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Unexpected Love #2
Awakening Autumn
Can reality be better than a daydream?
My overactive imagination has wrecked things for me again. Dreaming up the perfect boy and giving him Joe’s face was my first mistake, because he’s just not into me. I have been crushed by my crush, and that will not happen again. I’ve learned my lesson. Any guy interested in me is going to have to do all the daydreaming, all the yearning, and all the pursuing. I’ve set my heart on someone for the last time.
Enter Owen Anderson.
I’ve never been the object of someone’s desire, and that’s fine. It’s no big deal if I graduate high school without my first kiss. I’ll suffer through it if it means I don’t have to feel the sting of rejection again.
The first order of business is to make sure I don’t daydream about anyone, especially Owen Anderson. Owen, who finds me crying in the stairwell over Joe. Owen, who’s there when I learn I won’t be working with Greta and I’m afraid we’ll drift apart. Owen, who sees me at my most overwhelmed by my responsibilities to my family. Owen, who cannot possibly see me as anything other than a walking disaster.
Just once I’d like him to see me strong and capable with decent hair. Not that it would matter if he did, because he’s way out of my league, and I’m not going to let myself think of him in that way. Or think of him at all. Nope. No way. But he keeps showing up, and I keep wondering if maybe, just maybe, Owen sees something more in me than I think he sees.
My overactive imagination has wrecked things for me again. Dreaming up the perfect boy and giving him Joe’s face was my first mistake, because he’s just not into me. I have been crushed by my crush, and that will not happen again. I’ve learned my lesson. Any guy interested in me is going to have to do all the daydreaming, all the yearning, and all the pursuing. I’ve set my heart on someone for the last time.
Enter Owen Anderson.
I’ve never been the object of someone’s desire, and that’s fine. It’s no big deal if I graduate high school without my first kiss. I’ll suffer through it if it means I don’t have to feel the sting of rejection again.
The first order of business is to make sure I don’t daydream about anyone, especially Owen Anderson. Owen, who finds me crying in the stairwell over Joe. Owen, who’s there when I learn I won’t be working with Greta and I’m afraid we’ll drift apart. Owen, who sees me at my most overwhelmed by my responsibilities to my family. Owen, who cannot possibly see me as anything other than a walking disaster.
Just once I’d like him to see me strong and capable with decent hair. Not that it would matter if he did, because he’s way out of my league, and I’m not going to let myself think of him in that way. Or think of him at all. Nope. No way. But he keeps showing up, and I keep wondering if maybe, just maybe, Owen sees something more in me than I think he sees.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2019
92 people are currently reading
700 people want to read
About the author
Lora Richardson
14 books131 followersHi, I'm Lora. Thanks for taking a peek in here. I live a quiet life in Indiana with my family. I spend my days reading, writing, and hanging out with my people.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 23, 2019
Lora Richardson cemented her place among my favorite contemporary YA authors – right along with Katie McGarry and Kasie West - with her beautifully written and heartwarming Juniper Series series. I was immediately drawn to her small-town settings, slice-of-life realism, and characters so relatable they could be the girl/boy next door. She continues to impress with her latest release, Awakening Autumn.
On the eve of the start of the new school year, Meredith puts her heart on the line with her longtime crush… and learns that he has never once thought of her that way. Embarrassed - and yes, crushed - Meredith decides she’s done pining for a guy who sees her as a little sister. If someone is actually interested in her he’ll have to do the work and let her know how he feels. Enter Owen who is suddenly everywhere she turns. He’s super hot, surprisingly easy to talk to, and seems to love art and reading as much as she does. As they spend more and more time together, Meredith knows she is developing feelings for Owen, but there’s no way she’s going down that road again. Besides, Owen just sees her as a friend… right?
Meredith is a high schooler with a lot of responsibility on her shoulders. Her family depends on her to help with her younger siblings as well as around the house. But she was never resentful. She was devoted to her family and such an amazing sister and daughter. I loved that about Meredith. There was nothing petty or ill-tempered about her; instead, she loved her family, loved her friends, was kind and generous and refreshingly self-aware. She had a special relationship with her stepfather and I loved watching the changes in their dynamic over the course of the story. Owen was an absolute sweetheart and my heart went out to him when I learned about his parents and the reason why he lived with his grandfather.
Richardson writes about characters that are so unlike those that I typically read about in YA. These are not precocious teenagers who act like jaded adults. These are not worldly kids who live their lives without supervision and grow up way too fast. Instead, she creates just the opposite: utterly realistic teenagers who go to school, hang out with friends, have parents who are involved and concerned. These are the good kids, the ones who study and get good grades, who care about their families and generally act respectfully and follow the rules. How refreshing is that?! Richardson manages to infuse her stories with warmth and heart and makes me wonder what I missed out on with my very urban upbringing compared to her small-town settings. She also has an amazing gift at capturing the purest feelings of first love, when just holding hands is thrilling and takes your breath away.
Readers who enjoyed Richardson’s Vanishing Summer will remember Meredith well, along with many other characters, but Awakening Autumn can easily be read as a standalone novel. It’s easy to slip right into Meredith’s life as she navigates family obligations, friendships, and the stirrings of first love. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up: you’ll want Meredith for your best friend, you’ll wish Owen had been your first boyfriend, and you’ll turn the last page with a big smile on your face.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This does not impact my opinion of the book or the content of this review. I received no compensation and my review is voluntary.
I fanned the flames of my crush for years, only to discover the whole thing was in my head. Any guy interested in me is going to have to be the one to do all that work. I'm done with it.
On the eve of the start of the new school year, Meredith puts her heart on the line with her longtime crush… and learns that he has never once thought of her that way. Embarrassed - and yes, crushed - Meredith decides she’s done pining for a guy who sees her as a little sister. If someone is actually interested in her he’ll have to do the work and let her know how he feels. Enter Owen who is suddenly everywhere she turns. He’s super hot, surprisingly easy to talk to, and seems to love art and reading as much as she does. As they spend more and more time together, Meredith knows she is developing feelings for Owen, but there’s no way she’s going down that road again. Besides, Owen just sees her as a friend… right?
Meredith is a high schooler with a lot of responsibility on her shoulders. Her family depends on her to help with her younger siblings as well as around the house. But she was never resentful. She was devoted to her family and such an amazing sister and daughter. I loved that about Meredith. There was nothing petty or ill-tempered about her; instead, she loved her family, loved her friends, was kind and generous and refreshingly self-aware. She had a special relationship with her stepfather and I loved watching the changes in their dynamic over the course of the story. Owen was an absolute sweetheart and my heart went out to him when I learned about his parents and the reason why he lived with his grandfather.
I wanted to be special to someone. I wanted to be someone's person. Someone's one and only.
Richardson writes about characters that are so unlike those that I typically read about in YA. These are not precocious teenagers who act like jaded adults. These are not worldly kids who live their lives without supervision and grow up way too fast. Instead, she creates just the opposite: utterly realistic teenagers who go to school, hang out with friends, have parents who are involved and concerned. These are the good kids, the ones who study and get good grades, who care about their families and generally act respectfully and follow the rules. How refreshing is that?! Richardson manages to infuse her stories with warmth and heart and makes me wonder what I missed out on with my very urban upbringing compared to her small-town settings. She also has an amazing gift at capturing the purest feelings of first love, when just holding hands is thrilling and takes your breath away.
He answered by reaching forward with both hands. Slowly, so slowly he touched my my palms with his fingers, and slid our hands together, locking them in place.
Readers who enjoyed Richardson’s Vanishing Summer will remember Meredith well, along with many other characters, but Awakening Autumn can easily be read as a standalone novel. It’s easy to slip right into Meredith’s life as she navigates family obligations, friendships, and the stirrings of first love. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up: you’ll want Meredith for your best friend, you’ll wish Owen had been your first boyfriend, and you’ll turn the last page with a big smile on your face.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This does not impact my opinion of the book or the content of this review. I received no compensation and my review is voluntary.
April 7, 2023
4,5⭐️
August 25, 2019
Meredith is a character we already met in Vanishing Summer and I already connected with her then. She loves book, is very caring and in many ways takes on more responsibility than most teenagers could ever even think of. I was really happy to read her story!
Meredith has had a crush on her best friend's brother for as long as she can remember, but isn't so sure about her feelings anymore. When she finally confesses and he doesn't feel the same, Meredith isn't sure what to feel. Add her stepfather getting in an accident at work and her life is flipped upside down. When she gets support from an unexpected person, she goes on a journey of finding out who she is and opening her heart.
I have to say Meredith is one of the strongest teenagers I know. Not many would be able to take on the responsibility of school, three younger siblings and an injured stepfather. I was exhausted while just reading about it. Meredith is a character who gets stuck in her head a lot and I love that she can admit that. Even if it has to be pulled out at times.
In this book we also get little glimpses of Greta and Everett. They are still a big part of Meredith's life and because of her crush on Greta's brother, she meets Owen. I loved how he kind of just entered her life. He was there for awhile, but she finally noticed him. They have a connection from the start, but I love how it slowly develops. No insta-love and I was thankful for that. There is a genuinie interest and it develops as they get to know each other. Moments with them had a smile on my face and I was just waiting for them to realize their feelings.
Owen seems like a boy who has it all, but there is definitely more to his story. He lives with his grandfather and is learning to take over the barber shop. I loved his grandfather and the moments with him in this book were very heartwarming. Even if his parents aren't everything he needs, there is clearly someone who loves him and cares for him.
I also have to talk about Meredith's family. She doesn't know her father and is thrilled when her mother marries her stepfather. To her it feels like she's finally getting a father of her own. Once her younger siblings came along, it was hard for her to word what she wanted and doesn't really feel like a part of that bond. Her family is a big mess, but they love each other to pieces. One of my favorite aspects of this story was between Alex (her step father) and Meredith.
Lora Richardson doesn't give us the perfect characters you often see in young adult stories. Her characters are genuine and struggling in their own way, but clearly very strong. I love how she shows that even in the hardest situations how important friends, family and even opening up to loved one is important. Mental health is an important subject and I loved how even Greta says to her that friends share the load. When one friend needs support the other has their back and the same thing happens when the other friend is in need. This was beautifully said.
All in all, Awakening Autumn was another amazing book. This book has everything from friendship, first loves, family and learning how to talk about how you feel. In many ways it's hard to put into words how I feel about this book, it just hits you in all the feels! I was sad when this book is over, but I'm happy to see Reverie is getting her own book. There is a lot more to her story than meets the eye!
Meredith has had a crush on her best friend's brother for as long as she can remember, but isn't so sure about her feelings anymore. When she finally confesses and he doesn't feel the same, Meredith isn't sure what to feel. Add her stepfather getting in an accident at work and her life is flipped upside down. When she gets support from an unexpected person, she goes on a journey of finding out who she is and opening her heart.
I have to say Meredith is one of the strongest teenagers I know. Not many would be able to take on the responsibility of school, three younger siblings and an injured stepfather. I was exhausted while just reading about it. Meredith is a character who gets stuck in her head a lot and I love that she can admit that. Even if it has to be pulled out at times.
In this book we also get little glimpses of Greta and Everett. They are still a big part of Meredith's life and because of her crush on Greta's brother, she meets Owen. I loved how he kind of just entered her life. He was there for awhile, but she finally noticed him. They have a connection from the start, but I love how it slowly develops. No insta-love and I was thankful for that. There is a genuinie interest and it develops as they get to know each other. Moments with them had a smile on my face and I was just waiting for them to realize their feelings.
Owen seems like a boy who has it all, but there is definitely more to his story. He lives with his grandfather and is learning to take over the barber shop. I loved his grandfather and the moments with him in this book were very heartwarming. Even if his parents aren't everything he needs, there is clearly someone who loves him and cares for him.
I also have to talk about Meredith's family. She doesn't know her father and is thrilled when her mother marries her stepfather. To her it feels like she's finally getting a father of her own. Once her younger siblings came along, it was hard for her to word what she wanted and doesn't really feel like a part of that bond. Her family is a big mess, but they love each other to pieces. One of my favorite aspects of this story was between Alex (her step father) and Meredith.
Lora Richardson doesn't give us the perfect characters you often see in young adult stories. Her characters are genuine and struggling in their own way, but clearly very strong. I love how she shows that even in the hardest situations how important friends, family and even opening up to loved one is important. Mental health is an important subject and I loved how even Greta says to her that friends share the load. When one friend needs support the other has their back and the same thing happens when the other friend is in need. This was beautifully said.
All in all, Awakening Autumn was another amazing book. This book has everything from friendship, first loves, family and learning how to talk about how you feel. In many ways it's hard to put into words how I feel about this book, it just hits you in all the feels! I was sad when this book is over, but I'm happy to see Reverie is getting her own book. There is a lot more to her story than meets the eye!
July 20, 2019
I received a free copy for an honest review. Again I didn’t see some of this coming but Mer and Owen are adorable together. I loved the snippets of Greta and Everett. I’m so glad I read this series and this was a great addition. I look forward to the next one.
March 25, 2020
*****My Review*****
Characters ~ 8
Atmosphere ~ 8
Writing ~ 8
Plot ~ 8
Intrigue ~ 8
Logic ~ 8
Enjoyment ~ 8
Still trying to get caught up on all these reviews I’m so behind on…..
*****4.5 Stars*****
Let me start by just saying that I love Meredith. She’s so responsible and yet you still totally see that she’s still just a teen, too. I also loved Owen and his relationship with his grandfather. It so very much reminds me of my husband at that age and his relationship with his grandfather. And Meredith and Owen together was just heart warming. I got ALL the FEELS just from reading about their hand holding. It was totally adorable! But the other relationships in this story really struck a chord with me, too. As always I love Meredith’s relationship with her BFF and how they juggle their guys and each other. It’s healthy and a great model for impressionable young girls. But above all else, it was actually Meredith’s relationship with her stepfather, Alex, that grabbed my heart the most. I was teary-eyed for sure! I’m so looking forward to more from Lora Richardson!!
Characters ~ 8
Atmosphere ~ 8
Writing ~ 8
Plot ~ 8
Intrigue ~ 8
Logic ~ 8
Enjoyment ~ 8
Still trying to get caught up on all these reviews I’m so behind on…..
*****4.5 Stars*****
Let me start by just saying that I love Meredith. She’s so responsible and yet you still totally see that she’s still just a teen, too. I also loved Owen and his relationship with his grandfather. It so very much reminds me of my husband at that age and his relationship with his grandfather. And Meredith and Owen together was just heart warming. I got ALL the FEELS just from reading about their hand holding. It was totally adorable! But the other relationships in this story really struck a chord with me, too. As always I love Meredith’s relationship with her BFF and how they juggle their guys and each other. It’s healthy and a great model for impressionable young girls. But above all else, it was actually Meredith’s relationship with her stepfather, Alex, that grabbed my heart the most. I was teary-eyed for sure! I’m so looking forward to more from Lora Richardson!!
November 18, 2019
In book one of this series, we meet Greta, her brother Joe, her boyfriend, her best friend Meredith, along with many others. In this book, we get a closer look at Meredith and her newest crush.
I love this series. Mrs. Richardson has a way with writing that brings magic to the pages. I have read this series so far and also the Juniper Series, and each story along the way tells a new tale. Tales of pain, loss, heartbreak, and romance are all present. These tales are real.
The character that is Meredith could be me. A loner, with hectic family life, and she is a reader, to boot. It was written about me, I swear. I loved this story so much. A new town calls for a new series. I can't wait to read more.
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I love this series. Mrs. Richardson has a way with writing that brings magic to the pages. I have read this series so far and also the Juniper Series, and each story along the way tells a new tale. Tales of pain, loss, heartbreak, and romance are all present. These tales are real.
The character that is Meredith could be me. A loner, with hectic family life, and she is a reader, to boot. It was written about me, I swear. I loved this story so much. A new town calls for a new series. I can't wait to read more.
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https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
January 19, 2021
This is my second time reading this book, and it lost none of its feel good, warm fuzzy inducing character the second time around. These are the books I want my daughter to read. Books that focus on friendship, family, and the importance of young love to growing up. While I enjoy a steamy adult romance, those can't compare to the memory of those accidental touch butterflies that this book aptly depicts. The way it feels to bring someone else into your chaos and have them not just adapt but fit right in. A sweet crossover still makes me smile, as well as the cast of characters all revolving around the same group of friends and family so that each book feels like home.
July 22, 2019
I feel like saying "I really loved this book" sounds cheesy, but I do, I really love this book! This book is told through Meredith's perspective and her relationship with Owen, and we still get moments with Greta, Everett, and Joe. Getting a deeper look into Mer's life just made me appreciate her more. She is a wonderful friend, daughter, and sister. If you loved Vanishing Summer, you are going to love this book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
July 23, 2019
Lora Richardson has a way of bringing one's memories of first love to life! She matter-of-factly describes both the insecurity, as well as the tingly feelings. It fills my heart with warmth! This kind of book I want to embrace and hardly let go. Simply love it! (Don't forget to read "Vanishing Summer" too!)
I received an ARC from the author and I'm greatful for getting the opportunity to read and review.
I received an ARC from the author and I'm greatful for getting the opportunity to read and review.
August 6, 2019
I received an ARC in exchange for a review for this book. Thanks Lora!
I like books of unrequited love (they're my fetish lol). This book is kind of like that
Autumn has feelings for Joe but it is unrequited. When the book progresses, Autumn realises that this crush is not real.
Autumn meets Owen. They develop a friendship and bond.
I liked this book. The reason it is not 5 stars it is a bit slow and there is not much action but overall good book.
I like books of unrequited love (they're my fetish lol). This book is kind of like that
Autumn has feelings for Joe but it is unrequited. When the book progresses, Autumn realises that this crush is not real.
Autumn meets Owen. They develop a friendship and bond.
I liked this book. The reason it is not 5 stars it is a bit slow and there is not much action but overall good book.
August 12, 2019
I loved reading Awakening Autumn!!! It was even better than Vanishing Summer. I still love the way that these books talk about mental health. They promote such positivity and help to normalize talking about your feelings. She writes so well about how life goes when you have big feelings and when you're an overthinker and how scary the world can be. Seriously, what an amazing ability to put down in words what I can barely sort out in my head. A wonderful read.
September 16, 2022
I wish more teens were like the ones in this book. They have common sense, are respectful and not so self-absorbed as many, many teens are today.
The author beautifully describes our inner thoughts. For example:
"I was different. More abundant. Something had been added, like a dash of salt seasoning to a simmering pot of soup. I was simmering. I was more spiced".
I love that description.
The author beautifully describes our inner thoughts. For example:
"I was different. More abundant. Something had been added, like a dash of salt seasoning to a simmering pot of soup. I was simmering. I was more spiced".
I love that description.
April 5, 2023
4/5 this was such a cute (NOT CORNY, i feel like i have to mention that because usually YA romances are so corny) YA romance i absolutely loved this and will be reading the entire series
it didn’t feel like too much or less than what it should’ve been it was just right i hope i love the others just as much
it didn’t feel like too much or less than what it should’ve been it was just right i hope i love the others just as much
January 17, 2024
first book of 2024!! loved loved loved
I haven’t read in a while and this was the perfect book to get back into the swing of it
two really lovely characters and I loved the family aspects we got from both of them
I like when a book has more going on then just the romance
it is a slowburn but it’s also a pretty short read so I didn’t mind! will defo read more from this author very talented
I haven’t read in a while and this was the perfect book to get back into the swing of it
two really lovely characters and I loved the family aspects we got from both of them
I like when a book has more going on then just the romance
it is a slowburn but it’s also a pretty short read so I didn’t mind! will defo read more from this author very talented
February 29, 2024
Oh to feel butterflies…
This was a cute love story. My daughter will love this also I think! I want to call it young love, but really those butterflies can happen at any stage of life. With the person that you get those feelings for is something that everyone should experience and have.
This was a cute love story. My daughter will love this also I think! I want to call it young love, but really those butterflies can happen at any stage of life. With the person that you get those feelings for is something that everyone should experience and have.
August 6, 2019
Sweet YA romance
Loved the story of Meredith and Owen. This was a great addition to the series. There was a little drama and great lol moments! Love how Owen was an old fashion gentleman and his love for his grandfather! Great story can’t wait to read more in the series!
Loved the story of Meredith and Owen. This was a great addition to the series. There was a little drama and great lol moments! Love how Owen was an old fashion gentleman and his love for his grandfather! Great story can’t wait to read more in the series!
August 18, 2019
More KU adventures. This was ok. There were a few references to events that happened before the book that I think took place in the first book but it mostly worked as a standalone. The romance is sweet and a nice slow burn.
July 27, 2020
3.75 stars
September 22, 2022
AMAZING!!!
March 31, 2023
Such a sweet story. I really loved it. It was slow and heartfelt, I want to read what comes next I their lives 😍
April 12, 2023
Very2 cute i want to cryy💕 i love Owen sooo muchhh
April 22, 2023
This book was like a warm hug
November 5, 2023
I wasn’t prepared to read about 16 years old but it was kind of cute read but awkward too i don’t know
November 25, 2024
4.5 ★ why did her parents kept having kids if they cant afford it
March 29, 2020
Whew! I seriously devoured this title in less than 24 hours (and some of that was spent sleeping overnight). Meredith is a fabulous character, and such a good complement to Greta, now that I’ve read both their books. Meredith’s social anxiety (not named in the book, but likely true) is so relatable and some readers will be bored of how often she second-guesses her relationships, but it’s very accurate to my own experience.
The troubles she faces in this book are hard for me as a reader to juggle - I didn’t get lost or anything, but I kept thinking about how tough it is when all the crap hits the fan at the same time. One of the conflicts, right at the end, was so well-written that I still teared up at the tension, even though I knew the outcome because I read the third book first.
The YA romance in these books so far is truly sweet - it doesn’t go much further than kissing lips and necks, but my stomach drops out when read the same lines that probably would have made the characters’ stomachs drop. Love it enough that I might have to reread the third book.
On a side note: I wish everyone in the world, especially teenagers and especially teenage boys, could read each other and talk about feelings as much as these Indiana kids can. Wow.
The troubles she faces in this book are hard for me as a reader to juggle - I didn’t get lost or anything, but I kept thinking about how tough it is when all the crap hits the fan at the same time. One of the conflicts, right at the end, was so well-written that I still teared up at the tension, even though I knew the outcome because I read the third book first.
The YA romance in these books so far is truly sweet - it doesn’t go much further than kissing lips and necks, but my stomach drops out when read the same lines that probably would have made the characters’ stomachs drop. Love it enough that I might have to reread the third book.
On a side note: I wish everyone in the world, especially teenagers and especially teenage boys, could read each other and talk about feelings as much as these Indiana kids can. Wow.
February 4, 2024
It’s been awhile since I gave a book a five star review. What I really enjoyed about this book, was the slow buildup of romantic feelings between Owen and Meredith. I loved how patient Owen was with Meredith feelings and emotion, and the slow signs he gave her to indicate his interest towards her.
Honest to God, this book made me feel like I was like 16 again, such a sweet, contemporary romance. Highly suggest if you’re looking for that sweet, lovely romances to make yourself feel innocent and blessed again 💃😵💫🥴 , from all the exotic/ spicy books because I have been reading them and I know you have too. 😭🤣
Honest to God, this book made me feel like I was like 16 again, such a sweet, contemporary romance. Highly suggest if you’re looking for that sweet, lovely romances to make yourself feel innocent and blessed again 💃😵💫🥴 , from all the exotic/ spicy books because I have been reading them and I know you have too. 😭🤣
December 2, 2023
I don't think I've ever read something this pure and innocent.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews