Review and Giveaway: Haven from the Storm by Sarah Dosher

Summary

“If you’re going to make me cry, at least be there to wipe away the tears…”

Most were asleep in their beds the night Lily Grace’s entire world was ripped apart, leaving only darkness and torment in its place. The only remaining person she depended on abandoned her without a second thought…or so that’s what Lily has believed for the past four years.

Dean Haven has returned for one reason—to win Lily’s love again. He’s already broken her heart because of the demons that haunt him. Can his desire for Lily keep him from succumbing to those demons again?

Dean has no idea what awaits him when he tries to fight his way back into Lily’s life. Everything he remembers has changed, including Lily.

Is love enough when you’re forced to weather the storms life has blown your way?
Due to content and subject matter, suggested for readers 16 years of age and older.

Our 4 star review

Lily has been infatuated with Dean Haven for most of her fourteen years. He is her brother Easton’s best friend and four years older than her. Living in Kolby, Oklahoma, tornadoes are common and the one that hit Kolby in 2009 destroyed not only the town but Lily’s life. Dean left shortly after, helping to condemn Lily to a life of pain, terror and abuse. Four years later, Dean thinks he can make amends for his neglect and returns to reclaim Lily. Encouraged by his grandmother Violet, it isn’t long before he realizes what his abandonment of Lily costs her and ultimately will cost him.

Lily will guard her heart against all others. Her life is all about guarding; her secrets, her father’s actions, and her wants. Though she still has the same feelings for Dean, he left her to deal with the fragments of her life and she can’t be expected to open herself up to him, at the risk of being betrayed again. Lily has two friends in this world; Violet, Dean’s grandmother and Adley, a casualty of the foster care system who lives with Violet.  Ironically, Dean is student teaching at Lily’s school and the two share a class together. Through all their pain, they also reminisce about their past, especially those times they enjoyed at Sunflower Beach. Dean is determined to have Lily’s forgiveness and love.

“I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am, but I can tell you I’m not going to give up this time. I love you Sunflower, and I’m not going anywhere, no matter how long it takes. I’m here,” I promised her.

Make no mistake, the physical and emotional abuse Lily suffers is sickening at best and revolting at its worst. There are family secrets to be revealed and hideous deeds to be discovered. But underlying all this is a love story of second chances and redemption. Ms. Dosher has written a beautifully well-crafted novel and one worth reading.




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