Lost by Priscilla Audette

Lost by Priscilla Audette

Synopsis:

After suffering a blow to the head that robs her of herself, the aptly named Faith struggles against almost insurmountable odds to reclaim herself and her life as she knew it.

First, a disclaimer: although the protagonist in this novel suffers an injury, Lost is not a medical or health book. Rather, it is a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit that can rise like the proverbial phoenix after suffering a nearly lethal trauma. Faith is a character who finds herself in a situation that will be identifiable to many readers. Who hasn’t known someone who has suffered a concussion or worse? To find oneself lost in the labyrinth of the mind because the brain has been injured is taking the hero’s journey to a new and challenging level. The hero’s journey resonates in all our psyches and that is why stories like The Wizard of Ozor Star Warsgrab at us on a visceral level. Faith’s “Call to Adventure” is a car accident. She doesn’t have the choice of refusal; instead, she is sucked into a new and scary world when life as she knows it disappears. She finds mentors, is tested, and ultimately fights her way back not to her old self, but evolves into someone who has gained knowledge and is better for it. To come to know Faith is to become her cheerleader. Readers will keep reading not only because the writing is compelling but because they want her to succeed. On some level, her successes will be their successes no matter what different and challenging paths their own lives follow. Just like Faith, we all deal with the trials and tribulations life tosses our way, and we are usually better for the experiences. Faith is every woman.

Review:

After a car accident and a severe blow to her head, Faith is highly challenged and must relearn many things that were lost due to her brain trauma. She faces many trials and tribulations and suffers much during her recovery. Her old life has disappeared and she must now regain her mind and learn all over again. She has the help of friends and mentors to make her way back to who she was. However, she doesn’t fully regain her old self, but learns and evolves into a whole new person with new knowledge and experiences. Perhaps a better self.

Lost by Priscilla Audette is a compelling engrossing read. Although most of us have not had a brain injury, Faith is still a very relatable character. Her journey is one of strength and hope. Many women will relate to Faith as she charges ahead to recovery and acceptance.

Readers will fall in love with Faith and the other characters in this engaging, heartwarming read. Priscilla Audette has done a fabulous job creating a story that is unlike many. This is a tough topic to tackle and she has done a beautiful job showing readers what it is like for the brain injured person. A lot of research had to have been put into this story. The characters are all likable, relatable and fully developed. Faith’s personality is multidimensional and lovable.

The storyline flows beautifully and is captivating and enthralling. I was held spellbound from the very beginning and couldn’t put the book down, turning the pages quickly, rooting for Faith. Her struggles and triumphs are universal to every woman’s struggles and triumphs. Life is challenging for women. That’s why I found this book so good and relatable.

Lost is also a good story about relationships and the interactions between friends and people. I found that the author has much insight and experience in that area of life, the complexities of relationships.

Gently woven within the storyline are the descriptions, and they are fabulous, vivid and visual. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about Lost by Priscilla Audette. She is a phenomenal writer and I’m looking forward to reading more of her books.
Lost by Priscilla Audette is highly recommended by Chick Lit Cafe.

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A Dress the Color of the Sky By Jennifer Irwin

Synopsis

For too many years, Prudence Aldrich has been numbing the pain in her life with random sexual encounters. Her marriage to cold, self-centered Nick is, not surprisingly, on the rocks. But after several dangerous experiences with strangers, Prudence finally realizes she needs therapy to stop her self-destructive behavior, and so she checks into the Serenity Hills rehab center.

Prudence blames herself for her irresponsible behavior and is filled with self-loathing. She's convinced she is completely at fault for Nick's manipulative attitude and believes with therapy, she can return their relationship to its idyllic beginnings. However, her therapist and the other members of her rehab group see the person behind the pain. As Prudence learns more about herself and the reasons for her behavior, including startling revelations about her childhood, she begins to understand the basis for her lack of sexual self-respect. She also learns she is not entirely to blame for the failure of her marriage. With the positive reinforcement of everyone at Serenity Hills, Prudence learns not to define herself by her past. But moving forward would mean letting go of Nick for good, and Prudence isn't sure she can.

Review:

Beautiful, moving and authentic!

A Dress the Color of the Sky is impressive beyond reasoning. It is filled with both heartwarming and heart-rending emotion. From start to finish author, Jennifer Irwin, captures the reader’s heart and tugs deeply. She has tackled a sensitive subject based on reality, and accurately brought it to life with intensity, passion and drama.

The main character, Prudence Aldrich, lives life dangerously and on the edge of instability.

Her random sexual encounters are nothing more than an addiction to numb the inner pain that she is living and struggling with.

Her life is complicated and she needs help before her self-destructive behavior catches up with her and causes her real harm.

She checks herself into Serenity Hills rehab facility and begins her journey from self-hatred and addiction to self discovery, healing and freedom.

Prudence is a likable strong character. She is resilient and multi-faceted. Jennifer Irwin has done a remarkable job of writing and developing this character and the others as well.

All the characters are well written with purpose and forethought. Their interactions with one another are believable and pertinent. Jennifer Irwin has a way with words unlike many other authors. She has a gift for writing dialog and giving the plot depth and interest. The way she describes the characters,  surroundings and the many details gives the reader a sense of being there and experiencing everything for themselves. It is perfectly delightful and nearly discomforting at the same time.

I absolutely loved A Dress the Color of the Sky. It is brimming with life. It caused me to smile, laugh, cry and even get angry. I love that it brought me, delightfully, out of my comfort zone. It touches on the human condition and issues that are normally hidden from society but never the less real, and I suspect somewhat common these days. That’s why this novel is very timely and relevant.

I was specifically impressed by how the author was able to show that Prudence’s problems stem from many negative incidents, including her childhood. I believe that many readers will relate to this fact in the story. I felt as though I was being challenged to take a closer look at my own life and while reading it, I experienced being undone and put back together again, for the better.

What a remarkable novel! So personal, touching and moving!

A Dress the Color of the Sky By Jennifer Irwin is a praiseworthy work of contemporary fiction. Jennifer has emerged as a fresh new voice in the writing community. One would never guess that this is her debut novel because it is unquestionably written with skill, creativity and real talent. It’s not at all surprising that A Dress the Color of the Sky is already chosen and set to become a full feature movie.

Pick up a copy and read it before the movie comes out. You will be thrilled and glad you did.

Amazon A Dress the Color of the Sky
Reviewed By Chick Lit Cafe