Love, Lucas
Author: Chantele Sedgwick
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Published: May 5th, 2015
ISBN13: 9781632204172
Hardcover: 288 pages
FTC FYI: I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Mindy
Summary
When Oakley Nelson loses her older brother, Lucas, to cancer, she thinks she’ll never recover. Between her parents’ arguing and the battle she’s fighting with depression, she feels nothing inside but a hollow emptiness. When Mom suggests they spend a few months in California with Aunt Jo, Oakley isn’t sure a change of scenery will alter anything, but she’s willing to give it a try.
In California, Oakley discovers a sort of safety and freedom in Aunt Jo’s beach house. Once they’re settled, Mom hands her a notebook full of letters addressed to her—from Lucas. As Oakley reads one each day, she realizes how much he loved her, and each letter challenges her to be better and to continue to enjoy her life. He wants her to move on.
If only it were that easy.
But then a surfer named Carson comes into her life, and Oakley is blindsided. He makes her feel again. As she lets him in, she is surprised by how much she cares for him, and that’s when things get complicated. How can she fall in love and be happy when Lucas never got the chance to do those very same things?
With her brother’s dying words as guidance, Oakley knows she must learn to listen and trust again. But will she have to leave the past behind to find happiness in the future?
My Review
Love, Lucas is sweet story about Oakley, trying to move on with her life after a tragedy and life changing events. After the death of her brother, Lucas, Oakley and her mom move to California for the spring to try to distance themselves from the pain of losing him. Oakley’s mom gives her a notebook of letters written by Lucas that he wrote before he died, in hopes of helping her move on. I absolutely loved this book. I’ve told Chantele that I think she and I are kindred spirits, and I felt this way even more so reading this book. The story flows nicely, and I enjoyed Oakley’s journey of growth. Carson was a ray of sunshine. He lit up the pages. Once Oakley got over her fears of self doubt and she let him in, it was fun to see their relationship progress. When a tragedy strikes him, it was interesting to see how she would handle it. My favorite thing about the book were the letters from Lucas. They were sweet, funny, and a perfect way for Oakley to heal. Be brave and try new things, what a perfect motto for us all.
4 out of 5 stars. A clean book with great characters and enjoyable story. I will read anything from this author.
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