You and Only You

Blessings, Georgia #1

by Sharon Sala

Welcome to Book One in the Blessings, Georgia series of Southern contemporary romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sharon Sala. With the support of her handsome, unassuming friend Mike Dalton, LilyAnne Bronte is finally ready to put the past in the past.

It's never too late
Mike Dalton has secretly loved LilyAnn Bronte since they were all children together in the small town of Blessings, Georgia. But one fateful day T.J. Lachlan roars into town and starts showering LilyAnn with his charm, and Mike feels his dream of them being more than friends slipping away.

To find the love you missed
LilyAnn, as anyone in Blessings will tell you, let herself go after her fiancée was killed in Iraq. The attention of the handsome new guy shocks her into a revelation: she's ready to live again, and maybe the best is yet to come. The thing is, everybody in Blessings is sure it's Mike and LilyAnn who belong together-and they're willing to do whatever it takes to make LilyAnn realize the love of her life has been by her side all along.

(Originally published as The Curl Up and Dye.)

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Audiobook, Southern

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2014

About the author

Biography



Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born.
First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.

Industry Awards include:
Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award)
The Janet Dailey Award.
Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine.
Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence.
Heart of Excellence Award.,
Booksellers Best Award.
Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA.
Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.

Reviews

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Release Date: February 4, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Southern, Small Town Romance
Actual Rating: 4.25 stars

Sharon Sala has entrapped me within this series. Blessings, Georgia is one of those fictional towns that I would gladly live in if it were only real. This town is filled with well meaning, charming, and delightful characters that readers feel like they befriend along the way. Having read the newer books in the series I knew I had to go back and see where everything started and I am pleased to announce that I am just as love with these stories from the beginning as I am with the later ones. It's not too often where readers can find stories that leave an imprint on their lives but this one (and the later books) are. This is a gorgeous series, one that every contemporary romance should read (especially if you enjoy "cleaner" romances, and I honestly cannot recommend it enough.

In You and Only You readers will meet Mike Dalton and LilyAnne Bronte. LilyAnne has been living in a time bubble of sorts. She lost her fiance many years back and hasn't been able to move on since. Mike Dalton on the other hand has been holding back his feelings for LilyAnne. He knows how much she loved her fiance and has given her time to grieve his loss. But how many years of this grief period is enough? Will he ever be able to share his true feelings with his neighbor and childhood friend? These are the things that you will find out within this novel.

Not only is there romance in this book, but there are suspenseful elements as well. When a stranger comes to town he threatens their peaceful existence... And he may be the devil coming for the sweet people within Blessings. I won't say what effect he has on the town or characters but my adrenaline was sure rushing in some spots of the story!

Anyway, I adore this series. I purchased the first 4 or 5 books in the series that I haven't read yet and am always wanting to sit down and read them all one after another. These books are just a pure joy and always leave me feelings happy. I think the same can be said for many other readers as well.

You may enjoy this book if you like:

▶ Clean romances (this one does have some swearing in it but it's not over the top at all)
▶ Small town romances (you will feel like you are a part of Blessings
▶ Southern Romances (the Southern charm is aparent throughout)
▶ Friends to lovers romance
▶ Romances that evolve after loss

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first novel in a new series by Sharon Sala, The Curl Up and Dye introduces the residents of Blessings, Georgia,

LilyAnn Bronte was once the envy of her high school classmates. Sweet, popular and beautiful she was valedictorian, head cheerleader, crowned 'Miss Peachy-Keen Queen' and dating star quarterback, Randy Joe. But then Randy was killed in Afghanistan, having enlisted after the tragedy of 9/11, and LilyAnn's blessed life fell apart. Grieving for her fiance, she withdrew and ten years later she is overweight, out of shape and alone, still visiting Randy's grave every week. Its the arrival of a handsome stranger in town that finally inspires LilyAnne to reinvent herself, unaware that his notice is not something you would want.

While a large part of this story is about LilyAnne's efforts to rebuild her life, the focus is firmly on the romance between LilyAnne and her neighbour, Mike Dalton. Having been in love with LilyAnne since the tenth grade, Mike is hoping that the changes she is making will include the way she sees him, but she remains largely oblivious until Ruby, the owner of the Curl Up and Dye Salon, chooses to give them both a little push. The development of their romance is beset by miscommunication, misguided attempts at provoking jealousy and the misinterpretation of intentions, and though a happy ending is never really in any doubt, it is satisfying when LilyAnne and Mike finally get it together.

What did surprise me was the subplot involving the stranger, T.J. who proves to be a nasty piece of work. I really wasn't expecting some of the violence that occurs during the course of the novel, and it may be confronting for some readers caught unawares.

To offset the drama there is humour and southern snark, quirky characters and a charming small town atmosphere. The Curl Up and Dye beauty salon is the place to which all the characters gravitate, best introduced in Sala's prequel novella, Color Me Bad, in which LilyAnne briefly appears.

The Curl Up and Dye is a quick, engaging read blending romance, drama and humour. Well known for her romantic suspense fiction, Sharon Sala is sure to pick up some new fans with her foray into southern fiction who will be looking forward to revisiting Blessings as the series progresses.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly don't know how it happened. I thought I read the entire series, which was adorable and totally loved. Then, when sharing the books with a friend and going through my Goodreads list, I saw that I actually missed one! Geez! Of course, I immediately rectified that! Needless to say, I loved it and was happy to once again visit all those quirky, wonderful characters in that fabulous little Southern town known as Blessings, Georgia. :)

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This ended better than it started. I almost gave up as Lily was actually a little annoying but about the half way point or so, things started to pick up and it ended enjoyably.

[Tmstprc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story, 2.5 stars rounding up

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mike has been in love with his next door neighbor and best friend, Lilyanne since
10th grade but she has never shown any interest in him. Mike hopes things will change and now it's time to have himself stand out or move on without her.

Lilyanne lost her fiancé 11 years ago and hasn't moved on yet. Lately she realizes she is stuck and is ready to take back control of her life. After Mike is in a terrible accident does she finally pay attention to the man she has known her whole life.

I have read a few of Sala's books and thought they were cute reads but this one I couldn't really get into the town or the characters that filled up the pages. One of the issues I had was I thought there were two many characters to keep up with. While reading I just couldn't keep up remembering who they actually were and why they were in the story.

Mike and Lilyanne's story was the main story but this story also had side stories on top of everyone having an opinion and say in their non relationship. This story wasn't cute light or funny it was just a story.

I get wanting to have some suspense and drama in a book but with TJs character I think he was over written. There was a enough drama in the whole book but adding his crazy ways just became a little bit of overkill for me.

There was no romance. Mike doesn't confess his love in fact after he's hurt these two hardly interact with one another. I guess for a romance book I wanted more wooing and Sparks between the main characters.

This book just wasn't the book I thought it would be.

[T. Rosado · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars
(Completed 5/21/21)

I read book #2 in this series about 5 years ago and loved it. Why it’s taken me this long to get back in to the series is anyone’s guess, but I definitely won’t be going as long between books from now on. Also, it’s unlike me to read a series out of order. I’m not sure what I was thinking, but I do remember reading the first chapter of this book and not coming back to it. I think listening to the audio this time helped me get over whatever prevented me from reading on.

While this book is ultimately LilyAnn and Mike’s love story, the town and some of its residents play a large role as secondary characters. It's a lot like how the Virgin River series (Robyn Carr) plays out - Multi-characters and storylines that eventually converge or connect in small ways to the main romance/characters. In the end, You and Only You was a fun read, mixing together some surprising suspense, quirky characters, and a friends-to-lovers romance. Although book 2 is still one of my all time favorites.

[Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A quick sweet read with a little twist. I thought this would be too sweet for my taste but it wasn't. It had fun, quirky and lovely characters, a villain, a little bit crime and a sweet love story.

LilyAnn is a troubled soul. Her almost- fiance died when she was very young. She's been stuck in time ever since. When a new guy arrives in town she realizes that she gave up her life when her first love passed.

Mike is her neighbour and has been in love with her almost all his life. He has been watching LilyAnn being unable to get over her boyfriend. He struggles with his feelings and doesn't want to destroy their friendship by telling her how he feels.

The story is written from multiple points of view. You get into the minds of town people, the villain and of course the main characters. I did have troubles with the hero and heroine not talking to each other but although this is not my usual read it was a sweet fun book.

ARC via netgalley for an honest review.

[KathyB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this audiobook, it's a sweet friends to lovers story. I would have preferred a little more steam, the sex scenes were pretty tame. I'd consider it PG-13, not completely clean, but mild compared to what I usually read or listen to.

Overall it was an enjoyable story. I'll definitely check out the next book in the series. I'd recommend for fans of small town romance.

3.75 Stars

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosalie's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

LilyAnne Bronte fell in love with her high school sweetheart, Randy Joe. When he went off to Iraq and was killed, she really let herself go, gaining weight, not worrying about herself or how others saw her, and just living in her own shell. Her next door neighbor, childhood best friend, Mike Dalton harbored feelings for LilyAnne that went all the way back to high school, and still continues to this day. But his feelings are some she is oblivious to. What can he do to wake her up? Or get over her one?

Being from the South, I absolutely loved this book. All the ‘Bless your hearts’ and ‘Sugars’ just made me feel completely at home. I immediately connected and wanted LilyAnne to wake up and smell the coffee. She has a gorgeous man pining for her, and all she can see is the new player in town that looks her way and she swoons. I love the turmoil in this book. The alternating point of views? LOVE! Seeing how each person felt in the moment added that much more depth to the read. The characters evolved and matured and I loved their banter in Blessings. Super excited to see what else is to come in this series!

Review copy provided for an honest review.

[Codi Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, adorable read with a kick ass heroine, and a loyal hero to swoon over. With a host of fabulous small town characters, this was the perfect engaging read! :-)

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

LilyAnn has led a charmed life, at least in the beginning. Then the unthinkable happens – she loses her fiancé to the war in Afghanistan just after 9/11. She mourns for years. And, unbeknownst to her, her best friend and next-door neighbor Mike, has loved her almost all their lives. Their lives are serene if not a tad boring and a little miserable until the day a handsome stranger comes to town. Lily decides it is time to change her life. This does not bode well for Mike, the man who has loved her for so many years. Now the women at The Curl Up and Dye salon want to help to get LilyAnn and Mike together. They belong together; it is fate or Karma. Whatever it can be attributed to they would be perfect together. ‘Sister’ who does LilyAnn’s hair every week, is especially keen on helping them out and what she does isn’t always for the best, but it is always from the heart!

This is such a cozy read, with well-written and complicated, multi-layered characters, a wonderful storyline, and descriptions of a small town in Georgia that is so wonderfully written that I just want to go there and be around everyone! This book is mild compared to some but does contain some salty language and some sex scenes. The sexual scenes are not overly erotic or too smutty, but just enough to make you tingle a little! I loved this book and I sure hope that there will be another book about the characters in this town.*ARC supplied by the publisher for review purposes*

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3/5
(I received a free ecopy of this book from the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
***Minor spoilers***

LilyAnn Bronte hasn't cared much for her appearance after her partner, Randy Joe, died in the military several years ago. Since then, she hasn't really cared how other people see her, and had put on weight. But her neighbour, Mike Dalton has always been ready for her whenever she decided she would date again, and always considered her beautiful no matter what. When LilyAnn gets attention from a new man in town, it jumpstarts her decision to make an effort with her appearance again. However, misunderstandings are pretty much tearing them apart, while the citizens in their small town of Blessings, Georgia are all pushing them together.

I requested this book for a previous challenge but never got around to it until now. It wasn't fantastic, but it kept me entertained. It was a story of unrequited love - or what started out to be. This was a bit of a slow burn, since it took so long for LilyAnn to realize Mike was in love with her at all. This obviously would've made the book slow if not for some bouts of action put in by the author to add some more excitement and obstacles. I did enjoy these little pieces of action, but some of the obstacles were quite predictable in how they would come to be and how they would turn out.

I really enjoyed the small town atmosphere where everyone knows everyone. I think it made for a good setting for a romance, since everything seemed sweet and peaceful, to an extent of course. There isn't too much more to say about the book, since it was a simple romance, a bit predictable, but still enjoyable. It had a happily ever after, which was a relief. LilyAnn had some snark to her and she was an amusing, lovable, and strong character.

Overall, this was a good romance novel but it didn't stand out too much to me, which is why I didn't rate it higher. It's a bit slow, has bits of action in the plot, a happy ending, and strong characters. I especially liked the atmosphere of the town she lived in, and the dynamic of their "friendship." I would recommend this to you if you're looking for a sweet romance as long as you don't mind unrequited love romances. Unfortunately this isn't available on Netgalley anymore.

[Didi]

DNF-ed at 40%

While I (finally) get this book to be put under humorous category, it felt way too melodramatic soap opera style for me, and way too busy in terms of characters (brought a new feeling on the term "it takes a village") - too many mentions of side characters and conversations. It didn't help that I thought both main character, male and female, were annoying and childish.


ARC is kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the exchange of a fair and honest review.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, this was a quick read. It was also super predictible, utterly one dimensional and had some of the most stilted, unrealistic dialogue I have ever read. This is the story of Lilyann, a small town girl who has let herself go after the death of her high school sweetheart. She is so out of it that she doesn't even realize that Mike, the boy next door, is head over heels in love with her. Blah, blah, blah. I do think The Curl up and Dye is a great name for a hair salon....

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving the Blessings, Georgia series. I read several later in this series, but wanted to go back and read the ones I had missed. These books can be read as standalone stories so it is okay to read them out of order. Mike Dalton and LilyAnn Bronte grew up next door to each other. Both of their parents have moved away and they still live in their family homes. Mike has loved LilyAnn for years, but she sees Mike only as a friend. She has been mourning her high school sweetheart who died in Iraq for years. She has decided it is time to wake up and make changes. She begins to exercise and eat healthy. At the same time, a new man comes to town and Mike mistakenly believes that LilyAnn is after him and decides he has had enough of waiting around for her. Things go from bad to worse and by the time LilyAnn realizes what a great guy Mike is, it might just be too late.

This was another great story in this series. The characters are strong and likable. The town is a character in itself in that everyone knows everyone else and supports them. Throw in a serial adulterer, who has her eyes on Mike, a possible stalker, a lot of well-meaning towns people and a few hospital visits and you have a very interesting and enjoyable story. This one takes place at Christmas, but besides a dinner at the local shelter and some talk of dinner and gifts, it is not a major part of the story. If you enjoy a good, clean romance, a small town setting, and a friends to lovers trope, then this book is for you. I will continue to read this series as it makes me feel good when I reach the happily ever after.

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read

Actual Rating: 3.5

I received a copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

This was an enjoyable read. The story revolves around LilyAnn and her life after the passing of her fiancé. She become depressed and basically gave us on life. Her friend, Mike Dalton, has been with her every step of the way, but now wants to be more than friends. A new guy by the name of T.J. Lachlan comes into town and uses his charm on LilyAnn. She starts to change her appearance more, and Mike feels like he will never be able to be with her. However, as the story progresses, the feelings between LilyAnn and Mike begin to grow and there are misunderstandings. However, I thought their romance was cute and refreshing. Also, I enjoyed the story especially when the suspense aspect came into play with the stalking. LilyAnn really proved herself as a character in that scene. She stood up for herself and fought with everything she had. It was great. The ending was sweet. I am happy for Mike that he was able to make his dream come true and get his happily ever after with LilyAnn. Overall, a great read.

[Ellen Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love small towns

This is the first book in Sharon Sala's Blessings, Georgia series. I had to track this one down after loving book two. In this one Mike and LilyAnn grew up next door to each other. Mike has been in love with her for years, but she has been mourning the loss of her young fiance in the war. Lily has now decided it's time to take her life back and start living again. Read this one and enjoy.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

You and Only You is book one in the Blessings, Georgia by Sharon Sala. LilyAnn was in a rut after the death of her financed and did not know how to change. However, things started to change for LilyAnn when a new guy came to town T. J. Lachlan. For the town people of Blessings, Georgia, they all believed that LilyAnn is better with Mike. The readers of You and Only You will continue to follow LilyAnn and to see who wins her hand in marriage T. J. Lachlan or Mike.

You and Only You is the first book I have read of Sharon Sala, and I did enjoy reading this book. I like Sharon Sala portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout the book. You and Only You was well written and researched by Sharon Sala. The plot of You and Only You was interesting. However, I never seem to become involved with the plot of this book. The way Sharon Sala describes the settings of this book is excellent.

The readers of You and Only You will learn about the consequences of stalking on everyone involved. Also, the readers of You and Only you will learn about living in a small community of Georgia.

I recommend this book.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute and quick read that was needed while I was waiting out a nor'easter that hit our area here in NJ! I loved the small-town residents and all their quirkiness; there was a very serious twist to the story that really did fit in well. I look forward to reading more about the residents of Blessings, GA!

Go Cards! L1C4!!

[Irni Farid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leisure reading for me. Lily Ann's life stopped nine years ago after the death of her fiancee. Mike Dalton, next door neighbor has been in love with her since school days and is waiting for her to reciprocate. Nostalgic background of a small town where every one knows each other. First e-book borrowed from PPAS during MCO.

[Jessalee Shields-Dulaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book of Sharon Sala's but definitely not my last. I was pulled into the story by the 2nd chapter and just didn't want to stop reading. She definitely gives you characters you love and characters you don't. Highly recommend!

[Casey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writing was all over the place, style-wise and the characters were annoying. Plus, the less-than-subtle moralizing and shades of victim blaming were less than great. It sure did make me feel like it was a real small Southern town though...

[Tonya Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great read... On book 2 now.. I highly recommend this series.

[Kathy]

Started and stopped. Picked up and put down. I think I’ll just put this one aside for now and maybe begin again later.

[sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

super easy read, childhood friends to lovers, super fast paced, def a reread 😌

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was Great!!! Sharon Sala is a Brilluant Author!..the Natation is awesome!!! Amy Rubinate is Brilliant in the Narration!! little spice..

[Marie Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it...I want to live in a Blessings,GA.!

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this was a small southern town romance between best friends to lovers and I eagerly picked it up to read. Fair warning, the romance is only part of the story. It engages many of the characters in the small town with their little side stories and it also is the story of a woman coming back to life after over a decade of just going through the motions. I found it an absolute joy through both the painful moments and the happy ones to spend time with the people of Blessings, Georgia.

LilyAnn had it all going for her by the time she finished highschool when it came to local achievements. She made head cheerleader, class valedictorian, girlfriend of the most popular guy and then crowned it by winning the Peachy Keen Queen. Then her fiance enlisted and was killed in Afghanistan and she let herself slide through life for eleven years. Her dad died, her mom remarried and moved away, but she had her job at the pharmacy and her best friend Michael next door.

Its not until a hot guy in a hot rod truck blows into town that LilyAnn wakes up and decides a change is in order. She works on her weight, changes her hair style and rejoins the land of the living.

Michael Dalton has been in love with Lily since high school. He watched quietly as she leaped into the arms of another man and then stayed quietly beside her when all that ended, but she never turned to him. He has waited and hoped and now its all happening again. Another guy has come along to turn her head and she has come to life again. He loves her and will always love her, but he now knows its time to do his best to let her go.

Ruby, down at the Curl Up and Dye, has watched these two for years and knows that Mike and Lily have made a mess of it. It's time she stepped in and got them nudged in the right direction.

The book has a nice pace that reflects the slower life of a small town. The author did a great job with all the small town characters and their goings on off to the side. The beauty shop is the focal point of the story as the place where people gathered, talked, and life events were planned. There is a dark note in the story that makes for an exciting moment near the end when it plays out.

I would like to give a warning that those who are sensitive to rape to have a care as it has a place in this story.

The romance was the frustrating kind that was also sweet too. These two truly know all the details of each other's lives down to what they like to eat and watch on TV. They are regular companions and its that whole take for granted what's always been there thing when it comes to LilyAnn. Mike is no alpha male; he's a beta hero. He's strong and brave when he needs to be, but he is not one to put himself forward. He's good looking and has done well catching the eye of every woman, but the one he wants. I don't mind beta heroes, but I have to admit that I was irritated with him for waiting so doggone long to make his move. I was actually sort of pleased when he saw the other guy as a threat because it lit a fire under him finally. He acted angry and was snarky with Lily, but he had a decided lack of communication skills so she didn't even know what got him acting all mad and hurt. I felt sorry for her a bit. Now to be fair, she was living in a trance so to speak and he could have paraded an eighty-eight member band past her holding a sign announcing his feelings and she probably wouldn't have noticed, but he just sat back and waited for things to change instead of proactively trying to change things. But for all my frustration with their mutual obliviousness; I still enjoyed their romance.

All in all, I enjoyed my first taste of Sharon Sala's writing and this new series. I can recommend it to those who enjoy small town romances with loveable quirky characters.

My thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and Net Galley for the opportunity read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Carolina Godinho · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://thebookisonmytable.blogspot.co...


I was given an ARC in exxchange of a honest review.


As a fan of Sharon Sala work, I must say I felt honored when they accept my request of this ARC in netgalley. And this book was just as awesome as all the other books by Sala.
LilyAnn used to be a Southern Belle, but now she´s a woman with no life beyond her job as a cashier at the town´s drugstore because she got caught up in the past.
Mike Dalton is in love with Lily Ann since tenth grade, but she could never see beyond her deceased fiancee.
11 years has passed and just now LilyAnn is starting to living again, she´s losing weight, taking care of her health and feeling again, after 11 years of watch the life passing by. But she´s doing for the wrong reasons.
This book is a life lesson, we can see through LilyAnn´s eyes how we let our lives goes by without thought of all the time we waste in pointless things or persons.
LilyAnn starts as a fragile person, but while the story will revealing its plots and twists LilyAnn will revealing her backbone is back. She´s full of life and joy again and standing up for herself.
Matt Dalton is the best man for her, but I still think that if he had take the matter at hands they would be together and happy a lot sooner.
The story is well written, fast paced, full of plots, twists, intrigue, tension. The characters are tridimensional.
Told in various point of view, this book had me hooked from the start till the end.
In the end has an excerpt of the next book in the series, and I must say with all certainty that I will die of anxiety waiting for it. I´m already in love with Johnny Pine.


Como uma fã do trabalho de Sharon Sala eu tenho que dizer que me senti honrada quando minha solicitação do ARC desse livro foi aceita no netgalley. E este livro foi tão maravilhoso quanto os outros livros dela que li.
LilyAnn costumava ser uma bela do sul, mas agora ela é uma melhor sem vida além do trabalho como caixa da farmácia da cidade onde mora, pq ela ficou presa no passado.
Mike Dalton é apaixonado por LilyAnn desde o oitavo ano, mas ela nunca conseguiu ver além do seu noivo morto.
11 anos se passaram e apenas agora LilyAnn esta´recomeçando a viver. Ela está perdendo peso, cuidando de sua saúde e voltando a sentir depois de todos esses anos deixando a vida passar por entre seus dedos. Mas, ela está fazendo isso pelas razões erradas.
Esse livro traz uma lição de vida, nós conseguimos ver através de LilyAnn como nós deixamos a vida nos escapar nos preocupando com coisas ou pessoas inúteis.
LilyAnn começa como uma pessoa frágil, mas enquanto a história vai revelando suas tramas e reviravoltas LilyAnn vai se revelando como a pessoa forte que costumava ser antes de deixar a vida lhe escapar. Ela se torna cheia de vida e alegria e não aceita mais levar desaforo pra casa.
Matt Dalton é o melhor homem que pode existir para ela, mas ainda acho que se ele tivesse tomado as rédeas dessa situação há mais tempo eles estariam juntos e felizes há muito mais tempo..A história é muito bem escrita, rápida, cheia de tramas, reviravoltas e tensão. Os personagens tem profundidade.
Contado em vários pontos de vista, esse livro me prendeu desde o começo até o fim.
No fim tem os primeiros capítulos do próximo livros da série e posso dizer com toda a certeza que vou morrer de ansiedade esperando a data de lançamento. Já estou apaixonada pelo Johnny Pine.