Review: LOVED IT!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 15, 2013
4.5 starsI really need to thank Carina Press as I've been exposed to so many great new to me authors because of them and Liz Flaherty is just the latest on that list. Jar of Dreams is such a feel good story that I enjoyed completely. This story makes you look at all stages of life and how choices you make can and will affect those around you. It's about love, loss, and learning to live again; sometimes it's not pretty but sometimes it's magic.I can't remember a book where I loved every one of the characters and this book has a plethora of atruegemawardcharacters. I even liked the bitchy one because it was easy to see there was something going on with her to cause her to act the way she did. I love that his book takes place in a small town where everyone knows everyone and even after you're grown and you return, the town will still tell tales on you. I love when someone new comes to town they welcome her in and treat her as one of their own. I really love that the author didn't rush Boone and Lucy to the "I love you stage" because they had a lot to work through and the fact that they took their time made this book even more special.Lucy arrives in town following a tragic fire that took her Dad's life and burned down their family restaurant. She came to visit the aunt of one of her customer's and not only did she never leave, she now rents a room and is running a business with his aunt, Gert. She's enjoying her new life until Gert's other nephew arrives at the request of his sister. They are sure she's taking advantage of Gert and plan to figure out a way to get rid of her.Boone really doesn't want to deal with the woman who his sister has insisted is invading their aunt's house and life. However, it's been awhile since he's visited so he plans a summer long trip to reconnect with his family and try to move past his wife's death. The one thing he doesn't expect when he arrives is to feel an immediate attraction and the need to protect Lucy.Both of these characters just took hold and grabbed me, both have been through some terrible tragedies and although they keep going, they really aren't living their lives fully. I love how connected they were to each other from the start, despite the sometimes harsh words and even a few misplaced accusations; it was easy to see their connection. I admire Lucy for standing up to Boone and his sister, Kelly. I love the way Boone easily came to Lucy's defense over and over even though he didn't know everything about her and her past life. Most of all I admire the way they both seem to understand the other's need to talk and have someone really listen to what they are saying.I can't say enough good things about Jar of Dreams; you'll immediately feel at home with these characters, find yourself caught up in the drama they all face, and loving every minute of it! I'm already hoping for a sequel because I know there's at least one more story that needs to be told and personally, I think it's going to be a dozy!Review copy provided for an honest review.