Left to Love and My Forever by Jolene B. Perry

Left to Love

Author: Jolene B. Perry

Publisher: Next Door Publishing

Published: June 8, 2012

ISBN13: 9781477548363

286 pages

FTY FYI: Review copy

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: Next Door Publishing

Expected Publish Date: August 3, 2012

ISBN:

178 pages

FTC FYI: Review copy

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 paperback to one lucky winner. 

The Next Door Boys, Left to Love, and My Forever.


If you would like an eBook copy instead, I'm giving away the PDF's on LDSWBR. 
You can enter both places.

Fill out the form below, and you're entered.  US ONLY. Winner announced August 15th, 2012.

Read more about Jolene and her books on her blog.  Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

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Night Sky by Jolene B. Perry

Night Sky

Author: Jolene B. Perry Twitter / Facebook

Publisher: Tribute Books Twitter / Facebook

Published: March 1, 2012

ISBN: 9780983741862
ISBN: 9781466052338

eBook: 247 pages

FTC FYI: Review copy

Goodreads Summary: "Girl I’ve loved, girl I’m falling for. Now that they’re both in view, the problem is clear.

After losing Sarah, the friend he’s loved, to some other guy, Jameson meets Sky. Her Native American roots, fluid movements, and need for brutal honesty become addictive fast. This is good. Jameson needs distraction – his dad leaves for another woman, his mom’s walking around like a zombie, and Sarah’s new boyfriend can’t keep his hands off of her.

As he spends time with Sky and learns about her village, her totems, and her friends with drums - she's way more than distraction. Jameson's falling for her fast.

But Sky’s need for honesty somehow doesn’t extend to her life story – and Jameson just may need more than his new girl to keep him distracted from the disaster of his senior year."

Jameson is having a bad night. He doesn't have the courage to tell his best friend Sarah how he feels about her. He loves her, and has for years. Now it's too late, she's with Eric now. Jameson leaves the school dance and takes the bus down the Vegas strip to see his parents. They both work at a Casino and work odd hours. Jameson doesn't mind the hours, though. It works for their family. He finds them, gets a sympathy talk from his mom and she gives him the keys the Porsche to drive home. Even though he is down and out, there's nothing like driving his dad's Porsche. On his way, he has to pass by his neighborhood to head south, all the while blasting his 90's grunge music. Then he sees her. A beautiful girl with a tank top, flip flops and long black hair. Jameson can't believe his bravery when he asks her if she needs a ride. The girl is lost and Jameson offers to help her, because he lives close. Turns out she's staying with her grandparents while she attends college, and her house is down from Jameson's. They talk and flirt. Her name is Sky, and right away Jameson is hooked. Sky has a request from Jameson right from the start of their friendship, total honesty.

Jameson is a great character. I liked how the guy in a story this time is "the good kid". He's on the swim team, gets good grades, and has his head on straight (about most things). Sky comes in to his life and helps him with his still lingering feelings for Sarah. Other things come up for him and as they are getting to know each other, Jameson finds Sky is holding back some truths. Which is frustrating for him because of the her "honesty" rule.

I really liked this book. 4 out of 5 stars. Jolene is such an amazing author. She has a way of writing so smoothly and effortlessly. Jolene is also the author of The Next Door Boys which I loved! It was nominated for a 2011 Whitney Award. Knee Deep is an upcoming book from her as well.

Content

There is language and sexual situations. While the characters don't have sex, Sky does spend the night, and there are descriptions of Jameson's thoughts towards Sky.

I was so excited to be a part of this Blog Tour. Jolene is my friend, and I want to spread the word about her awesome books. Jolene grew up in Wasilla, Alaska. She graduated from Southern Utah University with a degree in political science and French, which she used to teach math to middle schoolers.

After living in Washington, Utah and Las Vegas, she now resides in Alaska with her husband, and two children. Aside from writing, Jolene sews, plays the guitar, sings when forced, and spends as much time outside as possible.

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