I'd seen a lot of buzz around the internet about this book and even though it's got a pregnancy plotline (which I usually RUN away from) I wanted to read it. I'm glad I did.Lana Biel co-owns a flower and seed store with her sister, Karin. Lana is a free spirit, she's always wanted to travel the world and plans to, as soon as her sister is settled in with her husband. Karin and her husband want a baby but so far have been unsuccessful in their atempts to conceive naturally. Lana's best friend Eli is a meteorite hunter and teacher; he travels often with his job. Eli loves Lana but hasn't told her - recently. Lana wants their friendship to stay platonic because she's afraid if they become romantically involved he'll eventually leave her and she doesn't think she could live without him.
As the book opens, Lana is taking a home pregnancy test with Eli there for emotional support. Lena had been casually dating Ron but hadn't seen him in months - the last time they'd had sex, actually.
From that point, the story goes back to the night Lana and Ron had sex, and the events leading up to the moment Lana takes the pregnancy test, which is positive. Lana is devastated - she doesn't want kids, she wants to travel. She knows she'll have to tell her sister, Karin, who is desperate for a child. Her relationship with Eli is becoming rocky, as he wants a romantic relationship and Lana keeps fighting it.
This book has several twists that are heartbreaking yet hopeful. There are no easy answers for Lana, Eli, or Karin's problems. Ms. Dale does a very good job of showing each side of the story and I was unsure of the outcome until the end. There were a few slow spots involving Lana's father where I wished she'd move the plot along, but I really enjoyed this book and give it 4 stars.
Disclaimer: I won this book from Author Kelley Moran's blog.
This is in my massive TBR stack, too, and the pregnancy plotline's been scaring me away... Hmm.
ReplyDeleteEvemn good books can be slow, but glad it moved along at the end-
ReplyDeleteI was told to read it from our friend Host, she loved this book. I am like you Patti, where I normally run away from plot line like that as well. It is in my TBR pile, so one day I will read it!
ReplyDeleteHope all is going well my friend!
Actually the pregnancy issue doesn't turn me off...your review makes me want to go out and get this one.
ReplyDeleteHi Patti,
ReplyDeleteI also have this in my enormous TBR pile and will be reviewing in a couple of weeks hopefully!
Great review and it makes me want to read even more!
Normally I'm like you - pregnancy plot? Walk away.
ReplyDeleteBut I want to give this one a go, after both you and Mandi gave favorable reviews :)
Hi Patti:
ReplyDeleteI started this book and just couldn't get into it. I think it was the whole "peeing on a stick", thing at the beginning of the novel. Like you, just can't get into the single and pregnant theme.
I'm glad you enjoyed though and appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
Best
L
This is the first review that told me how the book played out. Because I haven't picked it up yet due to the pregnancy plot (I bought b/c of the friends-to-lovers theme). But your review made it sound so interesting! I'm not going to put off reading it now. :P
ReplyDeleteChris - I really do run away from pregnancy plotlines...I don't know how to explain - it was part of the storyline and yet not...if that makes sense.
ReplyDeleteBlodeuedd - it was pretty sweet.
Cecile - I did enjoy it, it was actually one of the books that pulled me out of my reading slump!
KC - thanks!
Razlover - thanks and looking forward to your review!
Danielle - haha - now I need to go look up Mandi's review to see what she said ;)
Lea - I'm sorry you couldn't get into it. That happened to me recently with a book everyone is raving about and I just kind of thought..eh.
Ames - thanks! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I thought this was more of a chick-lit title which is why I stayed clear of it.
ReplyDeleteIt's on my radar again though now...
I really liked this book - and I too thought I wouldn't. I actually thought it was a historical..LOL. Until the first pg where she pees on a stick..ooh ;)
ReplyDeleteMy only prob was with the father. Otherwise, I really enjoyed it. Ely is such a cute beta!!
Wonderful review! Your opinion and all the comments about liking the book even though they normally don't want to read about the pregnancy theme, makes me think it's an interesting book!
ReplyDeleteI put this on my library loot list after having read Hilcia's review for it several weeks ago. Sometimes I need a good chick lit cry and this one sounds like it would fit the bill. ;)
ReplyDelete