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Just One Look
In 1965 Chicago, thirteen-year-old Dani Marek declares she's in love, and you best believe it. This is no crush, and for six blissful years she fills her hope chest with linens, dinnerware, and dreams of an idyllic future with John. When he is killed in action in Viet Nam, Dani's world shatters. She launches a one-woman vendetta against the men she seeks out in Rush Street's singles bars. Her goal: break as many hearts as she can. Dani's ill-conceived vengeance leads her to a loveless marriage that ends in tragedy. At twenty-four, she's left a widow with a baby, a small fortune, and a ghost-make that two.
Set in the turbulent Sixties and Seventies, Just One Look explores one woman's tumultuous journey through grief, denial, and letting go.
Set in the turbulent Sixties and Seventies, Just One Look explores one woman's tumultuous journey through grief, denial, and letting go.
288 pages, Paperback
Published June 24, 2021
34 people are currently reading
1741 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Kukanza Easley
6 books295 followersJoanne Kukanza Easley's debut novel, SWEET JANE was named the 2020 Adult Fiction Winner at the Texas Author Project. Sweet Jane was also a finalist in the Sarton Awards and Eric Hoffer Awards.
Her second novel JUST ONE LOOK was a May 2022 Pulpwood Queen Book Club Pick.
I'LL BE SEEING YOU, based on a character in SWEET JANE, was released in September 2022.
HIGHER LOVE is a sequel to I'LL BE SEEING YOU
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Joanne has adopted Texas as her home. She lives in the Texas Hill Country with her husband and three rescue terriers. Retired from a career in nursing—with dual specialties in the cold, clinical operating room, and the intense, emotional world of psychiatric nursing, she devotes her time to writing fiction.
Her second novel JUST ONE LOOK was a May 2022 Pulpwood Queen Book Club Pick.
I'LL BE SEEING YOU, based on a character in SWEET JANE, was released in September 2022.
HIGHER LOVE is a sequel to I'LL BE SEEING YOU
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Joanne has adopted Texas as her home. She lives in the Texas Hill Country with her husband and three rescue terriers. Retired from a career in nursing—with dual specialties in the cold, clinical operating room, and the intense, emotional world of psychiatric nursing, she devotes her time to writing fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 9, 2021
A story of revenge and redemption, as well as, love and loss, this page turner of a story brings us way back to the south side of Chicago in the 60’s that will pull at you in a rollercoaster of emotions. A great character driven story that immersed me into the “summer of love” scene, along with the music, fashion and the political aspects of the war. A fantastic read I thoroughly enjoyed.
July 7, 2021
Just One Look by Joanne Kukanza Easley is set in Chicago in the 1960s. The story starts with Dani falling madly in love with John, who leaves her to join 101st Airborne and never comes back. Dani is left alone with her broken heart to face her life challenges and responsibilities.
I always enjoy reading stories featuring strong female characters, Dani’s story was an emotional roller coaster for me. It is a character-driven novel that talks about love, loss, anger, and grief. It was so heartbreaking that Dani thought she couldn’t move on, and it was heartwarming that she was offered a second chance at happiness.
This was a very engaging story with a great choice of characters and a well-written storyline.
I always enjoy reading stories featuring strong female characters, Dani’s story was an emotional roller coaster for me. It is a character-driven novel that talks about love, loss, anger, and grief. It was so heartbreaking that Dani thought she couldn’t move on, and it was heartwarming that she was offered a second chance at happiness.
This was a very engaging story with a great choice of characters and a well-written storyline.
March 30, 2021
Author Joanne Easley has a knack for grabbing readers attention from her catchy first lines and holding on tight until she closes with her poignant ending. Just One Look is the story of Dani, a girl who took one look—and was struck ‘boy-blind’. John Nagy was a dreamboat, smart, kind and equally smitten. Despite their youth, they made a great pair.
Set in Chicago, the narrative begins in 1965 as the author deftly laces together her plot with the music, fashions and social issues of the mid-sixties including the ‘Summer of Love’ and the Vietnam War. The war intrudes on John and Dani’s happiness and disrupts their plans for the future.
Dani’s story is one of love, loss, and the difficulty of moving on; clinging to what was and what could have been. Wrapped in her pain, she is often blind the heartaches of her closest family and friends. Handicapped by her grief, Dani believes that love is beyond her grasp until she’s offered a second chance at happiness.
Easley writes a quick paced story of love and redemption. Dani is an engaging character and the reader will cheer her on, through thick and thin. With a satisfying ending, readers are sure to love this timeless story.
Set in Chicago, the narrative begins in 1965 as the author deftly laces together her plot with the music, fashions and social issues of the mid-sixties including the ‘Summer of Love’ and the Vietnam War. The war intrudes on John and Dani’s happiness and disrupts their plans for the future.
Dani’s story is one of love, loss, and the difficulty of moving on; clinging to what was and what could have been. Wrapped in her pain, she is often blind the heartaches of her closest family and friends. Handicapped by her grief, Dani believes that love is beyond her grasp until she’s offered a second chance at happiness.
Easley writes a quick paced story of love and redemption. Dani is an engaging character and the reader will cheer her on, through thick and thin. With a satisfying ending, readers are sure to love this timeless story.
March 28, 2021
Set against the backdrop of war in Vietnam, teenage Dani falls in love with John, a new boy from Tennessee. His Hungarian family settle into multicultural Chicago, the city where Just One Look is set. Dani’s commitment to her first love contrasts with the turbulent love life of Paige, her younger sister and the marriage break up of her parents. The narrative is punctuated by national and world events, including conscription. John joins the 101st Airborne but never returns leaving Dani to steel herself for a future without him. Bereft, this young woman navigates family responsibilities, educational and employment challenges, unexpected events and much more to come out the other side ready for a proper new relationship. This character-driven novel is filled with wonderful period, cultural and culinary details that enliven the story. Read this book and experience the tumultuous emotions of a young woman.
May 25, 2021
Review of 'Just One Look' by author, Joanne Kukanza Easley
ARC
"Just one look, and I fell so hard-ha-hard, in love....with you, oh, oh" ~
and this is how it begins.
A girl, a boy, a song~ and a love so true.
Set on the Southside of Chicago during the turbulent times of the mid-sixties when social issues created current events that stood front and center, and neighbors gathered in the streets for meaningful conversation, good food, and laughter, the stars aligned and its spell was cast. Young love had struck and walked into the hearts of Dani Merek and John Nagy. As feelings deepen and their bond to each other~ inseparable, a love story is born~ only to be taken away.
As Dani learns the heartbreaking reality of loss, along with the discomforts of tension running high within her own family, and needing to find a place of belonging, she gives herself permission to rebel in a way which sets her life on a path she never expected.
'Just One Look' is a tender yet striking narrative of the highs and lows along life's journey. With the unfolding of joy, pain, conflict, courage and strength, the characters lead you full circle through their best, and their worst~ their successes, their blessings, and of course, the circumstance of life-altering mistakes.
With its jaw-dropping twists, and ability to capture the reader's heart, Ms. Easley has created a soul-stirring story of love, loss and redemption that keeps the pages turning in anticipation with a clear and satisfying message of not giving the past the power to define your future...
I thank the author for my advanced copy of this wonderfully written, unpredictable, gripping, yet beautiful story~ one that I happily recommend to anyone looking for a most immersive read, as this story has it all...
5 Stars
#JustOneLook
#JoanneKukanzaEasley
#BlackRoseWriting
Wild Sage Book Blog
ARC
"Just one look, and I fell so hard-ha-hard, in love....with you, oh, oh" ~
and this is how it begins.
A girl, a boy, a song~ and a love so true.
Set on the Southside of Chicago during the turbulent times of the mid-sixties when social issues created current events that stood front and center, and neighbors gathered in the streets for meaningful conversation, good food, and laughter, the stars aligned and its spell was cast. Young love had struck and walked into the hearts of Dani Merek and John Nagy. As feelings deepen and their bond to each other~ inseparable, a love story is born~ only to be taken away.
As Dani learns the heartbreaking reality of loss, along with the discomforts of tension running high within her own family, and needing to find a place of belonging, she gives herself permission to rebel in a way which sets her life on a path she never expected.
'Just One Look' is a tender yet striking narrative of the highs and lows along life's journey. With the unfolding of joy, pain, conflict, courage and strength, the characters lead you full circle through their best, and their worst~ their successes, their blessings, and of course, the circumstance of life-altering mistakes.
With its jaw-dropping twists, and ability to capture the reader's heart, Ms. Easley has created a soul-stirring story of love, loss and redemption that keeps the pages turning in anticipation with a clear and satisfying message of not giving the past the power to define your future...
I thank the author for my advanced copy of this wonderfully written, unpredictable, gripping, yet beautiful story~ one that I happily recommend to anyone looking for a most immersive read, as this story has it all...
5 Stars
#JustOneLook
#JoanneKukanzaEasley
#BlackRoseWriting
Wild Sage Book Blog
May 24, 2021
Readers of Sweet Jane, Joanne Easley’s debut novel, will be equally pleased with her second novel Just One Look. Set in 1960’s and 1970’s Chicago, we follow Dani Marek as she finds true love with her teen sweetheart, John. He is one of the many casualties of the Viet Nam War leaving her heartbroken and floundering through life. For the next few years, she frequents Chicago bars and nightclubs and has meaningless encounters with other men. She enters into a marriage doomed from the start, her life salvaged by the birth of her daughter, Lorelei. Enhanced by music form the 60’s and 70’s, fashion, and Chicago culture, I was quickly drawn in to the main character’s story along with her mother, and sister, Paige, all interesting characters. Just One Look hooks the reader from the first pages and doesn’t let go, giving the reader a beautiful story of love and redemption. Easley demonstrates her writing skills once again by giving us characters we encounter in the beginning of the story and want to know more about. An excellent read. I received an advance copy for an honest review.
July 9, 2021
A coming of age story set in Chicago during the 60's. At thirteen Dani falls head over heels for the new boy, John. That love continues until John heads off to the Vietnam war and doesn't return. Dani is shattered. Her loss and grief so heavy. We follow Dani from a young girl into to woman. Her struggles with life. Her heartache, her relationships with her family, with other men, making bad choices. When Dani enters a loveless marriage tragedy strikes and she is left a widow in her twenties. Dani must find a way to move forward for herself and the sake of her daughter. I loved the timeline in this story. The current events, the social issues and music all played a great part making this coming of age so raw and emotional. I was totally invested in this story. I hope there will be a sequel and Dani's story will continue. This is a perfect book club book. The writing is so lyrical and poetic. A compelling read.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
July 30, 2021
via my blog: https://bookstalkerblog.wordpress.com/
“𝑵𝒐, 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒎. 𝑴𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆. 𝑵𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒏. 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑱𝒐𝒉𝒏.”
I was born in 1975, the year the Vietnam War ended, but it echoed for years after with so much senseless loss. For fictional character Dani Marek, it took away her future and love of her life, John Nagy. Thirteen-years-old in 1965, Dani first sets eyes on her soulmate and seals her love with a glorious kiss at her first make out party. Throughout high school she spends more time becoming a part of John’s family, Hungarian immigrants who moved from Tennessee to Chicago, than her own. While John works afternoons in his family’s car repair business, she happily spends hours in the garage alongside he and his father. Adored by John’s mother Mrs. Nagy, who endearingly calls her Lánya (her daughter) she feels just as loved as a true daughter ever could. Upon meeting this young man who has their daughter’s complete devotion, her own parents believe it’s only ‘puppy love’, that it won’t last a week. Little do they know Dani’s heart is in it for a lifetime.
Dani isn’t concerned about what is happening in the rest of the world, preoccupied as she is with passion. She gives herself to John never imagining what is waiting around the bend, ready to upset all their hopes and dreams. As she is planning for her future, her own family crashes and burns forcing her to get a job if she is ever going to go beyond high school. With her family drifting from each other, a great divide opens. Worse, John’s won the worst sort of lottery, his number is called for the draft. She bides her time with work, school and endless waiting. As it happened to so many men, John is killed in action. This love will haunt Dani and infect her future relationships.
As her mother and sister Paige try to pull Dani from the depths of her grief, she becomes Paige’s project. Pushing her into modeling, forcing a social life upon her and encouraging her to meet men. Dani has a heart of granite now, a dead zone in the center of her chest. Her young heart only ever beat for John. What is the point in love now? She will be a hard woman and to hell with any man who comes her way expecting devotion. Then she meets a man whose middle name should be persistence, chasing her until she dates him. His arrogance is vile, it’s no surprise she shuns his love, tells him lies. Other men are fun for a while but are deceptive, and the bar scene gets old fast. Worn down she finally accepts his offer of marriage, the financial help is a reality she must face, needs even. Like most gifts, it comes with strings, making her feel like nothing but her husband’s possession. He isn’t who she thought he was, his family isn’t the warm nest that the Nagy’s home was, not by far. This spouse will never warm her heart nor measure up to her memory of John. In her quest to harden her heart, she bites off so much more than she can chew, dooming herself to an abusive marriage. A black cloud settles over her life. So much between she and her husband is forced, not even the birth of their child can soften his heart. No amount of pretending can make this life tolerable. It’s brutal, the years that follow and again fate deals her a shock. The aftermath will leave her a widow at 24 and a single mother caring for her baby girl.
Facing the wreckage of her life, Dani must own what she believes is her rightful guilt to bear. Money is no longer a worry, and she is able to have a career but the woman she has become is not the Dani John loved. It’s time to confront herself, to be better for the one thing that means the world to her, her little girl. Dragging ghosts from the past, can she let go and love anew? Can she forgive herself for each step that led her on such a damning journey? She isn’t the only who has changed, the dynamics in her own splintered family has altered roles. Old hurts, jealousies no longer singe her soul. Bridges are being built, but will she ever be open to love, will her granite heart ever melt again?
The time period this takes place was loaded with change, on a grand scale. Dani, like every single one of us, must take stock of her life, every choice, every mistake and decide if she will choose happiness or sorrow. A tale of love, loss and the trajectory of grief- how it burns everything it touches.
Yes, read it.
Published June 24th, 2021
Available Now
Black Rose Writing
“𝑵𝒐, 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒎. 𝑴𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆. 𝑵𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒏. 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑱𝒐𝒉𝒏.”
I was born in 1975, the year the Vietnam War ended, but it echoed for years after with so much senseless loss. For fictional character Dani Marek, it took away her future and love of her life, John Nagy. Thirteen-years-old in 1965, Dani first sets eyes on her soulmate and seals her love with a glorious kiss at her first make out party. Throughout high school she spends more time becoming a part of John’s family, Hungarian immigrants who moved from Tennessee to Chicago, than her own. While John works afternoons in his family’s car repair business, she happily spends hours in the garage alongside he and his father. Adored by John’s mother Mrs. Nagy, who endearingly calls her Lánya (her daughter) she feels just as loved as a true daughter ever could. Upon meeting this young man who has their daughter’s complete devotion, her own parents believe it’s only ‘puppy love’, that it won’t last a week. Little do they know Dani’s heart is in it for a lifetime.
Dani isn’t concerned about what is happening in the rest of the world, preoccupied as she is with passion. She gives herself to John never imagining what is waiting around the bend, ready to upset all their hopes and dreams. As she is planning for her future, her own family crashes and burns forcing her to get a job if she is ever going to go beyond high school. With her family drifting from each other, a great divide opens. Worse, John’s won the worst sort of lottery, his number is called for the draft. She bides her time with work, school and endless waiting. As it happened to so many men, John is killed in action. This love will haunt Dani and infect her future relationships.
As her mother and sister Paige try to pull Dani from the depths of her grief, she becomes Paige’s project. Pushing her into modeling, forcing a social life upon her and encouraging her to meet men. Dani has a heart of granite now, a dead zone in the center of her chest. Her young heart only ever beat for John. What is the point in love now? She will be a hard woman and to hell with any man who comes her way expecting devotion. Then she meets a man whose middle name should be persistence, chasing her until she dates him. His arrogance is vile, it’s no surprise she shuns his love, tells him lies. Other men are fun for a while but are deceptive, and the bar scene gets old fast. Worn down she finally accepts his offer of marriage, the financial help is a reality she must face, needs even. Like most gifts, it comes with strings, making her feel like nothing but her husband’s possession. He isn’t who she thought he was, his family isn’t the warm nest that the Nagy’s home was, not by far. This spouse will never warm her heart nor measure up to her memory of John. In her quest to harden her heart, she bites off so much more than she can chew, dooming herself to an abusive marriage. A black cloud settles over her life. So much between she and her husband is forced, not even the birth of their child can soften his heart. No amount of pretending can make this life tolerable. It’s brutal, the years that follow and again fate deals her a shock. The aftermath will leave her a widow at 24 and a single mother caring for her baby girl.
Facing the wreckage of her life, Dani must own what she believes is her rightful guilt to bear. Money is no longer a worry, and she is able to have a career but the woman she has become is not the Dani John loved. It’s time to confront herself, to be better for the one thing that means the world to her, her little girl. Dragging ghosts from the past, can she let go and love anew? Can she forgive herself for each step that led her on such a damning journey? She isn’t the only who has changed, the dynamics in her own splintered family has altered roles. Old hurts, jealousies no longer singe her soul. Bridges are being built, but will she ever be open to love, will her granite heart ever melt again?
The time period this takes place was loaded with change, on a grand scale. Dani, like every single one of us, must take stock of her life, every choice, every mistake and decide if she will choose happiness or sorrow. A tale of love, loss and the trajectory of grief- how it burns everything it touches.
Yes, read it.
Published June 24th, 2021
Available Now
Black Rose Writing
May 16, 2021
Overall Rating = 4.83
Storyline & Concept = 4.75
Writing & Delivery = 4.75
Editorial = 5
Set in Chicago in 1965, the story begins by painting the colorful and blissful picture of Dani and her first love, John Nagy, a man with a Southern drawl that stole her heart. Filled with hope of a bright future with John and a passion that surpasses ‘young love’, Dani is faced with a tragedy that tears that future apart. The reader experiences Dani’s journey through her relationships with the people around her – her family, her encounters with men, and those she allows close to her. Despite the seemingly perfect beginning of the story, Dani is met with challenges and struggles that lead her to believe she will never again find love like her first. We follow her evolution from a hopeful thirteen-year-old to a strong woman with two ghosts behind her and a daughter she loves deeply.
In Just One Look, Joanne Kukanza Easley grasps and holds onto the reader’s attention throughout the novel as the events in Dani’s life unfold. Each character is written with a depth that keeps the reader intrigued. Both Dani’s sister and her mother undergo their own character development from the beginning to the end of the novel, while Dani’s relationships with them take different shapes as life events offer her new perspectives. Set during the time of the Vietnam war, the social influences of the sixties and seventies are apparent throughout the book. Easley’s descriptions of the settings immerse the reader directly into this time and space. I would recommend this book to anyone craving a love story that is anything but predictable.
Sublime line: “Easley writes a thoroughly gripping story, set in the sixties and seventies, of a woman’s loss and grief, and how, after a series of trying events, she learned how to heal her heart again.”
Storyline & Concept = 4.75
Writing & Delivery = 4.75
Editorial = 5
Set in Chicago in 1965, the story begins by painting the colorful and blissful picture of Dani and her first love, John Nagy, a man with a Southern drawl that stole her heart. Filled with hope of a bright future with John and a passion that surpasses ‘young love’, Dani is faced with a tragedy that tears that future apart. The reader experiences Dani’s journey through her relationships with the people around her – her family, her encounters with men, and those she allows close to her. Despite the seemingly perfect beginning of the story, Dani is met with challenges and struggles that lead her to believe she will never again find love like her first. We follow her evolution from a hopeful thirteen-year-old to a strong woman with two ghosts behind her and a daughter she loves deeply.
In Just One Look, Joanne Kukanza Easley grasps and holds onto the reader’s attention throughout the novel as the events in Dani’s life unfold. Each character is written with a depth that keeps the reader intrigued. Both Dani’s sister and her mother undergo their own character development from the beginning to the end of the novel, while Dani’s relationships with them take different shapes as life events offer her new perspectives. Set during the time of the Vietnam war, the social influences of the sixties and seventies are apparent throughout the book. Easley’s descriptions of the settings immerse the reader directly into this time and space. I would recommend this book to anyone craving a love story that is anything but predictable.
Sublime line: “Easley writes a thoroughly gripping story, set in the sixties and seventies, of a woman’s loss and grief, and how, after a series of trying events, she learned how to heal her heart again.”
June 28, 2021
Joanne Easley has definitely written winner with her new novel Just One Look. This beautifully written story will pull at your heart strings from the very beginning to the very end! Dani falls in love with John and it flourishes effortlessly! This is a story of young, first love that is real and deep. But tragedy strikes and takes it all away and leaves Dani unable to accept it or move on! This is her heart wrenching journey along with her family and friends that shows how she learns to accept the conflicts and emotions involved during this tumultuous time! From the very beginning you are on an emotional roller coaster ride with so many jaw dropping twists and turns you will not be able to put the book down! Tensions run very high for Dani as she learns to cope and deal with the many challenges and commitments she endures through her education, employment and motherhood. This story is very real along with the characters, I felt I was there helping her also! So take this ride with Dani until you get to the very touching ending……but I guarantee you will want to go for a second ride! I am hoping Easley has a sequel in the works, I for one will be waiting for it!
Thank you Joanne Kukanza Easley for inviting me into your review group and allowing me the honor to read your amazing novel. This is my honest review and was not obligated to write it.
#justonelook #joannekukanzaeasley #blackrosewriting #arc
Thank you Joanne Kukanza Easley for inviting me into your review group and allowing me the honor to read your amazing novel. This is my honest review and was not obligated to write it.
#justonelook #joannekukanzaeasley #blackrosewriting #arc
October 14, 2022
Just One Look is getting wonderful reviews. Thank you readers! Much love and appreciation,
Some excerpts:
I loved the timeline in this story. The current events, the social issues and music all played a great part making this coming of age so raw and emotional. I was totally invested in this story. I hope there will be a sequel and Dani's story will continue. This is a perfect book club book. The writing is so lyrical and poetic. A compelling read.
From the very beginning you are on an emotional roller coaster ride with so many twists and turns you will not be able to put the book down!
Ms. Easley has created a soul-stirring story of love, loss and redemption that keeps the pages turning in anticipation with a clear and satisfying message of not giving the past the power to define your future.
You know how sometimes you just don’t want a story to end, well this book is one of them.
Easley is adept at capturing the ruin and revolution of Dani's times and heart, contrasting external with internal changes and influences as she traces the logic that underlies both her actions and heartbreak.
Some excerpts:
I loved the timeline in this story. The current events, the social issues and music all played a great part making this coming of age so raw and emotional. I was totally invested in this story. I hope there will be a sequel and Dani's story will continue. This is a perfect book club book. The writing is so lyrical and poetic. A compelling read.
From the very beginning you are on an emotional roller coaster ride with so many twists and turns you will not be able to put the book down!
Ms. Easley has created a soul-stirring story of love, loss and redemption that keeps the pages turning in anticipation with a clear and satisfying message of not giving the past the power to define your future.
You know how sometimes you just don’t want a story to end, well this book is one of them.
Easley is adept at capturing the ruin and revolution of Dani's times and heart, contrasting external with internal changes and influences as she traces the logic that underlies both her actions and heartbreak.
June 24, 2021
I loved Joanne’s last book and when I read the synopsis for this one I couldn’t say yes fast enough! When I was in middle school and early high school I read nothing but books about Vietnam, the era, the war, the culture. I had a history teacher whose dad fought and he brought him in one day to speak and from there I was obsessed. This book brought me back to that time and I loved every word!
Dani is absolutely one of my favorite characters! She is so real, I could feel everything she was going through and I was transported back in time to the 60s which was so much fun.
I don’t want to say anymore about the book because you should read it! It’s out today so buy it and let me know what you think!
One of my favorites this year!
Also, the author is a Texas girl and after living in Texas there are days I just really miss it 💖
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @joanneeasleywriter for my gifted copy and including me on the tour!!
Dani is absolutely one of my favorite characters! She is so real, I could feel everything she was going through and I was transported back in time to the 60s which was so much fun.
I don’t want to say anymore about the book because you should read it! It’s out today so buy it and let me know what you think!
One of my favorites this year!
Also, the author is a Texas girl and after living in Texas there are days I just really miss it 💖
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @joanneeasleywriter for my gifted copy and including me on the tour!!
June 30, 2021
You know how sometimes you just don’t want a story to end, well this book is one of them.
At thirteen years old Dani falls in love with John. The joy and beauty of young love blossoms through their teens then John goes off to the Vietnam War and he doesn’t come home.
This is a story of that first intense deep love. It’s a story of a journey full of love, loss, grief, anger and second chances. When you have to move on but can’t because you are still stuck on what could have been. So much happens in between and during those emotions and the reader can’t help but hold on to this rollercoaster because life goes on.
Just One Look is another beautifully written coming of age story that will pull at your heart strings.
At thirteen years old Dani falls in love with John. The joy and beauty of young love blossoms through their teens then John goes off to the Vietnam War and he doesn’t come home.
This is a story of that first intense deep love. It’s a story of a journey full of love, loss, grief, anger and second chances. When you have to move on but can’t because you are still stuck on what could have been. So much happens in between and during those emotions and the reader can’t help but hold on to this rollercoaster because life goes on.
Just One Look is another beautifully written coming of age story that will pull at your heart strings.
July 15, 2021
I adored this book. Dani (awesome name, right? 😉) meets a boy and falls in love. Just like every girl does with her first love, she plans out their whole future. Then the Vietnam War happens.
Dani struggles to move on, and to move forward in her life. I loved how real this book read, and all of the emotions. It was so well written, and I couldn’t put it down.
Dani struggles to move on, and to move forward in her life. I loved how real this book read, and all of the emotions. It was so well written, and I couldn’t put it down.
January 14, 2022
I love when the setting of a book is reflected in the actions of its main character—and that is the case in this compelling and poignant book. Just One Look is set in the 60’s and 70’s, an era of great change and turbulence. Main character Dani is a young teenager when the story begins, and she herself experiences tremendous change and upheaval as the years go by. Dani’s journey through love, loss, grief, and growth is a roller coaster that will keep readers engaged as they ride the ups and downs by her side.
June 5, 2021
So now I have Read Both of the Books Joanne Kukanza Easley has written i am total fan. I must tell you. I didn't want this Story to End. I Will Be Reading Every Book She Puts Out. This Book.
Just One Look.. is a must Read.
I fell for Dani Marek.
And her story is one that Touched my Heart from the beginning of this story to the very last page.
I just didn't want it to End.
Dani Marek..
Her story began at a young age only 13teen while helping her Best friend. Look for her dog. Not knowing. John would be the one. Just one Look was all it Took.
John saw Dani trying to grab the dog but missed.. it all started from there..
Love grew stronger it was 1965.
Everyday time spent together days .and weeks went by. Soon the war began. The wedding they planned was put on hold.
Things happened in the war that changed Everything. But life must go on... this is not only about war but so Much More....
So many changes for Dani Marek.
War happened and life kept changing....
There's so much I want to tell you about this wonderful Story but I don't want to spoil it.
Definitely pick a copy Because I know it will be a Favorite.
This is My Absolute Favorite
Read this year.. #1 2021
Thank you Joanne Kukanza Easley.
🌹🌹
Just One Look.. is a must Read.
I fell for Dani Marek.
And her story is one that Touched my Heart from the beginning of this story to the very last page.
I just didn't want it to End.
Dani Marek..
Her story began at a young age only 13teen while helping her Best friend. Look for her dog. Not knowing. John would be the one. Just one Look was all it Took.
John saw Dani trying to grab the dog but missed.. it all started from there..
Love grew stronger it was 1965.
Everyday time spent together days .and weeks went by. Soon the war began. The wedding they planned was put on hold.
Things happened in the war that changed Everything. But life must go on... this is not only about war but so Much More....
So many changes for Dani Marek.
War happened and life kept changing....
There's so much I want to tell you about this wonderful Story but I don't want to spoil it.
Definitely pick a copy Because I know it will be a Favorite.
This is My Absolute Favorite
Read this year.. #1 2021
Thank you Joanne Kukanza Easley.
🌹🌹
July 15, 2021
This is a story about Dani who at 13 in the 60’s falls in love with John! John was her soul mate and he eventually proposed. Unfortunately, the Vietnam disagreement started heating up in the early 70’s and the draft was issued. John was drafted and not long after he was killed in the war.
Dani, who was beautiful enough to become a model, didn’t think she would ever find love again and began clubbing and having make out sessions with several guys for years.
One of her conquests was Luke, whom she didn’t love him, but he offered her financial stability and a chance for him to pay her tuition. So when he proposed she said yes. Luke was a complete jerk and even when she had his baby, he refused to ever look at their daughter.
Dani, is one of those characters that you fall in love with and wish nothing but the best. Yes, she made bad decisions, but don’t we all at some point in our lives? She was able to grow from her past loss and mistakes and the author did a brilliant job at conveying this message.
This was a wonderful story about love, loss, resiliency, family and determination. It was set mostly in the 70s and the timeline just added to the plot with Vietnam.
I highly recommend this book!
Dani, who was beautiful enough to become a model, didn’t think she would ever find love again and began clubbing and having make out sessions with several guys for years.
One of her conquests was Luke, whom she didn’t love him, but he offered her financial stability and a chance for him to pay her tuition. So when he proposed she said yes. Luke was a complete jerk and even when she had his baby, he refused to ever look at their daughter.
Dani, is one of those characters that you fall in love with and wish nothing but the best. Yes, she made bad decisions, but don’t we all at some point in our lives? She was able to grow from her past loss and mistakes and the author did a brilliant job at conveying this message.
This was a wonderful story about love, loss, resiliency, family and determination. It was set mostly in the 70s and the timeline just added to the plot with Vietnam.
I highly recommend this book!
June 10, 2021
Having read this authors first book, and loving it, I immediately dove into this one. I’m so happy I did.
Dani and John meet in Chicago 1965. She is 13 and he is 15. “ I fell in love at 13, full-blown, knock your socks off, lifetime commitment, soulmate love.”
Dani has their future all laid out that is until John is drafted into the Vietnam war and doesn’t return home.
Dani begins a downward spiral, determined to never find love and all along comparing everyone to John.
This was one amazing read. I loved these characters and their families and the evolution of Dani was one we were cheering for because we know her heart.
I am forever a huge fan of this author and she will be forever on my read first list !
Dani and John meet in Chicago 1965. She is 13 and he is 15. “ I fell in love at 13, full-blown, knock your socks off, lifetime commitment, soulmate love.”
Dani has their future all laid out that is until John is drafted into the Vietnam war and doesn’t return home.
Dani begins a downward spiral, determined to never find love and all along comparing everyone to John.
This was one amazing read. I loved these characters and their families and the evolution of Dani was one we were cheering for because we know her heart.
I am forever a huge fan of this author and she will be forever on my read first list !
April 15, 2021
This story begins in 1965 Chicago when 13 year old Dani sees John for the first time and is struck “boy blind”. John goes to Vietnam and never returns, leaving Dani a young single mother. Dani’s devotion to John is contrasted with her sister’s more progressive love life and her parent’s divorce. I loved that this book let me escape into the music and fashions and current events of that time.
It was very well written and a great escape!
It was very well written and a great escape!
July 29, 2021
As someone who often thinks she was born in the wrong era (I have a Hippy Soul!!!), I absolutely love reading books set in this time period. Easley has captured the essence of 1965 Chicago, a young romance, a war that threatens happiness, a grief so strong that it resonates to the reader and created a story that will leave her readers desperate for another amazingly chiseled novel. I was absolutely smitten with this novel!
I adored Dani and John’s characters. They took ‘just one look’ at each other and the rest was history……until the Vietnam War comes into play. Dani’s emotions flew off the page. I felt her pain, her grief, her love as if it was all my own. I love a novel that makes me feel that way!
If you want a 4 star novel that will have you up all night, look no further. This novel is a poignant look back on an era that is so different from the world we know today. I fell in love not just the characters, but the vivid descriptions of the town, the tragedies, the emotions, and the writing style.
This is a novel that is not light. This is a novel that will forever be with you. This is a novel of pain and heartache and second chances. It will take you on a wild ride and where it puts you down will leave you breathless. It’s an absolutely amazing novel and you shouldn’t pass it up!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
I adored Dani and John’s characters. They took ‘just one look’ at each other and the rest was history……until the Vietnam War comes into play. Dani’s emotions flew off the page. I felt her pain, her grief, her love as if it was all my own. I love a novel that makes me feel that way!
If you want a 4 star novel that will have you up all night, look no further. This novel is a poignant look back on an era that is so different from the world we know today. I fell in love not just the characters, but the vivid descriptions of the town, the tragedies, the emotions, and the writing style.
This is a novel that is not light. This is a novel that will forever be with you. This is a novel of pain and heartache and second chances. It will take you on a wild ride and where it puts you down will leave you breathless. It’s an absolutely amazing novel and you shouldn’t pass it up!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
February 14, 2022
Just One Look is an incredibly refreshing look at the toll relationships can take on people. And, more importantly, the resiliency of the human heart.
Covering the years from 1965 to 1979, the author deftly weaves into the story the tsunami like waves that shook America during those years. From the assassinations of JFK, MLK and Bobby Kennedy to the tragedy of the Vietnam war, her characters live and die in realistic situations.
Even hot dogs, apple pie and baseball appear in the background of the growing pains Dani, John, and their families experience on the road to maturity.
I don't want to give away any of the plot, everything is crucial to the unfolding of this book. This is definitely much more than just a "beach read" as it states in the reviews. It is a must read for anyone examining their own lives.
Covering the years from 1965 to 1979, the author deftly weaves into the story the tsunami like waves that shook America during those years. From the assassinations of JFK, MLK and Bobby Kennedy to the tragedy of the Vietnam war, her characters live and die in realistic situations.
Even hot dogs, apple pie and baseball appear in the background of the growing pains Dani, John, and their families experience on the road to maturity.
I don't want to give away any of the plot, everything is crucial to the unfolding of this book. This is definitely much more than just a "beach read" as it states in the reviews. It is a must read for anyone examining their own lives.
June 26, 2021
❤ Set in the turbulent Sixties and Seventies,
Just One Look
explores one woman’s tumultuous journey through
grief, denial, and letting go.
Checkout the blurb, it's quite interesting!
❤ In 1965 Chicago, thirteen-year-old Dani Marek declares she’s in love, and you best believe it. This is no crush, and for six blissful years she fills her hope chest with linens, dinnerware, and dreams of an idyllic future with John.
When he is killed in action in Viet Nam, Dani’s world shatters. She launches a one-woman vendetta against the men she seeks out in Rush Street’s singles bars.
Her goal: break as many hearts as she can. Dani’s ill-conceived vengeance leads her to a loveless marriage that ends in tragedy.
At twenty-four, she’s left a widow with a baby, a small fortune, and a ghost—make that two.
❤ The author:
Joanne Kukanza Easley’s
multi-award-winning debut novel,
#sweetjane
was released in March 2020.
.
Just One Look is her 2nd published novel.
Happy Pub Day!
.
❤ The story begins in the year 1965 in Chicago when DANI falls in love with JOHN..her 1st love..when she is pretty pretty young. SANDY is her best friend. SHEBA is her pet & the reason Dani & John intersect.
John taught her about true love but she expected it to last forever but it didn't.. Still very young, her coping mechanisms were wild..although her mom & sister supported her.. Instead of rummaging through her own closet, she found faults with others esp men & broke many hearts & shut a life.. that's when self realization daunted on her & she took a deep breath & stopped the massacres.
It's interesting to note how you bloom when you find true love but wilt when you lose it..it's at this point that self love & strength come into picture..but alas we all learn with experience & time & at our own pace..How we deal with grief is crucial.. the ending is heartwarming..
It's a fairly quick read & the writing style is pretty simple⚘.
🦉 Do you have a pet? If yes, what's her name? If no, did u have difficulty convincing ur parents?
🌸 How do you deal with grief & loss? Do you become cold & bitter?
December 13, 2022
Highly enjoyable! Add this one to your list.
July 13, 2021
This book takes place between 1965 - 1979 and tells the story of Dani Marek. Dani found her first love, John Nagy, at thirteen years old. When the Vietnam War takes a casualty close to Dani, she must pick up the pieces from a future that she lost.
After a loveless marriage leaves her a widow and young mother with a college degree, Dani must move forward yet again.
Through family support and Dani’s own grit, the next chapter of Dani’s life unfolds.
This book is such a well told story on family, life and love. The writing draws you into the story and it was hard for me to put this book down because I wanted to see true happiness for Dani who was such a strong and determined character .
It also offered insights into that time period of the 1960s and 1970s that I never thought about. John’s older brother, Chuck, has diabetes and goes blind due to the disease. That’s a complication that rarely happens today. Dani’s parents actually get divorced and Dani mentions in their Chicago Southside neighborhood divorce is a rarity. Of course, due to the time period of the book, we get a glimpse of life during the Vietnam War.
The setting of Chicago was very interesting. I haven’t spent much time in the Southside, so I enjoyed looking up the high school Dani attended and some of the nightclubs mentioned in the book. Dani goes to the Depaul University loop campus which I actually passed by on Sunday (my daughter toured the Lincoln Park Campus). That sense of being near the places in the book’s setting drew me in as well.
This was just a great read and I was particularly pleased with the ending.
After a loveless marriage leaves her a widow and young mother with a college degree, Dani must move forward yet again.
Through family support and Dani’s own grit, the next chapter of Dani’s life unfolds.
This book is such a well told story on family, life and love. The writing draws you into the story and it was hard for me to put this book down because I wanted to see true happiness for Dani who was such a strong and determined character .
It also offered insights into that time period of the 1960s and 1970s that I never thought about. John’s older brother, Chuck, has diabetes and goes blind due to the disease. That’s a complication that rarely happens today. Dani’s parents actually get divorced and Dani mentions in their Chicago Southside neighborhood divorce is a rarity. Of course, due to the time period of the book, we get a glimpse of life during the Vietnam War.
The setting of Chicago was very interesting. I haven’t spent much time in the Southside, so I enjoyed looking up the high school Dani attended and some of the nightclubs mentioned in the book. Dani goes to the Depaul University loop campus which I actually passed by on Sunday (my daughter toured the Lincoln Park Campus). That sense of being near the places in the book’s setting drew me in as well.
This was just a great read and I was particularly pleased with the ending.
June 17, 2021
Joanne Kukanza Easley the author of “Just One Look” has written a captivating, intriguing, and thought-provoking novel. The genres of the novel are Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, and Women’s Fiction. This is also a coming-of-age story. The timeline for this story is set in the 1960s and 1970s, and the author mention music and movies of the time to help set the mood. The author also describes the clothing, hairstyles, and lifestyle of the characters and events. The author describes her characters as complex, complicated, and flawed. I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of family and friends.
Danielle Marek (Dani), the protagonist of this novel is 13 years old and finds the love of her life, John. They continue their relationship through high school and get engaged. John is drafted and tragically killed in Vietnam. Dani is bitter, resentful, and angry. Dani is working, modeling, and going to bars, to just go through the motions, of living.
When the opportunity presents itself, Dani marries a man who will pay her tuition. They have a daughter, that is the light of her life. When tragedy occurs, Dani is left a wealthy, young widow. Dani has a young daughter, and has to learn how to live, love, and have hope. Do you think it is possible that Dani will be able to find her happily ever after? I recommend this memorable novel to other readers.
Danielle Marek (Dani), the protagonist of this novel is 13 years old and finds the love of her life, John. They continue their relationship through high school and get engaged. John is drafted and tragically killed in Vietnam. Dani is bitter, resentful, and angry. Dani is working, modeling, and going to bars, to just go through the motions, of living.
When the opportunity presents itself, Dani marries a man who will pay her tuition. They have a daughter, that is the light of her life. When tragedy occurs, Dani is left a wealthy, young widow. Dani has a young daughter, and has to learn how to live, love, and have hope. Do you think it is possible that Dani will be able to find her happily ever after? I recommend this memorable novel to other readers.
July 26, 2021
This book was AMAZING. I was born in 65 so all the music references and just "world" issues were so very relatable. I did not even read the synopsis, I downloaded based on the cover alone...I LOVE the covers of her books, they draw you in just like her story does page 1. That being said I give this almost 4 stars I see most folks give it 5 I am a tad under whelmed than most. BUT I do recommend for anyone who likes fiction/Women's or just a really good story!! GREAT job, looking forward to purchasing the other book because .........LOOK at her COVERS..BEAUTIFUL..
February 7, 2022
Loved this book! We follow Dani (Danielle) through her transition from youth to adulthood, which of course is an emotional roller coaster as she struggles with internal and external conflicts, particularly of love and loss. This story takes place in Chicago in the 60's and 70's, and the author skillfully weaves in setting details without distracting from the main plot. This was a time of war and change, which adds more layers of conflict as Dani tries to figure out who she and to take responsibility for her own happiness. I connected with Dani on page one and loved following her journey into adulthood.
July 9, 2021
I was impressed with this book. The first third of the book I seriously considered making it a DNF because it seemed like little more than a young adult book. All the reviews said it was a good book, so I kept reading. It turned out to be very good and I’m glad I persevered. The author does a great job of describing the characters so they are realistic and likable, or not likable as they should be. This is the story of a young girl who lost her first love to the Vietnam War, and how she proceeded through her life, made herself successful and found a new love. I’d like it if there was a sequel to this book. I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 24, 2021
I’m starting to love books set in the 60’s-70’s. Easley had me on a roller coaster of emotions and I loved every minute of it. Dani endured unimaginable situations at such a young age and ended up the master of self-sabotage. It was heartbreaking. I was rooting for her while simultaneously wanting to ring her neck. I fully believe her relationship with her sister was her saving grace and loved the family dynamic that was woven throughout. I’m so glad I picked this one up 💞 If you enjoy character driven stories with multiple layers to unpack then this would be perfect for you.
Thank you for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review
Thank you for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review
July 3, 2021
Loved this poignant, emotional, heart tugging story. Realistic journey with Dani as she goes from a teen to young adult, dealing with many issues including he first heartbreak. Great background story interwoven throughout this great read .
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