollo y que nunca decae en su ritmo, lo que logra no puedas parar de leer hasta saber que ocurrirá después y que te deja algo de la misma contigo.
Una historia de encuentros, despedidas, esperanza, cambios, que toca temas difíciles de manera sutil y que a pesar de que lloré mucho, agradezco haber tenido la oportunidad de leerla.
La recomiendo mucho para los amantes del romance contemporáneo y las historias rompe corazones.
March 18, 2024
I found Grace McGinty and her books a few years back and im slowly but surely reading through her books and each and every one has me hooked, devouring the pages as quickly as i can and this was no exception.
Olivia is trying her best to come out her comfort zone and start to fulfil her bestfriends wish list when it brings her across Dallas and his carnival.
The slow burn and friendship between these guys is beautiful.. seeing Olivia come into herself and become strong, independent and a kick a&& lady is amazing.
Dallas proves his worth and is there for every step of the way.
Love, loss, happiness, strength, emotions, heartache all rolled into one fab read that i didnt want to put down!
Loved it although i feel like I've read it before for some reason!
Olivia is trying her best to come out her comfort zone and start to fulfil her bestfriends wish list when it brings her across Dallas and his carnival.
The slow burn and friendship between these guys is beautiful.. seeing Olivia come into herself and become strong, independent and a kick a&& lady is amazing.
Dallas proves his worth and is there for every step of the way.
Love, loss, happiness, strength, emotions, heartache all rolled into one fab read that i didnt want to put down!
Loved it although i feel like I've read it before for some reason!
July 21, 2024
If there's one underrated book, it's this one.
Gosh, this was such a beautiful, heartbreaking book from the very start.
It's one thing to lose your best friend, but Livvy lost so much more. She lost so much, before she gained.
When Angela dies, she leaves Livvy a bucket list. A list she would have wanted to complete herself, but unfortunately couldn't. With the help of Dallas she completes them one by one, never forgetting her best friend.
Along the way she finds herself. She grows, she falls in love, she finds her place in the world.
This was such a beautiful story. Heartbreaking at times, but so fulfilling. It showed that family doesn't have to be blood and life doesn't end when you're at your lowest point.
Live your life to fullest. It's what Angela would've wanted.
Gosh, this was such a beautiful, heartbreaking book from the very start.
It's one thing to lose your best friend, but Livvy lost so much more. She lost so much, before she gained.
When Angela dies, she leaves Livvy a bucket list. A list she would have wanted to complete herself, but unfortunately couldn't. With the help of Dallas she completes them one by one, never forgetting her best friend.
Along the way she finds herself. She grows, she falls in love, she finds her place in the world.
This was such a beautiful story. Heartbreaking at times, but so fulfilling. It showed that family doesn't have to be blood and life doesn't end when you're at your lowest point.
Live your life to fullest. It's what Angela would've wanted.
August 1, 2024
Grab some tissues.
I absolutely love all of Grace's stories, but this one is special. If you've stumbled across this one because you read her smexy stories- this is a whole different ball of wax. While there are sexy times for the FMC, it's cut away- so this is suitable for young teens as well as adults.
This is a beautifully told story about a young woman who is finding out who she is after a heartbreaking loss, a coming of age story with a HEA. Some moments hit so close to home- and you can tell it was written by someone who understands loss.
Can't recommend enough and so glad I found this gem of a story.
Can't be surprised tho- her stories always slap. This one just hits different.
I absolutely love all of Grace's stories, but this one is special. If you've stumbled across this one because you read her smexy stories- this is a whole different ball of wax. While there are sexy times for the FMC, it's cut away- so this is suitable for young teens as well as adults.
This is a beautifully told story about a young woman who is finding out who she is after a heartbreaking loss, a coming of age story with a HEA. Some moments hit so close to home- and you can tell it was written by someone who understands loss.
Can't recommend enough and so glad I found this gem of a story.
Can't be surprised tho- her stories always slap. This one just hits different.
September 3, 2024
So perfect
I love love love this story. I've cried alot and I had to take a couple short breaks when I thought it was going to get rough.
There are a couple times when it feels that way but as always Ms. Grace had the perfect words to save the day.
I genuinely love this book and it's going on my reread later list.
It's so beautiful.
I love love love this story. I've cried alot and I had to take a couple short breaks when I thought it was going to get rough.
There are a couple times when it feels that way but as always Ms. Grace had the perfect words to save the day.
I genuinely love this book and it's going on my reread later list.
It's so beautiful.
March 23, 2025
💙💙💙💙💘
4.5
Tw death of a loved one, attempted sa, parental abandonment
This was beautiful, it's a grief filled emotional slow burn but I loved it. It's really friends to lovers and it's closed door? But I didn't miss it too much because it has tension and angst.
It's sweet, about growing into yourself and not drowning in your grief. That some tough things that hurt can help so much.
4.5
Tw death of a loved one, attempted sa, parental abandonment
This was beautiful, it's a grief filled emotional slow burn but I loved it. It's really friends to lovers and it's closed door? But I didn't miss it too much because it has tension and angst.
It's sweet, about growing into yourself and not drowning in your grief. That some tough things that hurt can help so much.
May 8, 2022
I absolutely adored this book! I put off reading this book because of the main topic and the possibility it might be triggering but the author has gone and done it again! An absolutely amazing story that pulls at the heart strings over and over again. Would give it more stars if I could!
September 14, 2023
excellent
Love the story progression and the growth of the FMC. Grief is a beast that never dies but changes as time goes by & this is a wonderful example of how to honor a friend who has passed ina way that is truthful and exciting.
Love the story progression and the growth of the FMC. Grief is a beast that never dies but changes as time goes by & this is a wonderful example of how to honor a friend who has passed ina way that is truthful and exciting.
June 4, 2024
Solid 4.75 stars
I loved this book. It is a clean, YA romance. This is probably one of the best books by Grace Mcginty (I've read all of them). The only part of the book that lost points was the ending. It was rushed and not as finished as I would like.
I loved this book. It is a clean, YA romance. This is probably one of the best books by Grace Mcginty (I've read all of them). The only part of the book that lost points was the ending. It was rushed and not as finished as I would like.
February 21, 2021
Lovely
A really sweet tale of a young woman who is putting herself out in the world, and on an amazing adventure. Ive loved this story so much, it was incredibly heart warming.
A really sweet tale of a young woman who is putting herself out in the world, and on an amazing adventure. Ive loved this story so much, it was incredibly heart warming.
March 14, 2021
Beautiful!!!
Such a sweet summer story about love, loss, and growth! It was such a beautiful standalone by a wonderful author.
Such a sweet summer story about love, loss, and growth! It was such a beautiful standalone by a wonderful author.
November 9, 2022
DNF. Only read a few chapters in & just wasn't feeling the story myself.
December 23, 2025
Very easy read. It's very simple (a bit predictable) yet heartwarming. Dallas, the man that you are 😩 and Ruben 😳
March 1, 2021
This is a beautifully written story about a girl who wants to do one last thing for her best friend, the person she loved most in the world, but finds herself and a new family in the process. It’s character driven and heart felt and I will admit that a handkerchief was required at various intervals. Honestly, I can’t recommend it enough. Thank you Grace, this book was fairytale like and I sincerely loved it.
May 31, 2019
NOTE: A special thanks to Nine Tales Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book for review! All opinions are my own.
Where to start with this book? How about the emotional roller coaster that it launched me on? Or how about the down-to-earth realism that made me swoon at every page? Bright Lights from a Hurricane was like nothing I have ever read before. It had the perfect balance of cute and sad moments to brand it one of the more realistic contemporary novels I have read.
The novel follows our protagonist, Olivia Jefferson, who finds herself struggling to complete her best friend, Angela's, bucket list following the death of her friend. It is through the completion of the first item on her list, riding the scary Hurricane roller coaster, that marks the day she embarks on an adventure like no other. I found her character to be extremely relatable, for she always found something to fight for amidst all the tragedy that strikes her.
Dallas Hellson was the love interest in the story, and god was he swoon-worthy. To me, he represented everything a love interest should be, a perfect blend of both perfection and faults that marked him as human. I loved how much he loved and cared for throughout the book, especially when it came to the kittens that the two of them had rescued.
Finally, the plot. This is the first book that I have read that features a carnival setting, and I loved every second of it. From the first page, it is evident that the author had done her research to ensure that the realism was present on every page, and I loved how the setting and the plot blended together perfectly to create something new.
The only complaint I have was the graphic almost-rape scene that happens towards the beginning of the book. It happened out of nowhere and as a consequence hit me like a ton of bricks that I felt the need to warn my other two friends who were also reading the book of the triggering content (both of which had gone through something similar). From my understanding, the author has addressed this and has made sure that all her seller's pages reflect this trigger warning, which is amazing. The only wish I had was that me as well as the other reviewers had it going into the book, but with every new book released into the world mistakes will be made.
Overall, I highly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who is a fan of YA contemporary romance.
Where to start with this book? How about the emotional roller coaster that it launched me on? Or how about the down-to-earth realism that made me swoon at every page? Bright Lights from a Hurricane was like nothing I have ever read before. It had the perfect balance of cute and sad moments to brand it one of the more realistic contemporary novels I have read.
The novel follows our protagonist, Olivia Jefferson, who finds herself struggling to complete her best friend, Angela's, bucket list following the death of her friend. It is through the completion of the first item on her list, riding the scary Hurricane roller coaster, that marks the day she embarks on an adventure like no other. I found her character to be extremely relatable, for she always found something to fight for amidst all the tragedy that strikes her.
Dallas Hellson was the love interest in the story, and god was he swoon-worthy. To me, he represented everything a love interest should be, a perfect blend of both perfection and faults that marked him as human. I loved how much he loved and cared for throughout the book, especially when it came to the kittens that the two of them had rescued.
Finally, the plot. This is the first book that I have read that features a carnival setting, and I loved every second of it. From the first page, it is evident that the author had done her research to ensure that the realism was present on every page, and I loved how the setting and the plot blended together perfectly to create something new.
The only complaint I have was the graphic almost-rape scene that happens towards the beginning of the book. It happened out of nowhere and as a consequence hit me like a ton of bricks that I felt the need to warn my other two friends who were also reading the book of the triggering content (both of which had gone through something similar). From my understanding, the author has addressed this and has made sure that all her seller's pages reflect this trigger warning, which is amazing. The only wish I had was that me as well as the other reviewers had it going into the book, but with every new book released into the world mistakes will be made.
Overall, I highly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who is a fan of YA contemporary romance.
February 8, 2019
I want to start by saying, reading slumps suck! This is where i was at with this book and it made it hard to enjoy. SO i gave myself time and came back to it with a clear head.
I’m overly emotional with how this book progressed.
In this book we follow our main character Olivia as she is trying to mourn her best friend who passed away from cancer. Before her friend Angela passes away she leaves behind a bucket list that Olivia is determined to finish in honor of Angelicas passing. Olivia hopes to not only honor her friend but to also coupe with her new life alone with out the one person who stood by her when she had nobody.
One of the main items on that list was to have a Grand Adventure, which Olivia finds the opportunity after have ridden the ride at the carnival called The Hurricane. The boy with the icy blue eyes offers her a spot in the carnival touring around for the summer. She takes the offer without hesitation feeling like this was what Angela would have wanted.
Olivia leaves her home and everything it could have ever offered, her parents disowning her and cutting her off. Through out this wild unknown ride she meets new people that five her the sense of family in ways she has never experienced. She finds her self crossing off more and more things off her list as the days go by with the blue eyed boy Dallas also becoming one of those items to check off as she falls in love with him.
The horrible acts that are put on her and the wonderful support she receives builds her up and opens up her heart, her mind and you perspective on what it really means to live Life.
I really enjoys this book, it had me crying and grieving with Olivia. It had be hating her parents for being so awful and it also had me swooning over Dallas and how carful yet so open he was with Olivia. How he let her feel free when she has always felt caged. There blooming love is something we only read about in “book” and it is one to always remember. I couldn’t get over how Angela guided her through all this, how she helped her friend bloom and grow even when she wasn’t around to see it. She loved her friend like her own sibling, and it showed. I couldn’t help but feel proud like Angela would have felt following Olivias grand adventure through loss, pain, and love!!
I’m overly emotional with how this book progressed.
In this book we follow our main character Olivia as she is trying to mourn her best friend who passed away from cancer. Before her friend Angela passes away she leaves behind a bucket list that Olivia is determined to finish in honor of Angelicas passing. Olivia hopes to not only honor her friend but to also coupe with her new life alone with out the one person who stood by her when she had nobody.
One of the main items on that list was to have a Grand Adventure, which Olivia finds the opportunity after have ridden the ride at the carnival called The Hurricane. The boy with the icy blue eyes offers her a spot in the carnival touring around for the summer. She takes the offer without hesitation feeling like this was what Angela would have wanted.
Olivia leaves her home and everything it could have ever offered, her parents disowning her and cutting her off. Through out this wild unknown ride she meets new people that five her the sense of family in ways she has never experienced. She finds her self crossing off more and more things off her list as the days go by with the blue eyed boy Dallas also becoming one of those items to check off as she falls in love with him.
The horrible acts that are put on her and the wonderful support she receives builds her up and opens up her heart, her mind and you perspective on what it really means to live Life.
I really enjoys this book, it had me crying and grieving with Olivia. It had be hating her parents for being so awful and it also had me swooning over Dallas and how carful yet so open he was with Olivia. How he let her feel free when she has always felt caged. There blooming love is something we only read about in “book” and it is one to always remember. I couldn’t get over how Angela guided her through all this, how she helped her friend bloom and grow even when she wasn’t around to see it. She loved her friend like her own sibling, and it showed. I couldn’t help but feel proud like Angela would have felt following Olivias grand adventure through loss, pain, and love!!
February 13, 2019
Bright Lights from a Hurricane by Grace McGinty was a beautifully written YA novel. This book had so much heart. ♥️ I laughed, I cried, and I just felt so many emotions.
🎈
The book follows a young woman, Olivia, who lost her best friend Angela. She made a promise to finish everything on her friends bucket list. She steps out of her comfort zone, makes new friends, experiences love, and grows up into the person she was made to be.
🎈
I loved that it was centered around a carnival. It was so fun to read about that and I feel like it added joy even in the dark times. Olivia was a strong girl who evolved so much throughout the book. I also loved Dallas. He was there for her to help finish the bucket list, a shoulder to cry on, and show her what love is.
Rating:
I give Bright Lights from a Hurricane 4 stars. It was a delightful YA novel with charming characters. It will bring out so many emotions. Grab some popcorn and a pack of tissues.
February 12, 2019
I received the ebook as an ARC it came to me late after some issues with my email. But after a serious binge reading I finished Bright Lights From A Hurricane and oh my this might sound cliche but it’s wonderful.
Olivia reminds me of myself at her age I was reserved and always doing as I was told. I could tell that she really wasn’t confident in herself and really didn’t know who she was outside of being a dutiful daughter.
In the book Olivia looses her best friend Angela to brain cancer and takes it upon herself to complete Angela’s bucket list. This leads Olivia to join a traveling carnival and right before she leaves she really hands it to her father I was so proud of her.
The journey that Olivia goes on is punctuated with self discovery, true friends and some darker moments. It is through this that Olivia learns and grows for the better.
I adore the character development in this book even Dallas is a breathe of fresh air not your typical love interest.
I enjoyed Grace McGinty’s novel and honestly look forward to future works from her.
Olivia reminds me of myself at her age I was reserved and always doing as I was told. I could tell that she really wasn’t confident in herself and really didn’t know who she was outside of being a dutiful daughter.
In the book Olivia looses her best friend Angela to brain cancer and takes it upon herself to complete Angela’s bucket list. This leads Olivia to join a traveling carnival and right before she leaves she really hands it to her father I was so proud of her.
The journey that Olivia goes on is punctuated with self discovery, true friends and some darker moments. It is through this that Olivia learns and grows for the better.
I adore the character development in this book even Dallas is a breathe of fresh air not your typical love interest.
I enjoyed Grace McGinty’s novel and honestly look forward to future works from her.
February 8, 2019
To Angela!
I loved this book. I’ve come to the end and I’m speechless, which doesn’t happen often. I usually have a lot to say about books, and I do have a lot to say about this one, but I just don’t know where to begin (in the best way possible). It’s rare that a book makes me cry, the last one I read that did so was Me Before You, but the last two chapters of this book had me very emotional. Olivia’s story made me feel so many emotions, from fluffy happiness, to shock, to anger, to sadness, and think more of my surroundings and prejudices. This is a book of learning that sometimes we make our own family, sometimes we need a little push to come out of our comfort zone, and sometimes we need experience to learn that the people around us, no matter what their demographics are, all have their own issues and all are just people.
(I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I loved this book. I’ve come to the end and I’m speechless, which doesn’t happen often. I usually have a lot to say about books, and I do have a lot to say about this one, but I just don’t know where to begin (in the best way possible). It’s rare that a book makes me cry, the last one I read that did so was Me Before You, but the last two chapters of this book had me very emotional. Olivia’s story made me feel so many emotions, from fluffy happiness, to shock, to anger, to sadness, and think more of my surroundings and prejudices. This is a book of learning that sometimes we make our own family, sometimes we need a little push to come out of our comfort zone, and sometimes we need experience to learn that the people around us, no matter what their demographics are, all have their own issues and all are just people.
(I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
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