“There’s great hope where the road meets the sky – maybe even an answer. But this road leads home. Just home. I thought I’d finished writing that story years ago, but then yesterday’s story happened – the one about the boy who cheats and the girl who leaves.”Lu Sokolowski never planned to return to her small hometown of Dunlap’s Creek, but it’s the only place she can think of to go after her … after her boyfriend cheats on her. Moving back in with her family lets her run away from her problems, but it also means suffering their attempts to reassemble her failed life, including arranging a job as the wedding beat writer at the local paper and setting her up with Jackson, the divorced pastor of her family’s church. Unexpected success and friendships restore Lu to the family and faith she’d left behind. But when the small-town life Lu never intended shakes up, will she run again?
Lu’s story is a journey of a woman back to her family, her faith, and herself. It’s about second chances and the unchosen circumstances that press the point of who we are and what we believe. Are we the sum of our successes and failures, or does our identity rest in a greater hope?
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Where should I start…
The story of Lu was interesting. Beth Troy wrote the story in a way that made me feel like I was Lu; that I was the person going through struggles and learning to work through them. Lu is a strong character who knew what she wanted in life (or thought she did), she is a very dedicated person; someone dedicated to finding the truth, not just accepting what others tell her. Lu’s thought process was very realistic, and her thoughts were something that most of us think at one point or another in our lives, but that we very rarely voice. Beth Troy did a great job of giving voice to those thoughts and showing that there is a time for every season in life.
I do wish that the ending of the book had been a bit different. I wanted Lu to not make the choices that she did, however, I understand that Beth Troy was showing that we all make mistakes and wrong choices in life. But that God will be there for us always, through the good choices and the bad.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the frank spiritual battles, the well-developed storyline, and most of all for Lu.
*This book does contain some mild swearing, and some sexual content (nothing detailed, just implied). I do not particularly care for it, however, that stuff happens all around us. It is naïve of us to think otherwise. I relate it to how Rachel Hauck uses those elements of real life in her books to depict life without Jesus.
**I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
If #allthefeelz is a hashtag, then this book is #AlltheRealz!!!
How coincidental that today’s morning Scripture (Colossians 2:9-10) says, “… you are complete in Him…” Which is exactly Lu’s story, the journey she was on. To discover who she is, what her purpose is. And how this whole Bible thing relates. Or if it relates.
Ms. Troy’s storytelling is real and gritty and honest. Told in first person (this reviewer’s favorite) the story pulls the reader deeper into Lu’s discontent and unrest. Ms. Troy makes it clear that there is only one answer to fill the emptiness Lu knows so well.
I think any one of us, if we’re honest with ourselves, have known some of Lu’s feelings and doubts, if not the depth of them. But the cord, heavy and cumbersome, through it all was how Lu wanted to believe. How she tried.
Lu pounded Jackson with questions about the Bible and about his faith; he readily answered every time. Ms. Troy neatly tied Lu’s story with his, knitting them in a comfy cocoon of friendship. And maybe more…
Life is complicated and messy, and so is Lu’s story. Ms. Troy asks the questions that we ask; she lays bare the soul, because the walk of faith is not an easy one. Lu is a bold telling of an earnest search for answers, played against the familiar, the comfortable, the known with answers we all resist but desperately need.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Lu., Beth Troy, JustRead Publicity, #AlltheRealz
Here’s the thing: I enjoyed this book. I truly did. Lu, with all of her questions and her humanity, made for a great story about figuring out life and faith. The family connections felt real. There were too many adorable moments between Lu and Jackson to count. Even John came in and stole some brownie points in my heart. The dialogue is great and the sentiment is real.
If you’re looking at the bare bones of this novel, it’s a great read. The writing is rich and delightful. It felt like I was reading to catch up with a friend and I felt an actual loss when it ended, like, “Wait. Where are my people going? Leaving already?!”
With that being said, there were a few instances that pulled against my own personal preferences and convictions. Though they may not have been out of character for the characters they were written for, they were out of character for me and so they would momentarily jolt me out of the story for a bit. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions belong to me.
I often feel like Christians (especially those who grew up in the church and surround themselves with other Christians) forget what life was like before Jesus. But Beth Troy reminds of that in her debut novel. And what an unforgettable story this is.
Lu is struggling. In her personal life. In her career. And with where she stands spiritually. When she comes home to her family after discovering her boyfriend cheated on her. And once in Dunlap’s Creek, she is challenged in ways she couldn’t imagine.
The first-person point of view works well for this story because it is 100% about Lu and her journey to trust in Jesus. The dialogue is excellently written, the characters are raw and real and human, and the story is engaging. Lu is not about the perfect Christian who has a blip in her road. It’s about the true digging into and wrestling with the decision, it’s about family and friendships, and so much more.
And the best news? A sequel is coming soon.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The truth is there are no words to adequately describe this book. It was a story and a world I enjoyed and would recommend to any and everyone. It is a story about a woman’s search for God and like King Solomon, Lu had gone on her own adventures and still came up short of the true satisfaction she was after.
The author wove a heart-to-heart story that was touching and captivating. A story that left me in awe of God and yearning for a deeper walk with Him.
I undoubtedly recommend this book to everyone in search of a profound read and especially to those with questions about life and God.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Great characters, original writing, clean story with an entertaining plot. Highly recommend!
This is a very enjoyable and realistic journey of a young woman who is struggling to find herself and to understand why her family believes in God.
There are are a lot of great discussions about faith.
Be aware there are several curses in the dialog.
This book was a joy to read. It’s original, intelligent, humorous and just plain entertaining. The minute I finished it, I downloaded Book 2. The reason? Lu’s spiritual journey is a lot like mine. Plus I wanted to know what happened with Jackson.
Lu. is one of my two favorite books of 2020. The other one is “Louisa,” the sequel.