#LoriOttoChristmasSale 8.

Livvy (Choisie #4) 99¢ (R11.52ish)


Summary

MY REVIEW - everything you hoped for, and then some.

 

What a ride Lori Otto has taken us on! From sweet sixteen to first love, to heartache and breakups, we have seen Livvy through her journey to becoming a woman. And I am so damn proud of her! We've seen Livvy make some really bad decisions, and say some really hurtful things. We've seen how heartbreak can fuel her creativity. We've seen a teenager rebelling against her restraints, for good and bad. We've seen Livvy devastated. But all of this has, together with her loving family, and her wonderful boyfriend, helped make Livvy into the kind of woman we could all wish to be, and the kind of woman we would be proud to have as our daughter.

 

I truly think that this book is the pinnacle of Lori Otto's writing. And that's taking nothing away from Lori's previous books. They are in no way "less". But Livvy IS "more". I can't quite put my finger on it. Nothing in Livvy surpasses the emotion of Time Stands Still. There is nothing more beautiful than the words written in Dear Jon. Maybe it's just that we've been on this journey with Livvy and it means so much to get to the end with her. Lori's writing IS beautiful and the story told in Livvy IS emotional. Maybe it's just that everything that has made Lori's previous books so delicious to read is wrapped up with a pretty pink bow in Livvy. I don't know.

 

What I DO know is that if you have been on this journey with Livvy? This final installment will be everything you hoped for, and then some.

For more information, and to buy, click on the image below.

#LoriOttoChristmasSale 7.

Dear Jon (Choisie #3) 99¢ (R11.52ish)


Summary

 

MY REVIEW - #teamChex

Once again Lori L. Otto delivers a story that reaches into every corner of your heart. The best part about Dear Jon is that we get to spend time in Jon's head, which really, is a great place to be.

Dear Jon follows the fallout from the end of Olivia, but from Jon's point of view. Now, let me just say that I spent a fair amount of time at the end of Olivia and in the beginning of Dear Jon being cross with Jon. That's not to say I dislike him, or that I don't understand where he's coming from, but spending so much time with Livvy, I'm very protective of her and in this case I expected more from Jon.

But that's just the point. With Lori Otto's writing we become very invested in each and every character. Their decisions affect us. And in the end, they are just people who also make mistakes. (Well. Maybe not Jacks... ;-)) Livvy and Jon think that Jon is super well adjusted and makes ALL the right choices and is always the responsible adult. We (and Livvy and Jon) forget that Jon is still young and sometimes (not often but sometimes) his youth does show.

 I know many readers have been unsure of Jon, but this book will make your minds up once and for all. Jon is a stellar young man, who feels things deeply, and who can make mistakes.

 

And he recognizes this by the end of the book. We can only hope that his actions have not broken him and Livvy for ever.

 

 

And that's the other wonderful part of this book. Yes, Livvy is the one who did the bad thing at the end of Olivia. Yes it's her actions that caused this break. But Jon's actions, or reactions, in the end threaten their happy ever after the most, in my opinion. And even though this book is from Jon's point of view, through Livvy's letters we see her struggle with her mistakes, and grow as a person and a young woman through her efforts to rectify those mistakes. Livvy makes the effort and we see this clearly through her letters. Jon sulks, mostly, and by the end of the book I think he comes to the same conclusion the reader (or at least me) does. Livvy has taken an awful moment and used it to examine herself as a person and then grow and move on as a better person. Jon sees this; we see this; and Jon recognizes his own part in all of this as well.

 

We also get to see some moments and memories that we have not been privy to before, in Livvy's life and in Jon's. And we get to see Jon's family, and how he is with his brothers and with his mother, which is equal parts adorable and heartbreaking. It's not all pretty, but it does all reinforce what a wonderful guy Jon is. And his brother's are going to be just as wonderful because of him. #teamWill

 

You cannot miss reading this book if you've read the first two books of the Choisie series. Dear Jon is an important piece of the puzzle, and an absolute joy to read.

 

 #teamChex #teamLion #teamJon #teamOtto #teamFollowYourHeart

 

 

For more information, and to buy, click on the image below.

 

 

 

#LoriOttoChristmasSale 6.

Olivia  (Choisie #2) 99¢ (R11.52ish)

Summary

MY REVIEW - Real People

Which is my favourite book by Lori L. Otto? It's the Lori L. Otto book I'm reading at the time.

 Olivia continues the story of Livvy Holland, begun in the first book of the Choisie Series, Contessa. Ms Otto deftly shows the growth of Livvy into a mature and responsible adult, the growth in Livvy's relationship with her parents, her dad in particular, and the growth in Livvy and Jon's relationship.

 

 

Not everything is smooth sailing though. Livvy has to come to terms with a type of loss she's never had to face before and in the process she loses a part of herself. This crisis in Livvy's life, and her dealing-by-not-dealing is woven throughout the book, so that it's always there even if it's not obvious. Which is exactly how Livvy is experiencing it as well. Once again Lori Otto pulls the reader into the life of her characters so that you feel as if you are the one experiencing all the good, bad, happy, sad, silly, stupid and unforeseen things that happen in the story. And there are plenty of each and more.

Lori Otto writes people as they are. Real people. There is perhaps no huge drama or mystery or angsty romance, but it's life. The relatively small personal dramas and mysteries and romances feel as life altering as if they were happening to you. Lori writes people stories, not crime or fantasy or erotica. Just the lives of everyday people who you come to feel are people you know. You become invested in these characters and the choices they make. You feel happy and sad with them. You feel proud of and cross with them. And at the end of each book you want to know where the next stage of their lives will take them.

Olivia is no different. You will finish this book wanting to know where the next book will take Livvy. I can't wait!

For more information, and to buy, click on the image below.

 

 

#LoriOttoChristmasSale 5.

Contessa (Choisie #1) 99¢ (R11.52ish)

Livvy Holland was adopted by a generous and wealthy couple as a child. Now sixteen, she is a burgeoning artist, encouraged by her mother and inspired by a man she was never able to meet. Feeling estranged from a loving father whose mind works much differently than her own, she questions whether or not she was paired with the right guardians. In her plight for independence, she reconnects with a fellow art student who grew up alongside Livvy.

Jon Scott has led anything but a privileged life. After his father passes away, he is left to care for his two half-brothers while his mother’s alcoholism threatens to tear his family apart. All he wants for himself and his brothers is a better life. His dreams for an Ivy League education are coming to fruition, thanks to a lifetime of hard work and ambition. This is not only important to Jon himself; he also knows that the man who will win Livvy’s heart has to be someone exceptional. Her father would accept nothing less–and Jon believes that Livvy deserves the best of everything, too.

That may be the only thing Jon and Livvy’s father agree upon.

Over the course of their courtship, these two teens will experience the bliss of true love, but their immaturity and differing lifestyles will also threaten to tear them apart. They both begin to question the other’s devotion and commitment; only time will tell if their first love is meant to last a lifetime. —summary courtesy of Lori L. Otto

 

 

  

MY REVIEW - Amazing coming of age story

 I really enjoyed this book. Lori L. Otto does an amazing job at taking us through a young girl's first love as well as her first real teenage rebellions. This book brought back a lot of memories for me.

 The family dynamic described in the book is also great. Parents can also make mistakes and Lori does not shy away from showing this. Raising a teenager seems to be to one of the most daunting things a parent can face and Lori shows this wonderfully too. The family fights are so heartbreaking, but the making up is so heartwarming. No family is perfect. Even the most picture perfect family has it's problems.

Teenagers always want to grow up too fast, and perhaps the thing I loved most about this book (and related to so much) was the pushing, pushing, pushing of Livvy, and to a certain extent Jon, and the struggle of Emi and Jack to give enough freedom but not too much. Both teens realised that they were asking for, perhaps, more than they could realistically handle. And I loved this growth of character.

 

The romance is sweet and envy enducing and the family life is wonderful and realistic. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone from the age of 16 and beyond.

For more information, and to buy, click on the image below.

#LoriOttoChristmasSale 4.

Never Look Back (book three) 99¢ (R11.52ish)


To say Emi’s life over the past two years has had its share of peaks and valleys is an understatement – and her friends and family would agree. In the conclusion to Emi Lost & Found, Jack guides Emi through a year of self-discovery, and teaches her that faith in true love – and in soul mates – can yield happiness from even the darkest of places. —summary courtesy of Lori L. Otto

MY REVIEW - #teamJacks

 

HEA's do happen, even though they can happen in unexpected ways.

 

This last book in the trilogy takes us through Emi's final journey to get her HEA. There are stops and bumps and sharp turns along the way. But she gets there in the end. And Jackson Holland the second is there to help her. Jacks is a true knight in shining armour. I have an incredible crush on him. And the best thing about him? He's willing to help Emi on her way, even if her final destination does not include him.

 

 

 

(PS. Jacks is pretty close to perfect. But this book shows us he IS human. Wonderfully so.)

 

For more information, and to buy, click on the image below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#LoriOttoChristmasSale 3.

Time Stands Still (book two) 99¢ (R11.52ish)

No man could compete with Nate, Emi thought, until one night – one evening, one party, one journey, one second alters her course completely. That night, her brother’s best friend, Jack Holland, comes back into her life with a mission. In a year’s time, he slowly finds a comfortable place in Emi’s life, but only time will tell if it’s right for Emi – and enough for him. —summary courtesy of Lori L. Otto

 

MY REVIEW - A Six Star Rollercoaster Ride

This is the third book I've read in my entire life that made me cry. And it doesn't get easier on the second or third or fourth reading. Even though I know what's coming it didn't ease the heartache I feel while reading the first half of this book.

 

Lori L. Otto puts you in the mind of her character in such an effective way that you end up feeling the emotions she is describing, as if you were the character in the book. It's so real and you can relate so easily to the characters that any loss, happiness, excitement or despair the characters are going though, you go through yourself. It's a roller coaster experience but a worthwhile one. Loved this book in spite of (or maybe because of?) the sobbing.

 

 

For more information, and to buy, click on the image below.

 

 

#LoriOttoChristmasSale 2.

Lost and Found (book one) 99¢ (R11.52ish)

  

After swearing off love with Emi in a silly high school pact, Nate has been seeing other women in hopes of finding one that evokes stronger feelings than the ones he’s been harboring for Emi since he was a teen. Over the span of a year, boundaries are crossed, feelings are confessed, and their unique friendship begins to blossom into something more. With a promising future ahead of them both, fate intervenes to bring two soul mates together. —summary courtesy of Lori L. Otto

 

 

MY REVIEW - Emotive Writing

 

I love this series so much, I now have all three books on my Kindle, iBooks, and two copies of each on my bookshelf. This first book really draws you into the rest of the series. Even though you may not like, or agree with, the main characters all the time, and even though you might want to slap them often, you become invested in them because they are such real characters.

 

These people could be your friends, people you grew up with. You love them and accept their flaws as part of them. Lori L. Otto's writing style is very emotive; you feel what the characters are feeling and go through their joys and sorrows with them. The characters are far from perfect, and their insecurities and bad decisions are frequently shown.

 

This book just left me wanting more, and I bought the second and third books before I had finished reading the first. A worthwhile addition to any bibliophile's collection. I've already re-read this first book twice and I know that I will come back and visit with these friends often.

Isn't it marvellous when a book keeps you thinking long after you've put it down?

 

For more information, and to buy, click on the image below.

 

 

#LoriOttoChristmasSale 1

Not Today, But Someday (prequel) FREE

Nate Wilson knows he wants Emi Hennigan from the moment he sees her.  Emi knows that she needs Nate after one night together.  A life-ling friendship is born, and a pact is made to ensure that nothing will come between them. —summary courtesy of Lori L. Otto

 

MY REVIEW - Old Friends

I was thrilled when Lori L Otto started publishing this story to her blog. I am a great fan of the Emi Lost and Found Series, and having the opportunity to go back and see how Emi and Nate's story began was so exciting. We get an insight into Emi's vulnerability after her parents divorce and her basic distrust of men. We also get to learn why she doesn't like chocolate!

A peek inside Nate's head is always wonderful. A sensitive soul he's all tough on the outside with yummy soft mush on the inside. And he immediately feels something for Emi. This story shows that while their love story might not have been meant to be, their friendship truly was epic. They got each other. We should all be so lucky to have had one friend in our lifetime like that.

 
For more information, and to buy, click on the image below.

 

 

New Covers for Emi Lost and Found

Hey there! Long time no blog.

Life has been pretty hectic, but with no really interesting blogable things happening. However that changed this week, with Lori L. Otto announcing new covers for her series, Emi Lost and Found.

First, Ms Otto released the new cover for the prequel to the series, Not Today, But Someday.

Fabulous, right?

To read her blog post about this release go here.



Next we were treated to the new cover for the bundled series:

Fantastic, right??

To read the blog post about this new edition, go here.



And finally, last night (or this morning, depending on where you are) we finally got to see the new cover of the first book in the series, Lost and Found:

Gorgeous, RIGHT???

To read the post about this gorgeous cover, go here.


Everybody needs this on their e-reader and on their bookshelf.

These covers were photographed and designed by Christi Allen Curtis with the assistance of Katrina Boone, and the lovely model who provides the perfect face for Emi is Alex Wheelus, and they have all done an awesome job, in my humble opinion.


Now I have to say, I loved the covers of my first paperbacks of the series:

The first paperbacks on my bookshelf of the Emi Lost and Found Series

And I was thrilled with the second set of paperbacks on my bookshelf:

I will always love these covers.

But to be honest, my love for these covers has a lot to do with the content.  I would probably love the books if they were covered in refuse bags, that is how much I love this series.  But I recognise that each edition has been an improvement on the last.

With the new covers that are now being released, I feel the Lori, Christi and Katrina have outdone themselves.  And let's face it, photographic covers seem to be the most popular within the market, and these books deserve to be seen by a wider audience.  I hope these covers convince new readers to give this series a chance, and give themselves a chance to fall in love with these characters who have become old and very dear friends to me.


If you haven't already, go treat yourself and get these books with their wonderful new covers.  You won't be disappointed.  The next two books in the series will be released with their new covers soon.

Where to buy.

(remember, new covers have so far been released for Not Today, But Someday,
Emi Lost and Found Bundled Series, and Lost and Found, the first book in the series.  Wait for the cover releases of Time Stands Still and Never Look Back before you buy those)

ELAF Group Read - The Happily Ever After Badge

*ALL THE SPOILERS

Sigh.

These books. I've often said it, rereading these books is like visiting with old friends. It's comfortable and familiar, but it never gets boring. Each time I read them I learn something new about these characters that I love, that I missed the last time.

I never stop wishing that Nate didn't have to die. I never stop hoping that Emi would give Jack a chance. I never stop praying that Jack would give Emi one more chance.  I never don't sigh with satisfaction as I read the last line:

"and I never look back."

 
In the end, everybody got their happy ending. Yes, even Nate. I often find myself wondering what would've happened if Nate hadn't died.  I've even dragged Lori into this discussion with me.  And I think that, sure, somehow the three of them would have made their lives work, would have been content, but I also see a fair amount of disillusionment and disappointment. 
Maybe Emi was Nate's soulmate. And maybe Jack was Emi's. And maybe, everybody got everything they wanted in the end.

I enjoyed this group read so much, even if I had to scramble and play catch-up at the end.  And I will be grateful everyday that I stumbled upon these books.

ELAF Group Read - The Broken Thumb badge

*SPOILERS

She punched him. She actually punched him. AND she totally punched him like a girl and injured herself in the process.  Not that she doesn't deserve it...

Granted, some of the things Jack says to Emi in this chapter may be a little harsh.  But she seriously needs a wake up call. I don't think Emi set out to string Jack along or hurt him in any way, but she hasn't really been considering his feelings either. She's just coasted along in a little comfort zone, not wanting to face any real decisions.

Well, Emi, my girl. It's time to put your big girl panties on and grab hold of that Jack and never, ever let him go!

ELAF Group Read - The Butterfly Ring Badge

*SPOILERS

Everything seems to be going perfectly for our couple. She's met the family and they love her (for the most part). They're talking marriage and babies and he just might've bought a ring (see above).

So why is she pulling away now? Why is distancing herself from the person who grounds her, gives her stability and security...?

Dun dun DUN...

ELAF Group Read - The Rainbows and Unicorns Badge

*SPOILERS

Sigh. That Jackson Holland. He's ruined me for all other men. 

So, this chapter is (mostly) rainbows and unicorns, with Christmas thrown in for good measure, so it's like the best chapter ever written in the history of ever.  Things are looking good, really good, for our couple. But there are still a few storm clouds headed their (our) way. That's the way with life and one of the reasons I love these books so much. They're true to life.

ELAF Group Read - The Kiss Badge

*SPOILERS

That Jackson Holland. Is it hot in here, or is it just me? *fans face*

ELAF Group Read - The Wine Badge

*SPOILERish

Wow. Getting passed the the previous chapters is a struggle. I've mentioned before that this is only the third book in my life that I have cried in. I'm not a crier, but these chapters still get to me. Lori's writing is so relatable. It's just so easy to slip into Emi's head and sob with her.

And the heartache is not over, but you can glimpse light peaking over the horizon.

Onwards! 

ELAG Group Read - The Tissue Box Badge

*SPOILERish

Oh help. 

Ms Otto really is evil. She made us all think everything was fine, only to rip our hearts out later. We were so hopeful...

ELAF Group Read - The Giraffe Badge

*SPOILERish

This is now the third or fourth time I've read this book. And I still find my tummy in knots reading the last few pages. 

It doesn't get any easier, even though I know that good times are coming. And there's no way the good can come without the bad first.

I'm bracing myself for what I know I will be facing in Time Stands Still.

ELAF Group Read - The Flower Badge

Oh man, I suck so bad... One week (not even) left of the group read and I have finally earned badge number.... Four. 

Yep, number four of twelve. Go me.

Anywhoodle, I have pledged to catching up and catch up I shall! Just you watch.

I love and hate this chapter (chapter 12 of Lost and Found) because Nate acts like a douche. He really does, and as a reader you kind of cover your eyes and grit your teeth through it all, watching him be all douchey. BUT, Nate realizes it. And the end of this chapter forces him to take a long hard look at himself, and he comes out of it the man we all know he really is. 

Onwards!

ELAF Photo Challenge - Day 30

Day 30 - Team spirit.


Sigh.  This is the last day of the photo challenge.  I have enjoyed it SO much!  And I'm sad it's over.  BUT the group read is still happening so ONWARDS!

#TeamEmi

For more information on the photo challenge, go here: http://authorlorilotto.wordpress.com/2013/08/30/emi-lost-and-found-30-day-photo-challenge/



If you want more information on the group read go here: http://authorlorilotto.wordpress.com/2013/08/30/emi-lost-and-found-group-read-with-merit-badges/
 

ELAF Photo Challenge - Day 29

Day 29 - The scene in Never Look Back that brought out the tissues.

 Happy tears.

                   

 

For more information on the photo challenge, go here: http://authorlorilotto.wordpress.com/2013/08/30/emi-lost-and-found-30-day-photo-challenge/