Hello
happy readers. So diving right into it
here this book is the 3rd book in the
companion series, Juniper Skies by
Lora Richardson. I have reviewed the
previous books here: The Edge of Juniper & Juniper Limits as well as her other
stand-alone title Outspoken. I was lucky enough to be provided a copy in
exchange for an honest review but honestly as soon as I found out little Abe
was getting his own story as he grew up I knew I had to read it! Again this is a companion series so the other
books are necessary but this will spoil those for you and they are great so
start from the beginning!
Rating: 5 Quarts Rocks
As
I said I read the previous books about the other characters in this small town
and I really enjoyed them. I knew Abe as
he was young going through some things that no child should have to deal with
but still grabbing hold of your heart.
Now we have seen the stories from his cousin and sister but now it’s his
turn, years after the last book when he is working hard in the summer before
his senior year. We also meet Delphine, who has spent her
whole life on the road traveling with her gram from place to plan in an
RV. It's an interesting life for sure
but she has a desire to settle down in one place for at least a little while
and so her gram decides Juniper will be her home for all of her senior year.
Abe
and his life has changed quite a bit since we last saw him. He isn't the happy easy going kid. He is a loner with a bit of a
reputation. He doesn't want to be around
people but keeps to himself. This books,
series as a whole really, manages to tackle some really deep and real
issues. With his father in prison for
the past few years about to get out and the emotional upheaval that brings up,
to the way he has struggled with his fathers history as he grew into a young
man. I loved reading his parts as we saw
what was going on for him and how everything impacted his life and his choices
to this point. I loved seeing him with
his family both his mother and sister but more with the family he made with
Faye/Malcolm and his mom. He still has a
support system and you are rooting for him to take their advise.
Delphine has never really had any real
friends. Moving too often to make any
lasting friendships. She has a whole
list of things she wants to accomplish in fact including kissing a boy. She reminded me a lot of how Abe used to be
with a special helping of determination.
She wants to make new friends and form her own opinions and not let
others shape her view of someone. I
loved her chapters as she got to know others around town and even when she
wanted to be liked and included she didn't succumb to the pressure and change
who she is.
There
are several foot in mouth moments as these town begin to know and understand
one another. It is slow burning and
beautiful. I was so in awe of this story
and how it weaved such emotionally powerful moments dealing with real emotion
and issues into such an overall sweet and uplifting story. It amazed me from start to finish. I loved the romance between them some of the
moments written for them had me swooning something fierce. Seriously this is where book boyfriends are
made! This was a story all about Abe and Delphine
but one added benefit is we also got to check in on our other couples from the
previous books because of their closeness to Abe in this one big mixed up
family! I love it all. I'm sad this is supposed to be the end of
Juniper but thrilled to know they have each other.
Until
next time…
