Saving Her Shadow

by Lutishia Lovely

Lutishia Lovely is back and it’s a matter of life and death in this witty, wise new novel where family, fanaticism, and the rebel spirit of young adulthood collide . . .
 
When eighteen-year-old Raina Reed is given an ultimatum—her family or her first love—she chooses the latter, leaves the rigid cult community she’s grown up in and finds herself shunned, ex-communicated . . . ghosted. Not seeing her parents is tolerable. Raina is happy for more time with her sweet, talented boyfriend Bryce, and enjoys the freedom found in living with him, his free-spirited cousin, Jackie, and Jackie’s mom Valerie, a struggling attorney. But her heart breaks at the thought of not seeing her baby sister. Abby is ten years younger and they’ve never spent one day apart—until now.
 
While Raina embraces her new life, she can’t shake her concern about Abby, especially when a lingering illness worsens and her parents refuse to seek medical help. Raina is determined to break through the religious rules that stand in the way of her sister’s well-being. Drawing on her new family and support system, including chanting, angel-card reading Jackie, justice-seeking Valerie, loving Bryce—and his eccentric, praying grandmother—Raina finds her own kind of faith, one built on a love strong enough to move mountains . . .
 
Praise for the novels of Lutishia Lovely
 
“Vibrant characters, artful storytelling, and an original voice make Lutishia Lovely worth every moment.”
—Donna Hill
 
“The scintillating brew of sex, faith and sharp humor will have Lovely’s fans breathless for more.”
—Publishers Weekly on A Preacher’s Passion

288 pages, Paperback

Published March 31, 2020

Reviews

[Moony (Captain Mischief) MeowPoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
It was somewhat interesting but i had a hard time following it, because it felt that random drama happend all over and Raina was so and so.

I got this eARC from Netgalley

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever read one of Ms. Lovely's books, then you know it's not going to be a safe topic. Same thing with this book. Nothing if off limits, but that's what makes her such a great author. The characters feel real and you will go though all kinds of emotions when reading. I have been in a reading slump of sorts with everything that has been going on, and I was able to read this book in a couple of hours. I especially loved the strength and determination of Rania, as well as her love and concern for her sister, Shadow. This was a read that will pull you in and won't let go, and I can't wait to see what's next from the author.

I received a copy of this book via the author and netgally and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. All Thoughts and opinions are my own

[AAMBC Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Saturday, everyone! This week, the AAMBC had the privilege of reviewing Saving Her Shadow by Lutishia Lovely.

Saving Her Shadow is told from the perspective of the main character Raina Reed as she navigates life inside her religious sect and outside while at her public high school. The reader is able to get a glimpse into the reasons of Raina’s disobedience with some of the religious sects’ rules due to her remembrance of life before her mother marrying into the new lifestyle.

While reading Saving Her Shadow, you will be transported entirely into Lucent Rising, and its surrounding community as Raina makes decisions that upends her world as she knows it. Readers will be able to relate to this coming of age story as it touches on elements of strong sibling bonds, religion, and the development of one’s own self-identity. We found ourselves rooting for Raina throughout the entire novel as she dealt with consequences from her decisions.

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TL; DR

The Good: This standalone novel will completely engross the reader as Raina is coming into her own person and makes decisions that are contradictory to her strong religious sects. The ending will not disappoint.
The Bad: Some background of the mom’s story and her decisions to enter the religion would have given her character more depth as it was hard to relate to some of her passiveness during parts of the novel.
Is it Worth Buying: Yes! This novel is a page-turner.
Rating: 4/5 stars

[QUEENIE CLEM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raina does not want to be a part of this religion. She can't wait to move out and start a new life. She loved life before her mother married her stepfather. Life was more fun then. Raina is almost a grown woman who sacrifices for her little sister Abby. I can relate to the relationship she had with her parents and sister. In the end, what or who would you choose for a life-or-death situation? This story of twists and turns had me on an emotional rollercoaster ride. I was a person to have that many emotions about a book at one time. I enjoyed the storyline and now I understand this type of religion. This is definitely a must-read for teens to adults. The story was just fast-paced and smooth. Lutishia, I really enjoyed the story and appreciate how you research great information. Now I can better understand. I also loved the cover of the book and the phrase my sister's keeper. I also understand the title, Kudos to the author. I gave this book five stars.

[ShayBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raina Reed is a senior in high school and just wants to have fun with her friends and Bryce a young man who she has had a crush on for awhile now, but due to the religion that her mother and stepfather practice none of this is allowed outside of the community of the religion . Raina has had a taste of this other life when she was younger before her mother meet her stepfather and she longs and wishes they could go back to this life.

This was a heartfelt story of a sisterly bond that really warmed my heart, This story is very realistic and I believe is actually going on somewhere in the world. Parts of this story had me very emotional, especially her determination to help her sister no matter what it would cost her. I enjoyed the outpouring support from her friends, their family and strangers during the time she was shunned from her family and community. Religion is a very touchy subject when it comes to their beliefs and what they do and don’t practice. I was able to relate to this story due to my grandmother passed because her religion did not believe in blood transfusions which would have saved her life.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seriously, I was hooked into this story pretty quickly. I became invested in the lives of Raina and her friends. As an older sibling, I know how it is to want to be there to protect your your sibling. No matter what obstacles and consequences thrown at Raina she truly believed she was her sister’s keeper.

The only reason this is not a five star read (which it total is) is because the editing lacked in some areas causing me to have to reread to make sure I wasn’t tripping. Luckily for the editor, Lutishia Lovely is a masterful storyteller.

[Rok!tsuperhero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. At first, I was a bit bored but I grew to empathize with Raina and her situation. Her and her family are apart of this "religion" where Raina simply can't be herself. Later in the book, her sister Abby who Raina calls her Shadow starts to get sick and the vitamins from the church don't work and Shadow's condition worsens. Modern medicine is opposed in their religion so everything goes to shit and Raina does everything she can to save her Shadow. This book takes you on a journey about a sister that will do anything for her baby sis. Very heart warming. ❤

[Shone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Circle

Emotional well-written character-driven book. We often hear blood is thicker than water in Saving Her Shadow we find love and support is the driving factor that keeps Raina Reed going no matter how many times she gets knocked down. Raina, Shadow was her life, no lie, struggle, harassment, or bullies were going to stop her from Saving Her Shadow. A must-read story, that will have you looking at denominations from a different perspective..

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A serious and well done look at a family torn by religious conviction. Raina left and her family shuns her. She's made a new life and is happy with one lingering worry- her younger sister Abby. Their parents refuse medical treatment for Abby but Raina isn't willing to accept that. She fights for her sister, with the assistance of the family she has made. Good characters and a tough situation made this a worthwhile read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel as it gave a unique perspective on people who are in strict religious communities that do not believe in medicine. The author's take on protecting what is important to you despite losing everything else you love was extremely interesting and showed a great depth within the character development of Raina. I would have liked to see her have a happier ending, but I overall very much enjoyed this read and would recommend it.

[Lee Holden, E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Raina was a courageous young lady. She wanted to abide by her religion, but also, felt a need to explore what the world had to offer. (Like most teenagers). When her sister became sick, she wanted to get help to heal her. Unfortunately, the religion didn’t believe in doctors or interference from anyone outside of their faith. This story is her journey to save her sister.

[LaCeasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story of a sisters fight to save her Shadow. The characters are well developed and the story flows very well. I am a big fan of Lutishia Lovely and as she usual I am pleased with this story. This book tells the story of how a lot of people who get caught up in things they don't really understand sometime until it too late. You will not want to put this book down until the end.

[Shayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was better than I expected. I think the author might be local to my area, I enjoyed reading about familiar places. The story raised important questions about the line between religious freedoms/parental control and state intervention when it comes to child endangerment. Overall this was a good read and a quick read.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! When i tell you I was on the edge of my seat during this book to see what will happen next. I enjoyed this book, job well done Lutisha Lovely!

[Tamie Joyner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shadow of darkness

This book started off slow . It got okay at the end not !y favorite coming from Lutishia. It had a good ending.

[Ninah Moore]

Grabbed my attention from the first chapter and couldn't put it down. Great read

[Reshemah · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review*

Another great book from the amazingly talented Lutishia Lovely. This books hits a little close to home for me. My best friend since grade school joined a “cult” after we graduated high school and so many things going on in this book sounded all too familiar. Thankfully she is no longer involved in that situation but our friendship is still strained because of it.
Lutishia did an awesome job on this novel. I went through several different emotions while reading. My hatred for many characters and how nervous I got not knowing what was going to happen with my favorite characters. This book is a little different from her other books but if you are a fan and read her other work, you know how creative she is and she really showed it with this book. Excited to read the next book from Lutishia!

Reviewed by Shemah of Cilla’s Book Maniacs

[Kenyia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raina loves her family especially her sister, Shadow. What she doesn’t love is life after Ken in the illumination, who wants to prepare her for marriage and keep her away from the unsanctioned. Things get real when her sister needs help that the nation can’t seem to give her.