Review: Debut novel find!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 18, 2013
Debut novel find! "Beautiful Chances," the debut novel from Alicia Rae is a sweet and entertaining story that keeps you engaged in each page while delivering a story of grief and growth, loss and love, hope and pain. Each emotion is felt deeply throughout the pages and your heart both aches and smiles for our beautifully written female lead, Lily.I will warn you, there is a cliffhanger but it didn't ruin the book for me. It actually is a perfect lead in to the next book in the series due out November 5th (per Goodreads). There is some suspense in "Beautiful Chances" that to me was a really nice addition and added a layer to a great read!In "Beautiful Chances" we meet Lily Tidsdale, a 24 year old writer who has secluded herself to a cottage on Sanibel Island Florida to deal with the pain and loss she has felt for three years since the death of her parents and sister. After leaving the only family she has left, Florida and the ocean have become her means of escape, inspiration and a way of keeping the terrible pain at bay.One day while sitting outside, Lily is interrupted by the most gorgeous man she has ever seen. Kyle Madison is a successful real estate developer and all around good guy. He tells Lily that he has been watching her for a few weeks and he can see the pain she is in. He wants to help her, there is something that draws him to her and he wants to give her romance and flowers.Kyle does everything in his power to make Lily happy, showing her love and care. There are some amazing dates, sexy love scenes and heartfelt words. To be honest, Kyle is almost too good to be true.While Kyle works to help Lily heal, Lily begins to break out of the shell she has built around her. All of her decisions made in the last three years are to keep herself from caring, to keep herself from losing another person she loves.At the same time, Lily begins getting menacing letters from what appears to be someone who knows her but potentially could be a crazed fan. Additionally, Lily is dealing with her friend Luke's sudden declaration of love.Will Kyle be able to fully penetrate the wall around Lily's heart? Will Lily be able to handle the truth once she finds out what more details about that fateful night? How will Lily's relationship with Luke be affected by her choices related to Kyle?Alicia Rae delivers a story that for anyone who experienced grief, can relate and appreciate how it is not rushed or lessened. True grief is felt deep in your toes and for Lily this is no exception. This is a definite read and I am so excited to continue reading stories from the amazing new author!