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Emerald Cove #1
How To Save A Life
I learnt the hard way that labels stick. Laura took “lovely”, and the teacher branded me “ladylike”.
It stuck with me, even through my high school years. It felt like that was all I’d ever be.
Until everything changed.
Lonely Lia.
Little Lia.
Lia the liar.
Lia the lost …
Now the choices are endless. But I don’t want to be any of those either.
My name is Lia Stanton. And this is my story.
It stuck with me, even through my high school years. It felt like that was all I’d ever be.
Until everything changed.
Lonely Lia.
Little Lia.
Lia the liar.
Lia the lost …
Now the choices are endless. But I don’t want to be any of those either.
My name is Lia Stanton. And this is my story.
Unknown Binding
First published July 19, 2015
14 people are currently reading
911 people want to read
About the author
Lauren K. McKellar
35 books393 followersLauren K. McKellar is a writer of contemporary romance reads that make you feel. This hybrid-published USA Today best-selling author loves writing books with stunning local settings, heart-throb heroes, and leading ladies who overcome great hardships in their lives.
In addition to writing, Lauren loves to read, and you can often find her up at all hours of the night with a glass of wine, some chocolate, and a good book. She lives by the beach in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband, infant son, and their two dogs. Most of the time, all four of them are well behaved.
In addition to writing, Lauren loves to read, and you can often find her up at all hours of the night with a glass of wine, some chocolate, and a good book. She lives by the beach in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband, infant son, and their two dogs. Most of the time, all four of them are well behaved.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 24, 2015
Wow, just wow!
This book seriously blew me away, no scrap that, it blew my head off. Too weird? Okay.
So, How To Save A Life, is my first read of Lauren K. McKellar's and wow what an impression it has left me with.
I knew that this author's last series was pretty epic, and tear your heart out, kind of reads, so I did psych myself up for this book, thinking it may just be the same.
Lia Stanton is 17 (nearly 18, yep that is important) and she has to have been through more in the last 2 years, than anyone triple her age.
She is far more mature than most 17 year olds, and handles so much, that I constantly just wanted to hug her, in a non freaky, too much, kinda way.
I don't know if I can
swim to the horizon
but know this - I want you.
I'm going to have to be incredibly careful how I write this review, as there is just so much packed in to the pages, and if I was to let just one thing slip, it could ruin the whole story for someone. So I'm not going to summarise this story, and I feel a little lost, when I don't summarise first, but I can't say anything at all, it's non stop, full on action from the very first page, everything is interlinked to a bigger picture, and anything I could say will have a knock on effect for the rest of the book.
But, what I can say is, this book will seriously tear out your heart, wring it a few times, then put it back in all shrivelled up. Too gross?
I felt like I was constantly battling some weird nasal & eye leakage thing, throughout the WHOLE BOOK. The writing is so beautiful, and honest, and didn't feel like someone had written a book, it really felt like someone trying to tell the story of a friend or relative. The sad and brutal reality of Lia's life, and the events that take place over approximately 2 years, were just heartbreaking. You wouldn't think it could all just keep coming at her, but it does. And sometimes, I could foresee what was coming before it did, and knew it was going to be heartbreaking.
I was broken
I was scared
then I believed
This is how you
make me feel.
I'm still left thinking about it now, after finishing last night. How one beautiful, talented girl could have so many crappy people in her life, and those people could do so many bad things, that she has to deal with. Yet still come out if it, such an incredibly strong, kind, and awe inspiring woman. Kinda makes you feel a bit crummy about yourself. lol
Anyway, so even though I can't tell you what you are going to get with this book. I can't even talk about the characters without spoiling it. It's one of those books that has to be experienced, with no prior knowledge whatsoever, of what you are going in to. I can't see that anyone wouldn't get anything out of this story, it's such a hauntingly beautiful story, and it will stick with me for quite some time. Epic style.
That was the saddest
thing I've ever heard.
And yet, I didn't
want it to end.
STAR RATINGS:
Plot = 5/5
Characters = 5/5
Heat = 1/5
Writing Style = 10/5
Overall Rating = 5/5
***I was given an ARC of this book, in exchange for a fair and honest review***
September 6, 2023
En ouvrant ce livre je ne m'attendais pas à une histoire aussi bouleversante et déchirante.
Lia est une adolescente de 17 ans qui a vécue des choses plus que traumatisante dans sa vie. Elle vit seule avec sa mère, mais ce qui se passe derrière la porte de sa maison est un secret pour tout le monde, une honte qu'elle porte sur ses épaules depuis près de 2 ans. La seule chose qui l'aide à supporter tout ça, c'est la musique, jouer du piano, créer des mélodies. Son rêve le plus cher est de remporter une bourse pour intégrer une école prestigieuse de musique à Melbourne, et fuir son passé par la même occasion.
Cette histoire m'a complètement bouleversé. La plume est très immersive, belle et honnête ce qui a rendue la lecture encore plus poignante.
Lia, malgré son jeune âge, est un personnage attachant, à qui on peut facilement avoir de la compassion. Elle est bien plus mâture que les personnes qu'elle frequente au lycée, ce qui peut lui faire défaut.
J'ai aussi énormément aimé Jase, "le mec qui tient le bar d'à côté", mystérieux, attachant, mais aussi avec un lourd passé. Ça sera un des piliers pour Lia, l'ancre à laquelle elle pourra s'accrocher.
La colère, la tristesse, l'espoir, la joie. Voilà les sentiments que j'ai pu ressentir tout au long de cette lecture.
C'est une leçon de vie.
Je pense que c'est la chronique la plus difficile qui j'ai eu à faire, parfois impossible de parler de ce que j'ai ressenti sans spoiler... c'est une expérience, un message de survie, d'espoir.
Lia est une adolescente de 17 ans qui a vécue des choses plus que traumatisante dans sa vie. Elle vit seule avec sa mère, mais ce qui se passe derrière la porte de sa maison est un secret pour tout le monde, une honte qu'elle porte sur ses épaules depuis près de 2 ans. La seule chose qui l'aide à supporter tout ça, c'est la musique, jouer du piano, créer des mélodies. Son rêve le plus cher est de remporter une bourse pour intégrer une école prestigieuse de musique à Melbourne, et fuir son passé par la même occasion.
Cette histoire m'a complètement bouleversé. La plume est très immersive, belle et honnête ce qui a rendue la lecture encore plus poignante.
Lia, malgré son jeune âge, est un personnage attachant, à qui on peut facilement avoir de la compassion. Elle est bien plus mâture que les personnes qu'elle frequente au lycée, ce qui peut lui faire défaut.
J'ai aussi énormément aimé Jase, "le mec qui tient le bar d'à côté", mystérieux, attachant, mais aussi avec un lourd passé. Ça sera un des piliers pour Lia, l'ancre à laquelle elle pourra s'accrocher.
La colère, la tristesse, l'espoir, la joie. Voilà les sentiments que j'ai pu ressentir tout au long de cette lecture.
C'est une leçon de vie.
Je pense que c'est la chronique la plus difficile qui j'ai eu à faire, parfois impossible de parler de ce que j'ai ressenti sans spoiler... c'est une expérience, un message de survie, d'espoir.
June 5, 2017
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Lauren McKellar's writing, so perhaps it won't be a surprise that this book BLEW ME AWAY. Lauren is one of a few contemporary authors who are on my "must read" list, and for very good reason. (With most, I'm like, "Yeah, but where's the magic? Vampires? Witches? ...no?")
Lia is a seventeen year old in desperate need of a hug. She's effectively the adult in her family life because of her mother's issues with alcohol, but she doesn't want her friends to know about it because above all else she can't stand being the object of pity. Of course, that means that she doesn't cry for help when she really should.
The closest Lia gets to a cry for help is her music. She's a pianist, and her dream is to win a scholarship and move to Melbourne, away from her family and the people who know its secrets.
Enter Jase. I love Jase so hard. Lauren has this knack for writing amazing love interests, you guys! Jase is covered in tattoos and mixes a wicked cocktail (you can tell Lauren's hubby is a bartender), but he also has this deeper side that makes me want toredacted...
Can't say that. :p
Jase leaves the most adorable notes on Lia's wind-shield after hearing her play. I love them so hard.
I was broken.
I was scared.
Then I believed.
This is how you
Make me feel.
Other parts of the story are told through the use of flashbacks (often via nightmares). These were masterfully handled. Sometimes if I'm more interested in one storyline than another, I resent books that jump between times like this, but these flashbacks were interested and gave just enough detail to keep you on the hook.
Despite me needing to censor my review, the heat level in How to Save a Life is "medium" rather than "scorching". The most we get is some heated kissing scenes. However, there is a problematic scene in there for those that are triggered by certain issues. It's hard to say what without spoilers, but you can probably guess.
The only slight quibble I have is with one of the elements of the ending. It felt just a little bit too "happily ever after", given the way previous events played out. But this quibble wasn't enough to make me dock half a star or anything, and if anyone deserves a happily ever after, it's Lia!
Lia is a seventeen year old in desperate need of a hug. She's effectively the adult in her family life because of her mother's issues with alcohol, but she doesn't want her friends to know about it because above all else she can't stand being the object of pity. Of course, that means that she doesn't cry for help when she really should.
The closest Lia gets to a cry for help is her music. She's a pianist, and her dream is to win a scholarship and move to Melbourne, away from her family and the people who know its secrets.
Enter Jase. I love Jase so hard. Lauren has this knack for writing amazing love interests, you guys! Jase is covered in tattoos and mixes a wicked cocktail (you can tell Lauren's hubby is a bartender), but he also has this deeper side that makes me want to
Can't say that. :p
Jase leaves the most adorable notes on Lia's wind-shield after hearing her play. I love them so hard.
I was broken.
I was scared.
Then I believed.
This is how you
Make me feel.
Other parts of the story are told through the use of flashbacks (often via nightmares). These were masterfully handled. Sometimes if I'm more interested in one storyline than another, I resent books that jump between times like this, but these flashbacks were interested and gave just enough detail to keep you on the hook.
Despite me needing to censor my review, the heat level in How to Save a Life is "medium" rather than "scorching". The most we get is some heated kissing scenes. However, there is a problematic scene in there for those that are triggered by certain issues. It's hard to say what without spoilers, but you can probably guess.
The only slight quibble I have is with one of the elements of the ending. It felt just a little bit too "happily ever after", given the way previous events played out. But this quibble wasn't enough to make me dock half a star or anything, and if anyone deserves a happily ever after, it's Lia!
July 21, 2015
What a powerful and heart-wrenching read!
How to Save A Life follows Lia as she's about to graduate high-school, and to try out for a music scholarship. All she wants is to escape Emerald Cove and her past. Lia's past is full of heart break and of her growing up too fast for her age. The things Lia has gone through are horrific and my heart broke for her multiple times during this read.
Throughout this book we start to get more of Lia's past and what she's gone through in the past eighteen months. We see her get her heart broken, pushing people who care away, and her trying to move forward. Seeing her mother and how she handled things made my heart hurt for Lia. Lia knows she can't force her mom to get help, but doesn't want to lose her mom, so she's in a bind, and then her mom brings around some pretty shady people who I immediately didn't trust, and couldn't believe that Lia ignored her feelings about some of them... but she's young and wants to believe that there is good in people.
This story is heart-breaking beautiful and one I was unable to put down as soon as I picked it up. Lia's story tore at my heartstrings and made me want to see something good and happy happen to her. There are glimpses throughout this book that you can see that there is happiness in this story, but it takes a while for Lia to get her HEA and for things to work out for her. The things she has to go through and the things she's put through are something no one should ever have to go through, but Lia's character is strong, beautiful, and had an amazing heart and was able to pull through.
This is the first book of Lauren McKellar's that I've read and I will definitely be picking up more books by her. Her writing is beautiful and she made this story come to life on my Kindle and I felt as if I was there with the characters experiencing all of their pain, sorrow, and happiness right along with them.
If you're looking for something different, definitely pick up How To Save A Life today, it is a book that will stay with you for quite some time after reading "The End".
How to Save A Life follows Lia as she's about to graduate high-school, and to try out for a music scholarship. All she wants is to escape Emerald Cove and her past. Lia's past is full of heart break and of her growing up too fast for her age. The things Lia has gone through are horrific and my heart broke for her multiple times during this read.
Throughout this book we start to get more of Lia's past and what she's gone through in the past eighteen months. We see her get her heart broken, pushing people who care away, and her trying to move forward. Seeing her mother and how she handled things made my heart hurt for Lia. Lia knows she can't force her mom to get help, but doesn't want to lose her mom, so she's in a bind, and then her mom brings around some pretty shady people who I immediately didn't trust, and couldn't believe that Lia ignored her feelings about some of them... but she's young and wants to believe that there is good in people.
This story is heart-breaking beautiful and one I was unable to put down as soon as I picked it up. Lia's story tore at my heartstrings and made me want to see something good and happy happen to her. There are glimpses throughout this book that you can see that there is happiness in this story, but it takes a while for Lia to get her HEA and for things to work out for her. The things she has to go through and the things she's put through are something no one should ever have to go through, but Lia's character is strong, beautiful, and had an amazing heart and was able to pull through.
This is the first book of Lauren McKellar's that I've read and I will definitely be picking up more books by her. Her writing is beautiful and she made this story come to life on my Kindle and I felt as if I was there with the characters experiencing all of their pain, sorrow, and happiness right along with them.
If you're looking for something different, definitely pick up How To Save A Life today, it is a book that will stay with you for quite some time after reading "The End".
July 25, 2015
Panty Scorching-2
Storyline-5
Angst- 5
Tissues-5
Value- 5
Overall Rating- 5
Kindle eARC provided by Author
Reviewed by: Stephanie
This was my first read by Lauren McKellar and I absolutely loved this book. This story was such an emotional journey. I actually finished it days ago but I wanted to get my thoughts together because I was really unsure how I wanted to write this review. After I finished it the story and the characters were stuck in my head for days, the book pulled me right in and still has yet to let me go. I was torn because there is so much to say about this beautifully written story and some of these amazing characters but I really don’t want to give anything away. It really is just one of those book where you have to go in blind and experience firsthand.
I was broken
I was scared
Then I believed
This is how you
Make me feel
This book will tear your heart out, it will make you angry, sad, and it will almost break you at times but then there is also hope and happiness. Where there is heartache there is also healing. The story was exceptionally written and I right away became very attached to some of the amazing characters. I have found a new go to Author and I can’t wait to read more of her books.
That was the saddest
thing I’ve ever heard.
And yet, I didn’t
want it to end.
http://thesmutbrarians.com/2015/07/21...
Storyline-5
Angst- 5
Tissues-5
Value- 5
Overall Rating- 5
Kindle eARC provided by Author
Reviewed by: Stephanie
This was my first read by Lauren McKellar and I absolutely loved this book. This story was such an emotional journey. I actually finished it days ago but I wanted to get my thoughts together because I was really unsure how I wanted to write this review. After I finished it the story and the characters were stuck in my head for days, the book pulled me right in and still has yet to let me go. I was torn because there is so much to say about this beautifully written story and some of these amazing characters but I really don’t want to give anything away. It really is just one of those book where you have to go in blind and experience firsthand.
I was broken
I was scared
Then I believed
This is how you
Make me feel
This book will tear your heart out, it will make you angry, sad, and it will almost break you at times but then there is also hope and happiness. Where there is heartache there is also healing. The story was exceptionally written and I right away became very attached to some of the amazing characters. I have found a new go to Author and I can’t wait to read more of her books.
That was the saddest
thing I’ve ever heard.
And yet, I didn’t
want it to end.
http://thesmutbrarians.com/2015/07/21...
July 16, 2015
4.5 stars
This was a rather difficult but enjoyable book to read! It was only difficult because I felt incredibly sad at what Lia had to go through in her life. The way her family treated her, her friends, the way she viewed her life. I just wanted to give her a really big hug.
I can honestly say though, that this was a great book that tugged at my heartstrings. Truly sad but then as you read on, you can see there is happiness on the horizon despite what has happened to her. Lia’s persistence at trying to make her life better is admirable.
I loved Jase, I thought he was a really honest caring man that was also trying to do good things! He made not only Lia happy but put a smile on my face. The way he treated Lia was wonderful!!
There was a particular character that gave me a creepy vibe just like he did Lia and when you read the book you will understand. There is sadness, happiness, lies are told that hurt people and a moment when you think OMG…please someone, hurry up…..not saying anything else as you will have to read it for yourself.
The direction this story went was really interesting and kept me hooked and I really loved how it ended! Can’t wait to see what Lauren has planned for us to read next.
Complimentary copy received for an honest review.
This was a rather difficult but enjoyable book to read! It was only difficult because I felt incredibly sad at what Lia had to go through in her life. The way her family treated her, her friends, the way she viewed her life. I just wanted to give her a really big hug.
I can honestly say though, that this was a great book that tugged at my heartstrings. Truly sad but then as you read on, you can see there is happiness on the horizon despite what has happened to her. Lia’s persistence at trying to make her life better is admirable.
I loved Jase, I thought he was a really honest caring man that was also trying to do good things! He made not only Lia happy but put a smile on my face. The way he treated Lia was wonderful!!
There was a particular character that gave me a creepy vibe just like he did Lia and when you read the book you will understand. There is sadness, happiness, lies are told that hurt people and a moment when you think OMG…please someone, hurry up…..not saying anything else as you will have to read it for yourself.
The direction this story went was really interesting and kept me hooked and I really loved how it ended! Can’t wait to see what Lauren has planned for us to read next.
Complimentary copy received for an honest review.
July 10, 2015
Another Stellar novel from Lauren McKellar!
Again, McKellar has takes us on an emotional journey with HTSAL. I fell in love with the characters, and could not stop turning the pages because I HAD to find out what happened next. Lia's past is weaved in, seemingly effortlessly, each little snippet driving me to keep reading into the early hours.
Prepare yourself for the emotions, and for a crush on Jase, the new guy. He's mine BTW. not sharing.
If you've read the Crazy in Love series, then you already have an idea of where's McKellar's writing is going to take you. If you're looking at picking this up as your first McKellar novel, don't hesitate.
Again, McKellar has takes us on an emotional journey with HTSAL. I fell in love with the characters, and could not stop turning the pages because I HAD to find out what happened next. Lia's past is weaved in, seemingly effortlessly, each little snippet driving me to keep reading into the early hours.
Prepare yourself for the emotions, and for a crush on Jase, the new guy. He's mine BTW. not sharing.
If you've read the Crazy in Love series, then you already have an idea of where's McKellar's writing is going to take you. If you're looking at picking this up as your first McKellar novel, don't hesitate.
August 21, 2017
This is another great book by Lauren McKellar..... she has a very beautiful writing style... The characters are great and I felt I had to keep reading to see what was going to happen..... the emotions I felt while reading this book were incredible..... it really got me in and got to me and at times I was literally crying...... I received an ARC for my honest review...... this is not the first book of Lauren's that I've read and it certainly won't be the last......
September 4, 2015
Oh my gosh, McKellar does it again! How To Save A Life is another stellar book, full of all the emotions. ALL OF THEM. Make sure you don't miss this one!
May 31, 2015
You need to add this book to your TBR's. IMMEDIATELY. McStellar does it again!
Want to read
June 10, 2015
September 26, 2015
4.5 stars
June 26, 2023
https://my-bo0ks.over-blog.com/2023/0...
Je ne connaissais pas du tout l'autrice mais lorsque les Editions du chat noir m'ont proposé de découvrir ce roman, le résumé m'a de suite intrigué. Pour vous donner une idée du style, ce roman m'a un peu rappelé Ma raison de vivre de Rebecca Donovan. De nombreux sujets y sont abordés tels que l'alcoolisme, le deuil, la confiance en soi, le suicide et encore bien d'autres. Pour autant, ce roman n'est pas entièrement sombre. Non, car il est aussi question de romance, de nouveau départ, de seconde chance mais aussi de musique.
Dans How to save a life, nous faisons la connaissance de Lia. Lia qui veut oublier son passé. Après avoir changé de lycée, déménagé, rencontré Duke (son petit-ami au début du roman) et nouer une relation amicale avec Kat, elle compte les jours jusqu'à son départ pour l'université et son audition de piano. Objectif : s'éloigner de tout son quotidien et faire table rase du passé. Mais de nombreux bouleversements vont se produire et plus rien ne sera comme avant.
Lia est une héroine profondément marquée par son passé. De fil en aiguilles, de chapitre en chapitre, on prend conscience de l'ampleur de la chose. Une mère alcoolique, des cauchemars et une impression de toucher le fond... Et si dans cette tempête de noirceur, une petite éclaircie venait lui donner l'envie de s'ouvrir à nouveau ? La romance qui débute est certes, assez prévisible et rapide, mais cela fait du bien d'avoir un personnage attentif, gentil et profondément patient. J'ai apprécié ces moments plus doux du roman, cette nouvelle histoire qui débute, même si le passé de Lia et ses mensonges vont bien sur lui retomber dessus à un moment donné et faire éclater cette petite bulle.
Il est difficile de mettre des mots sur ce roman sans en dévoiler trop. Il est clair que la vie de Lia est loin d'être évidente. J'ai été attristé par ce quelle traverse, cette force et ce courage au quotidien pour survivre (car on peut vraiment dire quelle survit à ce stade). Clairement, mon coeur s'est serré au fil des chapitres car on se doute que le pire est à venir. Pour autant, je n'ai pas été émue. Je ne saurais dire pourquoi, sans doute que pour cela il aurait fallu un approfondissement des émotions plutôt que cette succession d'épreuves. La fin est juste et en même temps un peu trop gentille pour certains personnages. Je trouve que Lia pardonne beaucoup même à ceux qui ne le mérite pas trop. Mais cela reste malgré tout une jolie fin, pleine d'espoir et avec un beau message pour cloturer ce roman.
En conclusion, une lecture vraiment chouette. Des sujets forts, des personnages qui en bavent pas mal mais des moments plus doux pour alléger un peu cette histoire si intense et si dure.
Je ne connaissais pas du tout l'autrice mais lorsque les Editions du chat noir m'ont proposé de découvrir ce roman, le résumé m'a de suite intrigué. Pour vous donner une idée du style, ce roman m'a un peu rappelé Ma raison de vivre de Rebecca Donovan. De nombreux sujets y sont abordés tels que l'alcoolisme, le deuil, la confiance en soi, le suicide et encore bien d'autres. Pour autant, ce roman n'est pas entièrement sombre. Non, car il est aussi question de romance, de nouveau départ, de seconde chance mais aussi de musique.
Dans How to save a life, nous faisons la connaissance de Lia. Lia qui veut oublier son passé. Après avoir changé de lycée, déménagé, rencontré Duke (son petit-ami au début du roman) et nouer une relation amicale avec Kat, elle compte les jours jusqu'à son départ pour l'université et son audition de piano. Objectif : s'éloigner de tout son quotidien et faire table rase du passé. Mais de nombreux bouleversements vont se produire et plus rien ne sera comme avant.
Lia est une héroine profondément marquée par son passé. De fil en aiguilles, de chapitre en chapitre, on prend conscience de l'ampleur de la chose. Une mère alcoolique, des cauchemars et une impression de toucher le fond... Et si dans cette tempête de noirceur, une petite éclaircie venait lui donner l'envie de s'ouvrir à nouveau ? La romance qui débute est certes, assez prévisible et rapide, mais cela fait du bien d'avoir un personnage attentif, gentil et profondément patient. J'ai apprécié ces moments plus doux du roman, cette nouvelle histoire qui débute, même si le passé de Lia et ses mensonges vont bien sur lui retomber dessus à un moment donné et faire éclater cette petite bulle.
Il est difficile de mettre des mots sur ce roman sans en dévoiler trop. Il est clair que la vie de Lia est loin d'être évidente. J'ai été attristé par ce quelle traverse, cette force et ce courage au quotidien pour survivre (car on peut vraiment dire quelle survit à ce stade). Clairement, mon coeur s'est serré au fil des chapitres car on se doute que le pire est à venir. Pour autant, je n'ai pas été émue. Je ne saurais dire pourquoi, sans doute que pour cela il aurait fallu un approfondissement des émotions plutôt que cette succession d'épreuves. La fin est juste et en même temps un peu trop gentille pour certains personnages. Je trouve que Lia pardonne beaucoup même à ceux qui ne le mérite pas trop. Mais cela reste malgré tout une jolie fin, pleine d'espoir et avec un beau message pour cloturer ce roman.
En conclusion, une lecture vraiment chouette. Des sujets forts, des personnages qui en bavent pas mal mais des moments plus doux pour alléger un peu cette histoire si intense et si dure.
February 21, 2017
"Do you believe that things happen for a reason?"
I don't know what to say. I shake my head, then nod, then look at him with pleading, hopeful eyes.
"I think you might be my reason, Lia Stanton". He leans in and kisses me on the forehead. "And I'll move everything for that".
I loved Lia and Jase! This has some very heavy topics btw. I was blown away by McKellars writing style and how she made the characters come to life. I felt so much for Lia. She was strong but all she wanted was love and support which she found in Jase. Jase was so sweet and those notes were adorable.
Even though I thought the book was written very well, the only thing I would have liked was a fast forward into the future more. I really want to know how Lia and Jase turned out.
UPDATE: The book The Twenty-One is about Lia's best friend in the book and I started reading a couple chapters so far and Lia and Jase have both appeared in the book. It's 2 years later so it does show that they still are together although I'm not sure I want to read this book. I was a little bored so far in the beginning so I'm not sure if this will be a DNF or not.
I don't know what to say. I shake my head, then nod, then look at him with pleading, hopeful eyes.
"I think you might be my reason, Lia Stanton". He leans in and kisses me on the forehead. "And I'll move everything for that".
I loved Lia and Jase! This has some very heavy topics btw. I was blown away by McKellars writing style and how she made the characters come to life. I felt so much for Lia. She was strong but all she wanted was love and support which she found in Jase. Jase was so sweet and those notes were adorable.
Even though I thought the book was written very well, the only thing I would have liked was a fast forward into the future more. I really want to know how Lia and Jase turned out.
UPDATE: The book The Twenty-One is about Lia's best friend in the book and I started reading a couple chapters so far and Lia and Jase have both appeared in the book. It's 2 years later so it does show that they still are together although I'm not sure I want to read this book. I was a little bored so far in the beginning so I'm not sure if this will be a DNF or not.
May 2, 2018
The story started out strong. However, it was the relation between Lia and Jase and the friendship between Lia and Kat that threw me off.
I felt that Jase should have been introduced much earlier in the story. He was introduced late and therefore their romance and confessions of love wasnt something that I could believe.
The friendship between Lia and Kat is soooo confusing! Like is Kat being genuine? Is she not? Does Lia forgive her? Does she not?! And why does Kat feel remorseful when she is flaunting herself with Duke? I don't know. It just seems all over the place.
I felt that Jase should have been introduced much earlier in the story. He was introduced late and therefore their romance and confessions of love wasnt something that I could believe.
The friendship between Lia and Kat is soooo confusing! Like is Kat being genuine? Is she not? Does Lia forgive her? Does she not?! And why does Kat feel remorseful when she is flaunting herself with Duke? I don't know. It just seems all over the place.
September 5, 2020
C'est un genre de roman (drame contemporain) que je lis très peu mais dès le début, j'ai été happée par ma lecture et je l'ai très vite fini. Les personnages sont attachants, on a envie de découvrir leurs histoires, que ce soit passées ou futures tout en passant par un tas d'émotions. Bref, j'ai adoré et je le conseille vivement !
March 17, 2021
It was really a good book. I got so hooked from the very beginning. I read 250p in a row which is crazy for me who usually can't read more than 100p a day. This girl's story was touching and I could feel what she felt, I could really identify myself with what she was living, so it's a five stars for me. Some chapters were really hard to read, so be careful.
June 28, 2019
0619
March 22, 2017
love love love
July 21, 2015
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
4.5 stars
How To Save A Life was a heartbreakingly beautiful read. This was so much more than I thought it would be. I really commend the author for dealing with this story in such a beautiful way. I loved it. I couldn't stop reading it. It was so so good.
Lia has a lot going on. Something happened 18 months ago, maybe a few things that compounded to lead to where we are when this book opens. Lia is in a new town, new school, new everything from 18 months ago. She doesn't want anyone to know who she really is. Not her best friend, not her boyfriend, no one. She has issues and she thinks if she can just make it till she runs away to college everything will be fine. If she can just hold on that long, if she can just get a scholarship, everything will be okay.
Because Lia won't talk to anyone about what happened, won't let anyone in to help her, she shoulders a lot of it herself. She is so young and she doesn't always make the right choices. You see her try and help people who don't want to help themselves. You see just how much she needs someone or something to help her. Oh I felt so much for Lia. I wanted everything to work out for her. I really wanted her to actually be happy.
This book is really intense at times. About halfway through I had to put it aside for a moment as it just got really real. It is definitely not sunshine and roses, it is hard to read at times, but it is such an amazing read. Lia has music as the only really great thing in her life. Yes she has a best friend and a boyfriend whom she is not really real with, but music never leaves her. She gets a few days where she can just let it all out on the piano. I loved that that was her outlet. Her music sounds amazing and beautiful.
Through letting her feelings out through her music she finds Jase. Jase who has a dark past of his own, but who is changing and trying to be better. Jase who pushes Lia when she needs it, is there for her, who falls in love with her. Lia is frightened of Jase. She doesn't want any ties to this town, to this area. She needs to get out, to forget the past, to start over and Jase would be a distraction from her plans. Her feelings for him frighten her. She finds someone that she might be able to actually open up to, but what then? What will happen if he finds out? How could he still want her? Oh Lia has issues, but you can't help but love her. Jase is so wonderful with her, everything she never knew she needed, and I just loved them together.
The best part of this book though? How until it was told to you you don't really know what happened to lead us to where the characters are now. You keep getting hints here and there, someone who shows up or someone says something, but I never would have guessed everything that happened. It was so heartbreaking seeing everything that lead up to the present. Some of those scenes...I just wanted to scoop Lia up and get her help. I wanted to just make everything better for her, for her family. At times I just wanted to talk to her, to tell her this isn't the way, to help her. It was lovely.
I really loved this book. Emotional, heartbreaking, but oh so well written it was a privilege to read. I'm definitely going to have to look for more from this author as this was just fantastic.
4.5 stars
How To Save A Life was a heartbreakingly beautiful read. This was so much more than I thought it would be. I really commend the author for dealing with this story in such a beautiful way. I loved it. I couldn't stop reading it. It was so so good.
Lia has a lot going on. Something happened 18 months ago, maybe a few things that compounded to lead to where we are when this book opens. Lia is in a new town, new school, new everything from 18 months ago. She doesn't want anyone to know who she really is. Not her best friend, not her boyfriend, no one. She has issues and she thinks if she can just make it till she runs away to college everything will be fine. If she can just hold on that long, if she can just get a scholarship, everything will be okay.
Because Lia won't talk to anyone about what happened, won't let anyone in to help her, she shoulders a lot of it herself. She is so young and she doesn't always make the right choices. You see her try and help people who don't want to help themselves. You see just how much she needs someone or something to help her. Oh I felt so much for Lia. I wanted everything to work out for her. I really wanted her to actually be happy.
This book is really intense at times. About halfway through I had to put it aside for a moment as it just got really real. It is definitely not sunshine and roses, it is hard to read at times, but it is such an amazing read. Lia has music as the only really great thing in her life. Yes she has a best friend and a boyfriend whom she is not really real with, but music never leaves her. She gets a few days where she can just let it all out on the piano. I loved that that was her outlet. Her music sounds amazing and beautiful.
Through letting her feelings out through her music she finds Jase. Jase who has a dark past of his own, but who is changing and trying to be better. Jase who pushes Lia when she needs it, is there for her, who falls in love with her. Lia is frightened of Jase. She doesn't want any ties to this town, to this area. She needs to get out, to forget the past, to start over and Jase would be a distraction from her plans. Her feelings for him frighten her. She finds someone that she might be able to actually open up to, but what then? What will happen if he finds out? How could he still want her? Oh Lia has issues, but you can't help but love her. Jase is so wonderful with her, everything she never knew she needed, and I just loved them together.
The best part of this book though? How until it was told to you you don't really know what happened to lead us to where the characters are now. You keep getting hints here and there, someone who shows up or someone says something, but I never would have guessed everything that happened. It was so heartbreaking seeing everything that lead up to the present. Some of those scenes...I just wanted to scoop Lia up and get her help. I wanted to just make everything better for her, for her family. At times I just wanted to talk to her, to tell her this isn't the way, to help her. It was lovely.
I really loved this book. Emotional, heartbreaking, but oh so well written it was a privilege to read. I'm definitely going to have to look for more from this author as this was just fantastic.
August 2, 2015
How To Save A Life had Lauren McKellar's stamp all over it, in every line, in silent gestures between characters, is soft looks, her style is nuanced, and from the opening lines on the first page I felt a sense of calm wash over me, because there's a sense of coming home when reading anything McKellar has penned, there's a sheer eloquence in her words, making it seem effortless, her prose beautiful, captivating.
Lia has had a tough run, she's a young woman on the cusp of adulthood, she's stronger than most teens I've met, between the death of one parent and fighting depression and addiction with the other has left her floundering, struggling to keep a smile on her face to hide the pain in her eyes, there's so much of this I could relate to, watching someone you love waste away while struggling with addiction is a blackness that steals your breath, there's a darkness that settles over you, blocking out the light, there's fear and shame, and hurt and pain mixed in to feelings of helplessness because it's not really your battle to fight, if I sound a little vague here it's because I need to, there's so many secret tied into How To Save A Life and you need to unravel them, and discover them on your own. Lia is biding her time with her boyfriend Duke and her best friend Kat until she can move away from the pain and hurt of her life and find something easier, better, a life that won't drag her further into the darkness each day.
Jase has a sexiness to him that wasn't based on looks or physique, he had a strength that belies someone who's seen more than they let on, see's deeper into people than they want to show, he see's deeper into Lia than she's comfortable showing, it's this depth that captivated me, this innate need to discover everything he's hiding, to unriddle his secrets and lies, for him to be a support for Lia as she traverses the tight rope she's walking, I wanted these two to find a sense of strength and support in the other.
How To Save A Life is more than just a book about a young girl coming of age, it's about more than death and the fallout it causes, it's about more than battling addiction in it's many forms, and it's about more than opening yourself up and allowing people in, willingly making yourself vulnerable, there's so many beautiful lessons in this book, that at times I felt deep down in my soul, I wanted to climb inside McKellar's words and hold Lia, to tell her things would get better, let her know that she couldn't shoulder the weight of her family on her shoulders, but despite this there were moments where a disconnect crept in, stopping me from crossing the five lipstick line, there's a strength in McKellar's writing that undoubtedly captivates and enchants and I can't wait to see where she goes next.
Lia has had a tough run, she's a young woman on the cusp of adulthood, she's stronger than most teens I've met, between the death of one parent and fighting depression and addiction with the other has left her floundering, struggling to keep a smile on her face to hide the pain in her eyes, there's so much of this I could relate to, watching someone you love waste away while struggling with addiction is a blackness that steals your breath, there's a darkness that settles over you, blocking out the light, there's fear and shame, and hurt and pain mixed in to feelings of helplessness because it's not really your battle to fight, if I sound a little vague here it's because I need to, there's so many secret tied into How To Save A Life and you need to unravel them, and discover them on your own. Lia is biding her time with her boyfriend Duke and her best friend Kat until she can move away from the pain and hurt of her life and find something easier, better, a life that won't drag her further into the darkness each day.
Jase has a sexiness to him that wasn't based on looks or physique, he had a strength that belies someone who's seen more than they let on, see's deeper into people than they want to show, he see's deeper into Lia than she's comfortable showing, it's this depth that captivated me, this innate need to discover everything he's hiding, to unriddle his secrets and lies, for him to be a support for Lia as she traverses the tight rope she's walking, I wanted these two to find a sense of strength and support in the other.
How To Save A Life is more than just a book about a young girl coming of age, it's about more than death and the fallout it causes, it's about more than battling addiction in it's many forms, and it's about more than opening yourself up and allowing people in, willingly making yourself vulnerable, there's so many beautiful lessons in this book, that at times I felt deep down in my soul, I wanted to climb inside McKellar's words and hold Lia, to tell her things would get better, let her know that she couldn't shoulder the weight of her family on her shoulders, but despite this there were moments where a disconnect crept in, stopping me from crossing the five lipstick line, there's a strength in McKellar's writing that undoubtedly captivates and enchants and I can't wait to see where she goes next.
August 26, 2023
How to save a life, c’est une claque de réalisme. J’ai lu pas mal de romans qui abordent le sujet de l’alcoolisme et de la dépression, rarement un aussi vrai et aussi poignant.
C’est un livre qui pourrait presque paraître trop tragique si on n’a pas vécu ce genre de catastrophes dans une vie, pourtant, j’ai trouvé qu’il dépeignait le cercle vicieux de la dépression, de l’addiction et du mensonge avec brio. J’ai adoré la façon dont l’autrice soulève chaque problème, tout en laissant place à la réflexion. L’amour est-il vraiment un sauveur ? La fuite est-elle une solution viable ? Peut-on toujours sauver ceux qu’on aime ? Le mensonge peut-il être justifiable ? Tant de questions et tant de réponses et points vue pertinents.
Outre le réalisme, les émotions de ce livre m’ont souvent pris à la gorge. La plume de l’autrice est d’une simplicité surpuissante. Efficace, elle tape toujours au bon endroit pour nous bouleverser, nous tenir en haleine, nous donner envie de tourner les pages malgré les vagues de sensations qui nous submergent sans jamais nous noyer complètement. C’est intense, mais on en redemande.
Une partie du roman que j’ai beaucoup apprécié, aussi, c’est l’indépendance de Lia. Même si cette indépendance a un côté tragique parce que son adolescence lui est volée, j’ai aimé qu’elle n’ait pas besoin d’un love interest pour exister, pour avoir de l’espoir, pour s’en sortir. Dans ce livre, l’amour est un plus. Un tremplin ou un poids, mais jamais la solution. Lia existe sans homme. Lia a des objectifs d’avenir à elle, qui ne nécessite personne d’autre. Et, tristement, je trouve que c’est rare de voir une femme exister sans son homme, dans les romans qui abordent l’amour. C’est le cas ici, et ça fait du bien. Ça laisse place à tout ce que l’amour n’apporte pas : l’amitié, les désirs de cette ado qui, malgré sa maturité forcée, garde un peu de ces envies de jeune fille de 17 ans. La construction de soi par soi-même malgré un besoin de soutien évident.
Bref, ce livre est un coup de cœur. Brillamment écrit et avec une mise en page des éditions du Chat Noir que j’ai beaucoup aimée.
C’est un livre qui pourrait presque paraître trop tragique si on n’a pas vécu ce genre de catastrophes dans une vie, pourtant, j’ai trouvé qu’il dépeignait le cercle vicieux de la dépression, de l’addiction et du mensonge avec brio. J’ai adoré la façon dont l’autrice soulève chaque problème, tout en laissant place à la réflexion. L’amour est-il vraiment un sauveur ? La fuite est-elle une solution viable ? Peut-on toujours sauver ceux qu’on aime ? Le mensonge peut-il être justifiable ? Tant de questions et tant de réponses et points vue pertinents.
Outre le réalisme, les émotions de ce livre m’ont souvent pris à la gorge. La plume de l’autrice est d’une simplicité surpuissante. Efficace, elle tape toujours au bon endroit pour nous bouleverser, nous tenir en haleine, nous donner envie de tourner les pages malgré les vagues de sensations qui nous submergent sans jamais nous noyer complètement. C’est intense, mais on en redemande.
Une partie du roman que j’ai beaucoup apprécié, aussi, c’est l’indépendance de Lia. Même si cette indépendance a un côté tragique parce que son adolescence lui est volée, j’ai aimé qu’elle n’ait pas besoin d’un love interest pour exister, pour avoir de l’espoir, pour s’en sortir. Dans ce livre, l’amour est un plus. Un tremplin ou un poids, mais jamais la solution. Lia existe sans homme. Lia a des objectifs d’avenir à elle, qui ne nécessite personne d’autre. Et, tristement, je trouve que c’est rare de voir une femme exister sans son homme, dans les romans qui abordent l’amour. C’est le cas ici, et ça fait du bien. Ça laisse place à tout ce que l’amour n’apporte pas : l’amitié, les désirs de cette ado qui, malgré sa maturité forcée, garde un peu de ces envies de jeune fille de 17 ans. La construction de soi par soi-même malgré un besoin de soutien évident.
Bref, ce livre est un coup de cœur. Brillamment écrit et avec une mise en page des éditions du Chat Noir que j’ai beaucoup aimée.
March 1, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
How To Save A Life hooks you in from the very beginning and draws you into the life of 17 year old Lia. Straight away there are several mysteries that make you want to keep reading to find out what’s happened in the past for Lia’s life to be the way it is now. What happened to her father? Why is her mother like she is now? Why does Lia have this desperate need to leave town and move to Melbourne to start a new life? What is Lia hiding from her boyfriend and best friend? And why does she try to avoid her former best friend from her life before?
Very quickly into this novel I became immersed in Lia’s life. Her thoughts, her feelings, her regrets, her likes, her loves, her hopes for a better future. Lia is such a real character with a lot of depth, and I found it easy to like her and also feel her emotional upsets, her insecurities, her anguish, her hurt and humiliations, her disappointments, her happiness and her sadness right along with her. I really felt for Lia and many times I just wanted to reach out and give her a great big hug.
The other characters in the story are very real as well, and feel like people you might come across. Lia’s mother is a very complex character and it wasn’t until right near the end of the book that everything fell into place for me about her actions. Ellie is a really good friend to Lia, and I would love to have a friend like her. I found Smith to be somewhat creepy (shiver), never being sure of his motives throughout the story until the end. Jase is a great guy and pretty cool too, but is hiding something about his past. I found Duke to be a shallow teenage boy so nothing he did surprised me, and Kat seemed like a good friend to Lia but I always thought there was something about her I couldn’t put my finger on.
How To Save A Life is an engaging story and very compelling reading, just like other books by Lauren K McKellar. Full of intrigue, surprise plot twists, plenty of emotions and realistic characters, you won’t be able to put this book down. If you enjoyed the books by this author in the Crazy In Love series, you will be sure to enjoy this one because it is another fantastic read in the YA contemporary genre by this brilliant Australian writer. And if you’ve never read one of Lauren K McKellar’s books – what are you waiting for?
How To Save A Life hooks you in from the very beginning and draws you into the life of 17 year old Lia. Straight away there are several mysteries that make you want to keep reading to find out what’s happened in the past for Lia’s life to be the way it is now. What happened to her father? Why is her mother like she is now? Why does Lia have this desperate need to leave town and move to Melbourne to start a new life? What is Lia hiding from her boyfriend and best friend? And why does she try to avoid her former best friend from her life before?
Very quickly into this novel I became immersed in Lia’s life. Her thoughts, her feelings, her regrets, her likes, her loves, her hopes for a better future. Lia is such a real character with a lot of depth, and I found it easy to like her and also feel her emotional upsets, her insecurities, her anguish, her hurt and humiliations, her disappointments, her happiness and her sadness right along with her. I really felt for Lia and many times I just wanted to reach out and give her a great big hug.
The other characters in the story are very real as well, and feel like people you might come across. Lia’s mother is a very complex character and it wasn’t until right near the end of the book that everything fell into place for me about her actions. Ellie is a really good friend to Lia, and I would love to have a friend like her. I found Smith to be somewhat creepy (shiver), never being sure of his motives throughout the story until the end. Jase is a great guy and pretty cool too, but is hiding something about his past. I found Duke to be a shallow teenage boy so nothing he did surprised me, and Kat seemed like a good friend to Lia but I always thought there was something about her I couldn’t put my finger on.
How To Save A Life is an engaging story and very compelling reading, just like other books by Lauren K McKellar. Full of intrigue, surprise plot twists, plenty of emotions and realistic characters, you won’t be able to put this book down. If you enjoyed the books by this author in the Crazy In Love series, you will be sure to enjoy this one because it is another fantastic read in the YA contemporary genre by this brilliant Australian writer. And if you’ve never read one of Lauren K McKellar’s books – what are you waiting for?
July 21, 2015
How to Saved a Life by Lauren McKellar
Panty Scorching-2
Storyline-5
Angst- 5
Tissues-5
Value- 5
Overall Rating- 5
Kindle eARC provided by Author
Reviewed by: Stephanie
This was my first read by Lauren McKellar and I absolutely loved this book. This story was such an emotional journey. I actually finished it days ago but I wanted to get my thoughts together because I was really unsure how I wanted to write this review. After I finished it the story and the characters were stuck in my head for days, the book pulled me right in and still has yet to let me go. I was torn because there is so much to say about this beautifully written story and some of these amazing characters but I really don’t want to give anything away. It really is just one of those book where you have to go in blind and experience firsthand.
I was broken
I was scared
Then I believed
This is how you
Make me feel
This book will tear your heart out, it will make you angry, sad, and it will almost break you at times but then there is also hope and happiness. Where there is heartache there is also healing. The story was exceptionally written and I right away became very attached to some of the amazing characters. I have found a new go to Author and I can’t wait to read more of her books.
That was the saddest
thing I've ever heard.
And yet, I didn't
want it to end.
Panty Scorching-2
Storyline-5
Angst- 5
Tissues-5
Value- 5
Overall Rating- 5
Kindle eARC provided by Author
Reviewed by: Stephanie
This was my first read by Lauren McKellar and I absolutely loved this book. This story was such an emotional journey. I actually finished it days ago but I wanted to get my thoughts together because I was really unsure how I wanted to write this review. After I finished it the story and the characters were stuck in my head for days, the book pulled me right in and still has yet to let me go. I was torn because there is so much to say about this beautifully written story and some of these amazing characters but I really don’t want to give anything away. It really is just one of those book where you have to go in blind and experience firsthand.
I was broken
I was scared
Then I believed
This is how you
Make me feel
This book will tear your heart out, it will make you angry, sad, and it will almost break you at times but then there is also hope and happiness. Where there is heartache there is also healing. The story was exceptionally written and I right away became very attached to some of the amazing characters. I have found a new go to Author and I can’t wait to read more of her books.
That was the saddest
thing I've ever heard.
And yet, I didn't
want it to end.
July 8, 2015
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review
“He pulls me close to his chest in a hug, and my heart stops. Wow. Because up close, he smells so good, and his arms around me sends currents of electricity through my body. It’s thrilling and dangerous all at once.”
5 stars!! Wow what a great great book!! I was sucked in from page 1. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and now I’m a fan!!!
I learnt the hard way that labels stick. Laura took “lovely”, and the teacher branded me “ladylike”.
It stuck with me, even through my high school years. It felt like that was all I’d ever be.
Until everything changed.
Lonely Lia.
Little Lia.
Lia the liar.
Lia the lost …
Now the choices are endless. But I don’t want to be any of those either.
My name is Lia Stanton. And this is my story.
I really can’t even put into words how I feel about this book!!! And I don’t want to give a lot away either. But I will say I got this book last night and I stayed up all night reading it!! I really enjoyed this book. It was an emotional but fun read!! I’m a huge fan now!! Great job!! You definitely need to read this book!!
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**
“He pulls me close to his chest in a hug, and my heart stops. Wow. Because up close, he smells so good, and his arms around me sends currents of electricity through my body. It’s thrilling and dangerous all at once.”
5 stars!! Wow what a great great book!! I was sucked in from page 1. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and now I’m a fan!!!
I learnt the hard way that labels stick. Laura took “lovely”, and the teacher branded me “ladylike”.
It stuck with me, even through my high school years. It felt like that was all I’d ever be.
Until everything changed.
Lonely Lia.
Little Lia.
Lia the liar.
Lia the lost …
Now the choices are endless. But I don’t want to be any of those either.
My name is Lia Stanton. And this is my story.
I really can’t even put into words how I feel about this book!!! And I don’t want to give a lot away either. But I will say I got this book last night and I stayed up all night reading it!! I really enjoyed this book. It was an emotional but fun read!! I’m a huge fan now!! Great job!! You definitely need to read this book!!
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**
July 18, 2015
Title: How To Save A Life
Series: Emerald Cove #1
Author: Lauren K. McKellar
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 21, 2015
BLURB
Life is not a love song …
I learnt the hard way that labels stick. Laura took “lovely”, and the teacher branded me “lady-like”.
It stuck with me, even through my high school years. It felt like that was all I’d ever be.
Until everything changed.
Lonely Lia.
Little Lia.
Lia the liar.
Lia the lost …
Now the choices are endless. But I don’t want to be any of those either.
My name is Lia Stanton. And this is my story.
Without giving anything away I have to say this story absolutely ripped my heart out. However, at the same time it was an empowering story to see how even with constant let down in our lives...we can make it threw.
This story has everything. Great characters, captivating plot, and the style of writing that makes you stay up all night to finish the story!
You really cannot go wrong here just grab some Kleenex and a glass of wine because this story will draw on all your emotions!
5 Stars --Add this to your Must Reads!!
ARC provided by author, Coordinated by Give Me Books, in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by J.Loves2Read at Alpha Book Club.
Series: Emerald Cove #1
Author: Lauren K. McKellar
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 21, 2015
BLURB
Life is not a love song …
I learnt the hard way that labels stick. Laura took “lovely”, and the teacher branded me “lady-like”.
It stuck with me, even through my high school years. It felt like that was all I’d ever be.
Until everything changed.
Lonely Lia.
Little Lia.
Lia the liar.
Lia the lost …
Now the choices are endless. But I don’t want to be any of those either.
My name is Lia Stanton. And this is my story.
Without giving anything away I have to say this story absolutely ripped my heart out. However, at the same time it was an empowering story to see how even with constant let down in our lives...we can make it threw.
This story has everything. Great characters, captivating plot, and the style of writing that makes you stay up all night to finish the story!
You really cannot go wrong here just grab some Kleenex and a glass of wine because this story will draw on all your emotions!
5 Stars --Add this to your Must Reads!!
ARC provided by author, Coordinated by Give Me Books, in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by J.Loves2Read at Alpha Book Club.
July 20, 2015
First of all I have to catch my breath after reading this emotionally charged story. Meet Lia, a young girl hiding a heartbreaking secret from everybody. Her life changed in an instant after tragedy strikes her family and she is reminded of it every single day for the past 18 month. It is quite a burden for is 17 years old who is counting the days until she can leave this town. Just when she thinks things couldn't get any worse the betrayal of the two most important people in her life almost breaks her.
Then she meets Jase, a young club owner who has this unexplainable affect on her. She is starting to like him more then she intended and tries to keep her distance from him, to no vail. Not only hasn't she told him about the secretes she is hiding but she also has been untruthful with him. Will her lies destroy the best thing in her life?
I loved this story. You are captivated from the first page and don't want to put it down. You feel for Lia, her every emotion, her pain and you admire her strength and her bravery. And Jase who with his patience and admiration for Lia will make you fall in love with him.
Lauren has done it again, taking you on an unbelievable journey of life, love and heartache. A five star read for me.
I received a copy for my honest opinion.
Then she meets Jase, a young club owner who has this unexplainable affect on her. She is starting to like him more then she intended and tries to keep her distance from him, to no vail. Not only hasn't she told him about the secretes she is hiding but she also has been untruthful with him. Will her lies destroy the best thing in her life?
I loved this story. You are captivated from the first page and don't want to put it down. You feel for Lia, her every emotion, her pain and you admire her strength and her bravery. And Jase who with his patience and admiration for Lia will make you fall in love with him.
Lauren has done it again, taking you on an unbelievable journey of life, love and heartache. A five star read for me.
I received a copy for my honest opinion.
July 21, 2015
Reviewer: Liz
5 HUGE SHINY STARS!!
If I could give this book more stars I totally would. Lauren never ceases to amazing me with her talented writing and How To Save A Life is one of my favourites for 2015.
Lia Stanton has been dealt a rough life and it seems that things go from bad to worse for her at every turn, until she meets the mysterious Jase . I don’t want to give too much away as there are lots of twists and turns thrown at you in this book along with every kind of emotion. Lauren captured me right away; I couldn’t put it down once I got started. I love when I get to read an author’s work, one whose I love and admire. Her words at times are like a sucker punch to my heart but then she slowly heals it as I continued to read.
How To Save A Life is an amazing book that’s been beautifully written. Lauren has once again done an amazing job and, I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. I love everything Lauren has written and this one is no different. Another fantastic book Lauren, thanks for giving me the opportunity to read it.
**Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review**
5 HUGE SHINY STARS!!
If I could give this book more stars I totally would. Lauren never ceases to amazing me with her talented writing and How To Save A Life is one of my favourites for 2015.
Lia Stanton has been dealt a rough life and it seems that things go from bad to worse for her at every turn, until she meets the mysterious Jase . I don’t want to give too much away as there are lots of twists and turns thrown at you in this book along with every kind of emotion. Lauren captured me right away; I couldn’t put it down once I got started. I love when I get to read an author’s work, one whose I love and admire. Her words at times are like a sucker punch to my heart but then she slowly heals it as I continued to read.
How To Save A Life is an amazing book that’s been beautifully written. Lauren has once again done an amazing job and, I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. I love everything Lauren has written and this one is no different. Another fantastic book Lauren, thanks for giving me the opportunity to read it.
**Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review**
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