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    2 Book Lovers Reviews

See more of Shelley's Contemporary Romance

I adored this novel!  Dear Emmie Blue will definitely be gracing my list of favorite books of 2020. 

If ever a character deserved a hug, it is Emmie Blue.  There were so many times that I wanted to reach through my e-reader and give Emmie a big hug.  My heart broke for her.  She was a kind-hearted, generous person who had been through a great deal in her young life.  Between a distant, uncaring mother, an absent father, and an event from her past that changed her world, Emmie Blue has struggled with loneliness, not feeling like she’s enough, and always wondering what it’s like to be wanted, to be part of a family, and to be truly loved.

This book was so serendipitous.  I wanted to believe that everything happens for a reason, that what was meant to be would be.  Emmie’s balloon found its way to someone who would be a friend for life.  Lucas brought her a sense of safety, of belonging, and he and his family represented everything that she had always dreamed of for her own life.  Over the years, as their friendship grew, so did Emmie’s feelings for Lucas.  He was a constant in her life, and he meant the world to her, but were they destined to be together as more than best friends?

While Lucas and her workmates seemed to be moving forward in their lives, Emmie felt stagnated, stuck in a rut, unable to move forward or chase the things that she wanted out of life.  I was in Emmie’s corner, rooting her on from the very first page.  When she was heartbroken, my heart broke along with hers.  When she was feeling content and secure, I was smiling because she was so deserving of happiness.  I wanted to tell her that everything would be all right, that she wasn’t alone, and that she should allow herself to be loved.

Dear Emmie Blue had everything that I look for in a novel.  It had a cast of characters that I cared about, romance, angst, a couple of twists, humor, great banter, and plenty of heart.  Through all of the highs and lows, the tears, the laughter, and the heart-pounding moments, my poor heart was put through an emotional wringer, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.  I didn’t just read this book, I experienced it right along with Emmie. 

As I was nearing the end of this book, I kept checking my e-reader to see how much time I had left with these characters.  I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to them.  Dear Emmie Blue is a beautiful, well-rounded novel, rich in depth and feeling, exquisitely written, and was an absolute pleasure to read.  I am looking forward to reading more books by this talented author.

*5 Stars