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Lake Lavender #3
Every Thought Taken
Her love brought me to life. It also broke my heart.
Far back as I can recall, not a day exists when I haven’t loved Helena Williams. In my younger years, my love for her was more familial or akin to friendship. But as the years passed, something changed between us. The unrequited love I had for my sister’s best friend was reciprocated. Like the seasons, our love fluctuated. Like the moon, some nights were dark and cold while others were bright and warm.
I loved her.
I love her.
Nine years ago, I broke in two. She said goodbye, and I tried to let her go. She moved on and I did unthinkable things.
With her gone, I fell apart. I let the darkness take over. Let myself drown. The dark was familiar. Comforting. Guaranteed. Constant.
But now, I am ready to breathe again.
Far back as I can recall, not a day exists when I haven’t loved Helena Williams. In my younger years, my love for her was more familial or akin to friendship. But as the years passed, something changed between us. The unrequited love I had for my sister’s best friend was reciprocated. Like the seasons, our love fluctuated. Like the moon, some nights were dark and cold while others were bright and warm.
I loved her.
I love her.
Nine years ago, I broke in two. She said goodbye, and I tried to let her go. She moved on and I did unthinkable things.
With her gone, I fell apart. I let the darkness take over. Let myself drown. The dark was familiar. Comforting. Guaranteed. Constant.
But now, I am ready to breathe again.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2023
7 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Persephone Autumn
49 books325 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Persephone Autumn lives in Florida with her wife, crazy dog, and two lover-boy cats. A proud mom with a cuckoo grandpup. An ethnic food enthusiast who has fun discovering ways to veganize her favorite non-vegan foods. If given the opportunity, she would intentionally get lost in nature.
For years, Persephone did some form of writing; mostly journaling or poetry. After pairing her poetry with images and posting them online, she began the journey of writing her first novel.
She mainly writes romance and poetry, but on occasion dips her toes in other works. Look for her non-romance publications under P. Autumn.
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For years, Persephone did some form of writing; mostly journaling or poetry. After pairing her poetry with images and posting them online, she began the journey of writing her first novel.
She mainly writes romance and poetry, but on occasion dips her toes in other works. Look for her non-romance publications under P. Autumn.
Stay up to date with Persephone!
Newsletter
Connect with Persephone!
Reader's Group
Book Bub
Binge Books
Amazon
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 28, 2023
This is my first Persephone Autumn book and I was instantly hooked. We follow the journey of Helena and Anderson. Their journey is not an easy one by any means. They go through pain and hurt, distance, heartbreak and the emotions hit you right in the gut. But after a few years and after both go through life and growth on their own, life brings them back together for a second chance. And this second chance is one that they don’t let slip by. Both have learned things about themselves apart and now they are learning each other again. The chemistry between the characters is a strong and has been building through a friendship and connection that has grown as they grew up. It was so hard to put down when life refused to let me read but I jumped right back in as soon as I could. Definitely a must read and be prepared for these characters to create a home not just in your mind but in your heart.
May 26, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
✨Childhood Friends to Lovers
✨Second Chance
✨Mental Health Awareness
✨Best Friend’s Brother
•Dual POV
•Stand-alone
*Check TW/CW*
Just WOW 🥹 This book moved me so much. It brought out all the emotions through their love and pain. ❤️
Anderson has never fit in anywhere. He feels that he doesn’t belong, not even with his parents. The only people he truly cares about is his sister and her two friends, one being Helena.
Helena always saw Anderson as her best friend’s little brother, but as time went on, she began to see him as more than that. They were able to share these secrets with no one else and leaned on each other.
Unfortunately things happen and Helena goes away to school and Anderson reaches his breaking point, physically.
Years later, they reconnect and they both can’t deny the love they still have for one another. It’s the type of love that’s rooted in so deep, you don’t think of anything else.
This book was heart wrenching, but it was told so beautifully. It speaks about mental illness and it makes you truly see how short life can be and the mask that some people wear just for show. This book touched me so, so much. 💖
Favorite Quote:
“And in that single zap, I know… I am right where I need to be. With Helena Williams. North. My North.“
🌶️
✨Childhood Friends to Lovers
✨Second Chance
✨Mental Health Awareness
✨Best Friend’s Brother
•Dual POV
•Stand-alone
*Check TW/CW*
Just WOW 🥹 This book moved me so much. It brought out all the emotions through their love and pain. ❤️
Anderson has never fit in anywhere. He feels that he doesn’t belong, not even with his parents. The only people he truly cares about is his sister and her two friends, one being Helena.
Helena always saw Anderson as her best friend’s little brother, but as time went on, she began to see him as more than that. They were able to share these secrets with no one else and leaned on each other.
Unfortunately things happen and Helena goes away to school and Anderson reaches his breaking point, physically.
Years later, they reconnect and they both can’t deny the love they still have for one another. It’s the type of love that’s rooted in so deep, you don’t think of anything else.
This book was heart wrenching, but it was told so beautifully. It speaks about mental illness and it makes you truly see how short life can be and the mask that some people wear just for show. This book touched me so, so much. 💖
Favorite Quote:
“And in that single zap, I know… I am right where I need to be. With Helena Williams. North. My North.“
June 1, 2023
✨Review ✨
***
Thank you to Persephone Autumn for the book to review.
***
Every Thought Taken was so good. It was a very real and emotional book. I loved Ander. He was so vulnerable and broken. He did what was right for him and I was so proud. I loved how even with his HEA, he was still struggling at times which made the book more realistic. Lena was amazing. I loved her support and love for Ander. Their story was beautiful and bittersweet. Persephone Autumn did an amazing job with the topics in the book. She kept it realistic and true. The ending was amazing and the story so good.
***
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
***
***
Thank you to Persephone Autumn for the book to review.
***
Every Thought Taken was so good. It was a very real and emotional book. I loved Ander. He was so vulnerable and broken. He did what was right for him and I was so proud. I loved how even with his HEA, he was still struggling at times which made the book more realistic. Lena was amazing. I loved her support and love for Ander. Their story was beautiful and bittersweet. Persephone Autumn did an amazing job with the topics in the book. She kept it realistic and true. The ending was amazing and the story so good.
***
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
***
May 30, 2023
Persephone Autumn is a new author to me, but she blew me away with this book.
Anderson has had a thing for his sister’s friend, Helena, from when he was a kid. And time goes by, and his feelings only grow. But then she leaves, and they have to say goodbye. I lived through every emotion with them.
Now they get a second chance. They both have grown over the years, have learned and now is the time for them to see if they can be together.
This is a very emotional book, but it is so worth it. I can only say that this is a must read. I loved everything about this book.
Anderson has had a thing for his sister’s friend, Helena, from when he was a kid. And time goes by, and his feelings only grow. But then she leaves, and they have to say goodbye. I lived through every emotion with them.
Now they get a second chance. They both have grown over the years, have learned and now is the time for them to see if they can be together.
This is a very emotional book, but it is so worth it. I can only say that this is a must read. I loved everything about this book.
May 28, 2023
This was such a beautiful story of friendship and love throughout the years. Ms Persephone Autumn has been a favourite author of mine for a while now and I know that when I pick up one of her books I am in for an epic read. This book solidifies that opinion. Helena and Anderson have a huge journey ahead for them but Ms Autumn treated their story with love and humility and that is why I enjoyed this book very much. So very well written as always, I do believe that this author deserves many accolades for another heartfelt story that proves that she poured her heart and soul in this book to give us readers a story that will live in our hearts for a while to come. Well deserved five stars.
May 30, 2023
Every Thought Taken by Persephone Autumn is a truly heartfelt, coming-of-age romance that will keep your eyes glued to the pages from beginning to end! It was so beautifully written, I loved everything about it. This is the first book I've ever read by this author, and it definitely will not be my last.
Anderson (Ander) and Helena (North) were best friends and true soul mates from the time they were pre-teens. Their story spans 16 years. I totally swooned over Anderson, and I absolutely loved Helena. They were so perfect for each other. If you love these heartfelt coming-of-age stories like I do, this one is a must-read. Highly recommended with a million stars!
Anderson (Ander) and Helena (North) were best friends and true soul mates from the time they were pre-teens. Their story spans 16 years. I totally swooned over Anderson, and I absolutely loved Helena. They were so perfect for each other. If you love these heartfelt coming-of-age stories like I do, this one is a must-read. Highly recommended with a million stars!
June 1, 2023
I very much enjoyed this book! When done well, the “epic love story” trope is probably my favorite. This book spanned years, when Helena is only 10 and Anderson is 7. Love how this book ran the gamut of the two of them being friendly with each other (since he is her best friend’s little brother), and that gradually gives way to a real friendship and then into puppy love and then, finally, soulmate love, which could only be tested and proven through time and separation. It was written really well, I had never read anything by this author so didn’t know what to expect, but it was really good! Great read!
May 30, 2023
This is a love story about Helena and Anderson. They are best friends in childhood and start dating as teenagers. Helena is 3 yrs older than Anderson. It tells of their love story and relationship through adulthood. I really enjoyed this book very much.
May 21, 2023
Friendship, young love, true love. Anderson and Helena have a beautiful story full of pain and heartache. There's an age gap of 3 years. Middle School / high school age through adult.
Loved the original storyline and world building. Loved the passion of the characters as well as the growth between them and the friendships along the way.
⚠️ Trigger Warning ⚠️
Deals with self h*rm
Bullying
Emotional abuse and neglect
Loved the original storyline and world building. Loved the passion of the characters as well as the growth between them and the friendships along the way.
⚠️ Trigger Warning ⚠️
Deals with self h*rm
Bullying
Emotional abuse and neglect
August 13, 2024
A heartfelt journey of love and personal growth between two souls who are meant to be.
This book beautifully captures the complexities of growing up, facing the trials of middle and high school, and learning to love. It follows the lives of Helena and Anderson who have known each other since elementary school, forming a bond that transcends the ordinary. Despite Anderson being younger, their friendship is deep and evolves into a relationship that is perfectly imperfect. They see each other through some raw situations that would break most and that adds an emotional layer to the story which will give you all the feels. Love truly can be both a source of strength and healing. Helena’s unwavering support, even in some of Andersons darkest moments shows a testament to the depth of their connection.
It was such a good read for me as I went through the journey with Helena and Anderson evolving from childhood to high school, college, and beyond.
By the end, I was deeply invested in their story, rooting for them to find happiness together. The author knocked it out of the park with another great story!
I hope everyone in life finds their “North”.
This book beautifully captures the complexities of growing up, facing the trials of middle and high school, and learning to love. It follows the lives of Helena and Anderson who have known each other since elementary school, forming a bond that transcends the ordinary. Despite Anderson being younger, their friendship is deep and evolves into a relationship that is perfectly imperfect. They see each other through some raw situations that would break most and that adds an emotional layer to the story which will give you all the feels. Love truly can be both a source of strength and healing. Helena’s unwavering support, even in some of Andersons darkest moments shows a testament to the depth of their connection.
It was such a good read for me as I went through the journey with Helena and Anderson evolving from childhood to high school, college, and beyond.
By the end, I was deeply invested in their story, rooting for them to find happiness together. The author knocked it out of the park with another great story!
I hope everyone in life finds their “North”.
Read
May 30, 2023
Every Thought Taken is LIVE!
Words cannot express how much I love this story. Anderson is my favorite hero, and I don't say that lightly. Writing this book was the most challenging yet rewarding. This book... my whole damn chest! So many tears happened while writing and editing Every Thought Taken, but they were so worth it.
Read Every Thought Taken now!
Direct: https://payhip.com/b/1qHLG
Amazon: https://mybook.to/ETT-LL3
Apple: https://apple.co/3vhRd1B
Nook: https://bit.ly/ETT_Nook
Kobo: https://bit.ly/ETT_Kobo
Google: https://bit.ly/ETT_GPlay
Additional retailers: https://books2read.com/ETT-LL3
Signed paperbacks: https://payhip.com/b/h48q7
No time in my life compares to now. To this summer. To countless moments with her.
I don’t question our bond. Don’t ask why she is the only person able to lift me up and shine a light on my darkest hours. Whatever the reason, I am lucky to have her. Helena Williams. My best friend. My only real friend.
Please note: Every Thought Taken contains sensitive subject matter that may trigger readers. For a complete list, please refer to the book's page on my website: https://www.persephoneautumn.com/ever...
June 9, 2023
Every Thought Taken - Lake Lavender Series #3 - Review
Couple: Helena Williams & Anderson
Author: Persephone Autumn
Tropes: mental health awareness, child hood crush, second chance, angsty romance, found family, best friends brother
Review: A gripping story about young love and loss that chronicles the life of two people destined to be together. This dual POV romance deals with dark themes and readers should read trigger warnings before reading.
Helena and Anderson’s story spans decades of growth. We meet them when they are kids who are best friends and playmates. Anderson the younger brother and Helena the cool older friend. And as the story unfolds they become each other’s rock and weather the storms of life together.
Anderson is perhaps the most complex MMC I have read in a while. I was immediately drawn into his story and growth. The way Persephone created his character and life struggles was real and gritty and left nothing to the imagination. I felt like the book brought attention to the struggles of mental health in a respectful yet honest way and it was gripping for the readers to watch as his life unfolded.
Wile Helena was at times portrayed as the bad guy we learn that she was just a young woman growing up and did not realize a lot of what happened with Anderson in his mind. I loved how she was always a devoted friend and also how she became a resilient young woman upon returning.
The book is a slower build but deals with hard topics. The two of them are intertwined so much they are almost the same person. This is a truly deep read.
Rating: 3.5/5, good story
Couple: Helena Williams & Anderson
Author: Persephone Autumn
Tropes: mental health awareness, child hood crush, second chance, angsty romance, found family, best friends brother
Review: A gripping story about young love and loss that chronicles the life of two people destined to be together. This dual POV romance deals with dark themes and readers should read trigger warnings before reading.
Helena and Anderson’s story spans decades of growth. We meet them when they are kids who are best friends and playmates. Anderson the younger brother and Helena the cool older friend. And as the story unfolds they become each other’s rock and weather the storms of life together.
Anderson is perhaps the most complex MMC I have read in a while. I was immediately drawn into his story and growth. The way Persephone created his character and life struggles was real and gritty and left nothing to the imagination. I felt like the book brought attention to the struggles of mental health in a respectful yet honest way and it was gripping for the readers to watch as his life unfolded.
Wile Helena was at times portrayed as the bad guy we learn that she was just a young woman growing up and did not realize a lot of what happened with Anderson in his mind. I loved how she was always a devoted friend and also how she became a resilient young woman upon returning.
The book is a slower build but deals with hard topics. The two of them are intertwined so much they are almost the same person. This is a truly deep read.
Rating: 3.5/5, good story
May 30, 2023
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
Every thought taken
By Persephone Autumn
Rating: ⭐ 5/5
Emotions: ❤️ 5/5 🌶️1/5
Helena and Anderson’s story goes through many years till it finds its happy end. We see how they get from being friends to young love and finally a soulmate true love.
It needed time and separation to see and feel the truth about their feelings.
There is so much love, pain and heartache throughout the book.
Ander never saw himself fit in anywhere or with anyone other than his sister and her friends, one being Helena.
As they are getting older Helena began to see Ander in something other than just being her best friend’s little brother.
Then they confide in each other, share secrets and feelings. But when Helena has to leave, Ander’s life changes drastically.
The characters grow up and as they saw each other again it was clear that their love was that kind of that is so deep and real it will last forever.
Every thought taken
By Persephone Autumn
Rating: ⭐ 5/5
Emotions: ❤️ 5/5 🌶️1/5
Helena and Anderson’s story goes through many years till it finds its happy end. We see how they get from being friends to young love and finally a soulmate true love.
It needed time and separation to see and feel the truth about their feelings.
There is so much love, pain and heartache throughout the book.
Ander never saw himself fit in anywhere or with anyone other than his sister and her friends, one being Helena.
As they are getting older Helena began to see Ander in something other than just being her best friend’s little brother.
Then they confide in each other, share secrets and feelings. But when Helena has to leave, Ander’s life changes drastically.
The characters grow up and as they saw each other again it was clear that their love was that kind of that is so deep and real it will last forever.
June 1, 2023
Small town romance
Mental health awareness
Second chance
Best friend’s sibling
Anderson is an old soul. Meaning even as a young kid he was old. He felt things deeply. He had a rough start with his parents, school an life in general. His one light was his sister and her friends. They were 3 years older but treated him like he meant something. Especially Helena. The love these two shared was special but they were two young and messed up to handle the fallout. Helena had her own struggles with her family an the pressure they put on her.
I loved Anderson’s sister. She tried he supportive without even knowing how bad things were. She was one of the few who “saw” Anderson and his struggles.
The story is a journey of emotions. Finding your way from heartbreak, self destruction and moving forward. Self care and doing what’s healthy for you. Well written, realistic telling of the struggles of mental health.
Mental health awareness
Second chance
Best friend’s sibling
Anderson is an old soul. Meaning even as a young kid he was old. He felt things deeply. He had a rough start with his parents, school an life in general. His one light was his sister and her friends. They were 3 years older but treated him like he meant something. Especially Helena. The love these two shared was special but they were two young and messed up to handle the fallout. Helena had her own struggles with her family an the pressure they put on her.
I loved Anderson’s sister. She tried he supportive without even knowing how bad things were. She was one of the few who “saw” Anderson and his struggles.
The story is a journey of emotions. Finding your way from heartbreak, self destruction and moving forward. Self care and doing what’s healthy for you. Well written, realistic telling of the struggles of mental health.
May 28, 2023
This book was a little different for me. Nothing crazy, but it was my first age gap where the FMC is older than the MMC. Unless I'm missing a book I read in my brain that is. Either way the age gap isn't anything major. Just a few years. This book also deals with some mental health issues so please check trigger warnings before you read it. The story itself was really good. The characters did their job of bringing drama and chemistry. This book completely focused on the two MC's. Obviously you see some others, but their romance is all theirs and the drama stays between the two pretty much. You'll definitely love some characters and hate some too. I absolutely LOVE that you get to follow these characters from early childhood into adulthood. Persephone Autumn definitely took the trope friends to lovers seriously I'd say. 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 30, 2023
Anderson and Helena knew each other as kids and eventually became close, they meant something to each other. She was a few years older and she went away to college he stayed in the town of Lake Lavender and struggled. This is their story, a story about finding that love you once lost a second time. A story about struggling mentally and and eventually getting the help you need and being honest about it with the people you love. This was a great emotional story that took us on an amazing journey with incredible characters. Characters that meant something to each other and were able to fight for each other at the end. This series is so well written and takes us on a honest but emotional journey. The subject matter in this book is sensitive but was handled extremely well and added so much depth to this story. I can’t wait to see what this author will bring us next!
June 29, 2023
review to follow
June 2, 2023
This book is everything! It hooked me right from the very beginning and kept me there until the very end. It made me feel every emotion possible. It’s such an emotional rollercoaster, one that I will gladly take again. So thankful I had tissues with me.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews