Dear Patience, Sincerely Lucy

by Abigail Hammond

“You never know what moments are going to change the course of your life.”

Lucy Greene is surviving her twenties.

At twenty-three, she thought by now she’d have things figured out, or that she’d at least have some sort of plan. Instead, she still has no idea what she wants to do with her future.

She doesn’t have time to plan her future anyway, not while she’s working as the personal assistant of a woman who does have plans—a lot of them, leaving Lucy with almost no space for her own life, responsibilities, and relationships. It's a job she never thought she’d end up with, a job everyone tells her she’s lucky to have. But despite the amount of people who’ve told Lucy they wish they were in her shoes, she doesn’t feel lucky. She feels totally in over her head.

With no other plans or dreams to go after, Lucy puts her all into her job, allowing it to take priority in her life and ignoring the growing dread in the back of her mind that she’ll never find something she loves to do. She keeps her true feelings to herself, until she runs into someone who begins breaking down her walls.

Lucy’s hectic life is balanced like a crooked Jenga tower, and something is about to give.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

271 pages, Paperback

Published September 22, 2024

About the author

My name is Abigail Hammond, but I always go by Abby. One of my thumbs is shorter than the other. I have absolutely no idea why, but it's useful for those awkward times when you meet new people and you're supposed to share a fun fact about yourself.

Thankfully, having unmatched thumbs in no way hinders my ability to write, so I'll keep working on more books! My team consists of my amazing husband who handles the cover art and illustrations for my books, and my dog, who is my chief distraction officer. We live in sunny California and consume way too many tacos. Seriously, we eat tacos for dinner almost every day.

Reviews

[Abigail Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is for the girls who don’t know what they’re doing, but they’re doing their best. That includes me 😅😂🙃

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh where do I begin! Abby you’ve done it again, you have written a book that I love and that makes me feel seen.
Not only is this one of the sweetest romance books that make you laugh but it speaks to the 20 year old that i am who is trying to figure out life.

The way emotions are described was excellent! This book is fast paced and if I would have had the time I could have read this book in one sitting!

Lucy is an easy to love character!

Also the cover is beautiful!

No spice and no bad language!

[findingthebook · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Dear patience, Sincerely lucy, We start off with a young lucy and Scott, both the total opposites. Scott, who knows what he wants to pursue while lucy has no clue what she wants for the now and the future. When years pass lucy is up and going and has a job that everyone would want, but is that something that she can pretend to like and do for the rest of her life? Scott comes back into her life and things begin to change. Lucy starts to see how her life really is but so many opinions makes her end up back as her younger self, not knowing what she wants. Will she be able to find her true self ?

I absolutely loved this story. It gave me so much that I wanted a bit more in the end. Lucy is a relatable character, she’s going through life just to get through without even knowing. Some of us don’t know what we want in life or we berate ourself when we make mistakes. This book made me realize so many things. Life is short and we can’t go around comparing ourself or missing opportunities to do stuff that we might fall in love with.

I got telenovela/K-drama vibes while reading this book and I can’t wait to get a hard copy to get my tabs to just go back and read those parts.

Scott gave us so many swoony moments, Definitely a perfect boyfriend. He was also a perfect friend to Lucy, just by letting her talk her feelings and concerns with no judgement. We need someone like that in life. Someone who will always have a lending ear and heart.

[Bella Crooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE ALL OF ABBY’S BOOKS BUT THIS MIGHT BE MY FAVORITE 😍 I felt so heard and seen through Lucy’s character and I loved the drama with Jeremiah!! This was a tug at your heartstrings book and I am now OBSESSED WITH IT!!!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fantastic look into the reality of finding your own way in adulthood. I absolutely loved Lucy and the challenges she came upon. I would recommend this book to all those who seem to be struggling to find their place in this world! Keep having faith!!!

[Melissa Duewall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the book was so sweet. I love how much I connected with the fmc. I can truly relate to how her thought process was and her aspect of life. I loved the ending just as much too!

[Taylor Bergthold · Rating 5 out of 5]

So relatable and inspiring, I loved this book!! Lucy is the embodiment of the parts of us that feel like we “missed it” or are behind in life. “You just need to be YOU. That’s success enough”.

[Elaine Benes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This feels like the perfect summer read! The story is sweet and romantic with lovable characters that will keep you intrigued in the story. It definitely has “The Devil Wears Prada” vibes, in all of the best ways.

[Meggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

You never know which moments are going to change the course of your life."

I'd like to express my gratitude to Abby Hammod and the Book Sirens for providing me with an ARC of "Dear Patience, Sincerely Lucy," which is set to be released in September 2024.

The story revolves around Lucy, a woman in her twenties who's trying to find her path in life. She feels like she's fallen behind because of her current job, especially compared to her friends who are getting married, having babies, and buying houses. Being in my twenties, I can empathize with the main character's journey to find where she belongs.

Lucy's friends also provide good advice to Lucy. I also loved how the ending tied everything together. 

There is just enough PG 13 romance..no spice sorry if that's your thing.

Overall 4/5 stars a cute quick read!

[Brie Riss · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC BOOK REVIEW 📖: DEAR PATIENCE, SINCERELY LUCY by Abigail Hammond

Rating: 5⭐️/5
Format: ebook

“You never know what moments are going to change the course of your life.”

Thoughts: Such a sweet and easy read, this book will have you smiling from ear to ear and swooning at times! Lucy is such a likable and relatable character- you can’t help but want her to succeed. I enjoyed the love triangle but am still confused with how our girl was so oblivious! This one is for all those who truly don’t know what they want to do as their career and are still looking for the guide on how to do life.

Read if you love:
Devil Wears Prada vibes
Found family
No third act breakup

Thank you Abigail for sending me your ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Marcelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Young adulthood is a very exciting and confusing time, the author did such a beautiful job capturing that feeling and showing the hope and joy that comes with discovering who you are through the process. A very relatable story with lovable characters. Not to mention, the sweetest love story ever!

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This book was what I really needed in my life right now!! I felt myself relating to Lucy's situation throughout the story, and the message was beautiful.

As much as work is important, you still need to take care of yourself, too. ❤️

Lucy was a fun and relatable protagonist, and her struggles really hit home. Opportunities come and go, and no one really has a clue about what they're doing (even though we pretend to).

Monica was surprisingly another favorite of mine. She was very business savvy, and was always serious and professional. She just felt very realistic. Monica and Lucy had no personal relationship. They weren't friends. Just a boss and her personal assistant, and that's it, despite what others believe.

*Spoilers below*

The final moment with Monica and Lucy was also great and one of my favorite parts. Monica saw what no one else (besides Scott) saw, and that was Lucy needing to move on from this job and grow in life. While it was bittersweet that Lucy was being let go, Monica had no ill feelings toward her. She knew Lucy wouldn't quit on her own, so she had to do what was best for Lucy and herself.

Anyway, the whole book was fun and a relaxing read. Lucy and Scott's relationship was cute, and Lucy's friendship with her roommates and Macy was another highlight.

There's also Jeremiah... (he's a jerk).
I know they "made up," but he still had no right leaving Lucy like that. He was so entitled!!

*Spoilers end*

This book is probably my favorite of Hammond's so far!! Which surprised me, because I'm usually one to choose sci-fi over contemporary, but this one felt so personal. It was perfect.

(Also, fellow Larry main in Mario Kart!!! Let's go!!)

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review:
This was the sweetest, most real book! As someone who is in their 20s, this book speaks to the heart of growing up! It’s a perfect coming of age book of endlessly not knowing what you’re doing, not knowing what comes next, and assuming everyone around you does know all these things that you solely don’t know. It’s full of sweet, lovable characters, funny banter, and a very vulnerable protagonist who learns things about herself and the world around her as she grows up! This book was concise and to the point while also telling a perfectly detailed story! The writing was well done yet it didn’t beat around the bush or feel too long. This book helped me out of a reading slump and spoke to so many truths. I really enjoyed this read and recommend it to anyone wanting sweet and fun characters, a coming of age tale of growing up and learning about the world, and the cutest romance that gives you all the feels! This books speaks to the happily ever afters in life while also showing how hard it is to get there! The realness of this story is so lovable and is something much needed for all of us to hear, especially on those days when we are all just winging it and feel like we don’t know what’s going on or what to do. Spoiler alert, no one does :) and that’s the beauty of it all! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5!

[Kit · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I doubt this is the best book I’ll ever write. But, for me personally, I think it might be the most important one I’ll ever write.”

My one complaint about this novel is that it was too short! I devoured this in (nearly) one sitting, and as a twenty-something who feels behind in life, this book was meaningful and relatable to me in the same way it was meaningful to Hammond to write Lucy's character. It felt like a love letter to being in your twenties and was a great young adult novel with wonderful morals. I loved the format of the narration and for Hammond's first foray into a non-sci-fi novel, it was a really strong start. I also loved the visual storytelling in the chapter headings, and the cover was simply gorgeous and all I could expect from a sweet romance novel! My guilty pleasure is cheesy, clean, fluffy romance novels, so I hope to see more of that from her in the future! :)

- 4.5 stars rounded up

[Tiffany Shelby · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Dear Patience, Sincerely Lucy* is a charming and lighthearted read that traces Lucy's journey from high school graduate into adulthood. It offers a relatable glimpse into the uncertainty many face after high school, capturing the essence of figuring out life without a clear plan. The story is sweet, with characters that are easy to root for, making it a delightful, clean read. If you're looking for a romance novel that’s heartfelt without being explicit, this one is worth picking up.

That said, I did find the character development and plot to be somewhat lacking in depth. There were moments where I felt like pieces of the story were missing, which left some aspects feeling underdeveloped. Despite these shortcomings, the overall experience was still enjoyable.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book and appreciate the chance to share my thoughts.

[Matt Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I've read from Abigail Hammond, and this one may be my favorite. It's clear that she was in her element writing "Dear Patience, Sincerely Lucy", as the entire story felt like an effortless stroll through the life of the protagonist. The plot was simple, and the difficulties faced by Lucy were both realistic and relatable. The characters were unique and well fleshed-out, and I found myself engaged throughout the read.

I think this story stuck out as my favorite because of its simplicity. The characters are all everyday people, and the situations are common to any one of us. With these parameters, Hammond reflects on issues common to being human- searching for purpose, value and a "plan" for life.

“None of us really know what we’re doing. We’re just good at pretending we do.”

[Hannah Arbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, mostly because I found a character I could truly relate to. Lucy. Most of us remember our early 20s, the constant struggle of comparing yourself to other people your age. Am I behind? Why does it seem like my life is stuck in place, and everyone around me is out there living. If you’ve ever felt like that, this is a book you need to pick up. A book that lets you know, your life is your own, and to be lived at your own pace. Regardless of what everyone else is doing, or succeeding with. And a happy ending to boot!

[Kristina Morud · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a friend turn into a lover story, which is one you won't want to put down. I absolutely fell in love with this story! I was able to connect with Lucy, the main character. I wanted more of her story by the end.

As I was reading this, I felt like it would make an amazing movie for Netflix.

Great book for all ages, but I think this will be a good book for YA with some amazing life points!

[Michelle Kssili · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminds me of myself. I used to think that the opinions of others mattered over mine. Always putting others before me. Like Lucy, I was always waiting for others to tell me what I already knew. Lucy had great friends and an amazing boyfriend who saw her best qualities. Patience is definitely the hardest thing to learn. Im 48 and still learning. "Things in life dont always go as planned. Just start over."

[Julia L Herbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard not to love Lucy! This story is well written and fun. Abigail Hammond delicately delivers some life lessons and nuggets of wisdom in this story with characters I connected with immediately. A little laughter, a little romance, a little friendship, a lot of self discovery, this story is for anyone who feels like they’re still figuring it all out. Even if you’re nearly 40, like myself.

[Larissa Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The absolute cutest book! I was thrilled to be one of the first to get to read this book! It did not disappoint!
It truly kept me wanting to read each time I opened it up on my kindle! I recommend this book to anyone, but especially someone who may feel like they don’t have life figured out or to someone who feels stuck in life.

❤️

[Annabelle Nelms · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so unbelievably great. It had me laughing and smiling the whole time! It takes us on Lucy's journey of navigating through life after high school. From being a batista, assistant, friend, and having her first ever boyfriend at 23, this book kept me on the edge of my seat. It was super fast-paced but well thought out. Go out and get yourself a copy!

[Nadja · Rating 5 out of 5]

“None of us really know what we’re doing. We’re just good at pretending we do.”

Absolutely loved this book! It was such an easy read and I just wanted to know how things ended for Lucy.

Completely relatable to my own experience during my 20s and the above quote hits home even though I’m in my early 30s.

[Rachel Wehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most adorable books I've ever read! Lucy was a very relatable character, and her inner monologue was highly entertaining. I liked it even more when I found out it was a little taste of the author's own love story. I look forward to more from this author!

[Bookish Venturess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This was such a great book. The romance as well as real life situations with boundaries. I love that Lucy was able to figure out what made her happy and the proper boundaries of a job. This was such a well written book.

[Shaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a sweet coming-of-age story. Felt very repetitive in sections, but the I appreciated the character growth and the conversations felt very real. I had a boss like Monica once, so it reminded me a lot of that period of time in my life.

[Sarah Lewin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty, entertaining, great characters, setting and storyline. I can't wait to read more by this author.

[Sarah Horrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super cute read and a good reminder to fake it till you make it.

[DeAnn Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and enjoyable read! The story felt real and relatable, the characters were lovable and it had the perfect amount of conflict without being melodramatic.

[December · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book details a young woman’s journey into adulthood and all the laughter and sadness that accompanies it. This look into the trials and tribulations Lucy faces was one I’d recommend to everyone