Left to Love
Author: Jolene B. Perry
Publisher: Next Door Publishing
Published: June 8, 2012
ISBN13: 9781477548363
286 pages
FTY FYI: Review copy
Reviewed by Mindy
Goodreads Summary: Leigh’s life is shaping up to be pretty perfect.
She married the father of a little boy she fell in love with. They live in a nice house, on a quiet street, and her hobby of a sewing business is keeping her busier than she ever imagined. She’s back in touch with her brother who she hasn’t seen since she was a child, and her new husband has an “in” for his dream job when he graduates in the spring.
But when her small symptoms begin to lead up to something big – she has to face the shattering realization that her cancer is back.
Leigh struggles with her new marriage, her faith, her desire to adopt the little boy who calls her mom, and the strength to keep fighting for her life.
My Review
I am a huge fan of Jolene’s and her stories. When I asked to read and review The Next Door Boys last year, I instantly fell in love with the characters. I was so excited to know that Jolene had written more for Leigh and Brian.
Leigh’s cancer is back, with a vengeance. So much is different for Leigh this time around, especially her faith. As Brian struggles to help her, and Leigh struggles with her own feelings of trying to adopt Brian’s sweet son Nathan, while his mom is in jail. Leigh lets the cancer get the best of her, and finds herself questioning her faith. While dealing with her long absent brother Joseph, and why he left the family so many years before.
There were so many things I loved about this book. My heart broke for Leigh, but also Brian as he wanted to help her so much, but didn’t know what to do for her. Nathan was a ray of sunshine in the story, what a sweet kid he is. I feel that Leigh learned a lot during her cancer treatment, most of it learned from a visit from an old friend.
4 1/2 out of 5 stars. I cried a lot, but also smiled a lot. Jolene is such a talented author, and I loved being a part of these amazing stories.
My Forever
Author: Jolene B. Perry
Publisher:
Expected Publish Date: August 3, 2012
ISBN:
178 pages
FTC FYI: Review copy
Reviewed by Mindy
Goodreads Summary: A novel about finding your place in the world when nothing goes as planned…
Told from the POV of Dani (Danielle), a high school senior.
A companion novel to The Next Door Boys and Left to Love.
My Review
Dani is the daughter of a pastor. She has a big family, and feels a little lost in all the chaos sometimes. Right when we meet Dani, she finds out she’s pregnant. She feels lost, but knows deep down that she shouldn’t be the one to raise the baby. Not being able to turn to her family, she turns to a boy Michael who shared with her a couple years back that he was adopted. Dani tells him she is pregnant, and he tells her about LDS Family Services. Right away she feels that is the path for her.
I loved this book. I think that it is my favorite from Jolene. A lot a tragedy happens to Dani, but also a lot of good. I loved her experiences, and how she learns to have the Holy Ghost be her guide.
4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
I have an exciting giveaway for you! Jolene is generously donating her series in eBook, PDF form, to one lucky winner.
The Next Door Boys, Left to Love, and My Forever.
I am also giving away the paperback copies on my review blog MinReadsandReviews.com if you would prefer that. You can enter both places.
Please leave a comment below, and you’re entered. Winner announced August 8th, 2012.
Read more about Jolene and her books on her blog. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.