Review: Michelle Leighton's "The Dandelion."

Amazon.com:   https://amzn.to/2I2LcyP

Amazon UK:    https://amzn.to/2FzgCaO

Synopsis:

At thirty-five, Abigail Simmons has mastered only one thing—running. When tragedy strikes, she runs. This time her urge to flee brings Abi back to her hometown, where she hopes she can find the peace she’s always searched for. That hope is dashed when Abi’s ex, Sam Forrester, bumps his way back into her life. 

Sam has flourished in ways Abi hasn’t. From the outside, he has it all—a successful medical practice, a beautiful daughter, and a charming wife.

Who is dying.

Sara Forrester is dying and her final wish is for Sam to find love again so she can meet the woman who will finish raising her daughter and grow old with her husband. Abi seems like the perfect fit, but what Sara doesn’t know is that Abi has a secret, a secret no one could guess.

And it’s a deal breaker.

Review: Surj

This is only the second book I have read by Michelle Leighton but once again, I have been blown away by this emotionally charged story she has written. From reading the synopsis, I knew "The Dandelion" was going to be a heart breaker of a read and I wasn't wrong. Abi, Sam and Sara's story absolutely devastated me. From start to finish, I read this book with a such heavy heart, a lump in my throat and the threat of tears never far away because of the impossible situation these characters found themselves in. It was tragic with a sense of despair at the forefront of every page I read. Each of these characters was going through so much and I felt every ounce of their pain and suffering. 

"The Dandelion" (very much like "The Empty Jar") was one of those books I know I'll remember for a long time, the storyline definitely leaving its mark on me. Why? Well because so much of it felt so real. The situation the characters found themselves in, their actions, their sacrifices and their selflessness really made me think and question, "what would I do in their shoes?" Would I have the strength and courage to do as they did? Would I be brave enough? I honestly don't know but for me, the story definitely toyed with my conscience. For me, the best kind of books are the thought provoking ones and this was 100% that! 

Michelle Leighton bought this heart breaking tale to life two fold. Firstly, the emotionally charged writing that ensured I felt every single thing the characters went through and secondly, because of  her excellent use of imagery that ensured I was able to quite literally live this story right alongside the characters. I was a part of the small town. I was a resident at the lake. I felt the beautiful sun on my face and I watched the world go by as I sat on my adirondack chair on my porch. I loved the sense of family and nostalgia that came with the setting too. For the few hours it took me to read this book, I felt like I was home.

"The Dandelion" was a story about love, loss, atonement and second chances that weaved itself into my emotions right from the get go. A job well done to this author for writing a story so was just so heart felt. I rated it ❤️❤️❤️❤️