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Unspoken #5
Bloom
Have you ever wondered how many people would still love you if you were no longer beautiful? Have you ever thought of people who wake up and can't stand the idea of seeing their reflections? Have you ever considered that death may be easier than life?
I never did. Not once. Not until one moment, one mistake, changed my life forever.
I woke up to beeping machines, hovering faces, and pain like you wouldn't believe. I'm not just talking about my burns either. I'm talking about my heart.
My name is Sarah Jordan and this is my story. I'm tired of pretending to be perfect. Of painting on a smile when I'm struggling. My story isn't always pretty and easy to read, but it hasn't been easy to live either. I'm opening up. Letting you in. So maybe, just maybe, together we can peel away the masks and find true beauty. True life. Underneath it all.
Welcome to my heart ... bound within the pages of Bloom.
I never did. Not once. Not until one moment, one mistake, changed my life forever.
I woke up to beeping machines, hovering faces, and pain like you wouldn't believe. I'm not just talking about my burns either. I'm talking about my heart.
My name is Sarah Jordan and this is my story. I'm tired of pretending to be perfect. Of painting on a smile when I'm struggling. My story isn't always pretty and easy to read, but it hasn't been easy to live either. I'm opening up. Letting you in. So maybe, just maybe, together we can peel away the masks and find true beauty. True life. Underneath it all.
Welcome to my heart ... bound within the pages of Bloom.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2014
25 people are currently reading
1647 people want to read
About the author
Marilyn Grey
19 books235 followersDear hopeless romantic, I'm so glad you have found the Unspoken Series! This is a 10 book series ending in late 2015. You can get free books from the series and take a quiz to find out how much you'll enjoy it before reading! Go here for more info!
The Unspoken Series
Book #1: Where Love Finds You (Available Now)
Book #2: Down from the Clouds (Available Now)
Book #3: The Life I Now Live (Available Now)
Book #4: Heart on a Shoestring (Available Now)
Book #5: Bloom (Available Now)
Book #6: When the City Sleeps (August 2014)
Book #7: A Thousand Words (December 2014)
Book #8: A Starless Midnight (March 2015)
Book #9: Prism (July 2015)
Book #10: Love, Me (December 2015)
The Unspoken Series
Book #1: Where Love Finds You (Available Now)
Book #2: Down from the Clouds (Available Now)
Book #3: The Life I Now Live (Available Now)
Book #4: Heart on a Shoestring (Available Now)
Book #5: Bloom (Available Now)
Book #6: When the City Sleeps (August 2014)
Book #7: A Thousand Words (December 2014)
Book #8: A Starless Midnight (March 2015)
Book #9: Prism (July 2015)
Book #10: Love, Me (December 2015)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 29, 2014
Oh Bloom, I love you! Ms. Grey, I love you more! Life, I love you most!
THIS IS A BOOK YOU SHOULDN'T MISS TO READ.
After reading Bloom, I tend to appreciate what most of us always take for granted - the beauty of life, freedom, and the ability to stand up and conquer one's fears. Bloom is an eye opener to everyone. Physical appearance catches the eye and brings temporary pleasure. It'll only make you arrogant. It'll make you feel like a beauty queen wearing the crown wherever you go and will crave for the attention and praises of others that you forget that beauty is making you fly so high, and when that beauty fades, you'll fall face to face to the ground. Suddenly you'll realize that true beauty comes from within. That what matters most is people notice you for having a good heart and kindred spirit, and that what makes you beautiful. You have touched the heart of other people without you realizing it.
------------------------
Bloom is the fifth book of the Unspoken Series of Marilyn Grey. Each is a stand alone book. Although the characters grow from the first book up to her current one, Bloom. If you're planning to read Bloom without reading her other books, go on. Again, each book can stand alone. Each has its own story to tell. And Bloom has a different one.
Bloom is an eye opener to those who are blinded by white skin, curvy body,long legs, toned muscles - name the things that define beauty from a shallow point of view. I admit that even I adore those perfect bodies some are blessed to have. But when I read Bloom, suddenly I felt shallow for admiring and even dreaming to achieve those things.
Bloom testifies that what matters most is the beauty of the heart, not of the face. After surviving cancer,Sarah Jordan finally felt the freedom to live again. But then that fire incident during the camping with James happened. And everything started to change. Sarah was a head turner for her beauty. Always checking up her reflection whenever she had the chance to. But her beauty was burnt together with the fire. Leaving her nothing but a half-face of scars and beauty.
By that Sarah took her appearance seriously that she despised to receive love and even believe on it anymore. She kept on pushing away the ones who loved her. But then she met this little girl whose scars were identical to hers. This girl, Anastasia, had its own struggle but optimism was etched on her personality. She was full of life. As young as her age, she was able to inspire her family, especially Sarah, her new found friend. Through Ana, Sarah has opened her door to love again. To accept her appearance, conquer her fears, and finally, allow herself to be loved in return.
THIS IS A BOOK YOU SHOULDN'T MISS TO READ.
After reading Bloom, I tend to appreciate what most of us always take for granted - the beauty of life, freedom, and the ability to stand up and conquer one's fears. Bloom is an eye opener to everyone. Physical appearance catches the eye and brings temporary pleasure. It'll only make you arrogant. It'll make you feel like a beauty queen wearing the crown wherever you go and will crave for the attention and praises of others that you forget that beauty is making you fly so high, and when that beauty fades, you'll fall face to face to the ground. Suddenly you'll realize that true beauty comes from within. That what matters most is people notice you for having a good heart and kindred spirit, and that what makes you beautiful. You have touched the heart of other people without you realizing it.
------------------------
Bloom is the fifth book of the Unspoken Series of Marilyn Grey. Each is a stand alone book. Although the characters grow from the first book up to her current one, Bloom. If you're planning to read Bloom without reading her other books, go on. Again, each book can stand alone. Each has its own story to tell. And Bloom has a different one.
Bloom is an eye opener to those who are blinded by white skin, curvy body,long legs, toned muscles - name the things that define beauty from a shallow point of view. I admit that even I adore those perfect bodies some are blessed to have. But when I read Bloom, suddenly I felt shallow for admiring and even dreaming to achieve those things.
Bloom testifies that what matters most is the beauty of the heart, not of the face. After surviving cancer,Sarah Jordan finally felt the freedom to live again. But then that fire incident during the camping with James happened. And everything started to change. Sarah was a head turner for her beauty. Always checking up her reflection whenever she had the chance to. But her beauty was burnt together with the fire. Leaving her nothing but a half-face of scars and beauty.
By that Sarah took her appearance seriously that she despised to receive love and even believe on it anymore. She kept on pushing away the ones who loved her. But then she met this little girl whose scars were identical to hers. This girl, Anastasia, had its own struggle but optimism was etched on her personality. She was full of life. As young as her age, she was able to inspire her family, especially Sarah, her new found friend. Through Ana, Sarah has opened her door to love again. To accept her appearance, conquer her fears, and finally, allow herself to be loved in return.
October 13, 2014
Dear hopeless romantic, I'm so glad you have found the Unspoken Series! This is a 10 book series ending in late 2015. You can get free books from the series and take a quiz to find out how much you'll enjoy it before reading! Go here for more info!
The Unspoken Series
Book #1: Where Love Finds You (Available Now)
Book #2: Down from the Clouds (Available Now)
Book #3: The Life I Now Live (Available Now)
Book #4: Heart on a Shoestring (Available Now)
Book #5: Bloom (Available Now)
Book #6: When the City Sleeps (August 2014)
Book #7: A Thousand Words (December 2014)
Book #8: A Starless Midnight (March 2015)
Book #9: Prism (July 2015)
Book #10: Love, Me (December 2015)
The Unspoken Series
Book #1: Where Love Finds You (Available Now)
Book #2: Down from the Clouds (Available Now)
Book #3: The Life I Now Live (Available Now)
Book #4: Heart on a Shoestring (Available Now)
Book #5: Bloom (Available Now)
Book #6: When the City Sleeps (August 2014)
Book #7: A Thousand Words (December 2014)
Book #8: A Starless Midnight (March 2015)
Book #9: Prism (July 2015)
Book #10: Love, Me (December 2015)
April 21, 2014
An amazing story of true beauty and friendship. One that is very emotional and truly inspiring. Take your chance and live while you can, learn to breath again. Love will come when you least expect it. Maybe along the way you'll meet some wonderful people who will leave lasting impressions upon your heart that will make you change what you believe and think is truly beautiful.
I so wanted to be able to finish this in one sitting, as I stayed up late reading into the wee hours of the night. Once you start reading you really don't want to stop because you can't wait to see what's going to happen next within the story for Sarah, wondering will she get her happily-ever-after, will she be able to move forward. You feel like you are there with her in laughter, tears, pain, loss, love and friendship as she maneuvers her way around again meeting and facing new changes, fears, and challenges in her life. I enjoyed getting those glimpses of past characters from prior books making appearances into the story and seeing new ones arrive slowly blending wonderfully into this particular book giving you more insight into this lovely series and making you excited to read more about their stories as well. I've enjoyed each book for different reasons, as each one brings something uniquely special to this series.
What I can say without giving any spoilers. There are many different things that make you beautiful and they're not necessarily what's on the outside that's just your outer shell and it may easily crack, it's what's on the inside that brings your true beauty out into the world, a beautiful heart, mind, soul, personality, and a beautiful spirit, those make someone beautiful. You may think you're a beautiful person on the outside, but in actuality extremely ugly on the inside, and that just leaves you angry, greedy, and bitter. Its hard and takes plenty of courage to start letting go of your past and moving forward into your present and future. Living for what can be, not what was.
Loved this absolutely loved this book Marilyn. Thank you, as always a true and absolute pleasure to read. :)
I so wanted to be able to finish this in one sitting, as I stayed up late reading into the wee hours of the night. Once you start reading you really don't want to stop because you can't wait to see what's going to happen next within the story for Sarah, wondering will she get her happily-ever-after, will she be able to move forward. You feel like you are there with her in laughter, tears, pain, loss, love and friendship as she maneuvers her way around again meeting and facing new changes, fears, and challenges in her life. I enjoyed getting those glimpses of past characters from prior books making appearances into the story and seeing new ones arrive slowly blending wonderfully into this particular book giving you more insight into this lovely series and making you excited to read more about their stories as well. I've enjoyed each book for different reasons, as each one brings something uniquely special to this series.
What I can say without giving any spoilers. There are many different things that make you beautiful and they're not necessarily what's on the outside that's just your outer shell and it may easily crack, it's what's on the inside that brings your true beauty out into the world, a beautiful heart, mind, soul, personality, and a beautiful spirit, those make someone beautiful. You may think you're a beautiful person on the outside, but in actuality extremely ugly on the inside, and that just leaves you angry, greedy, and bitter. Its hard and takes plenty of courage to start letting go of your past and moving forward into your present and future. Living for what can be, not what was.
Loved this absolutely loved this book Marilyn. Thank you, as always a true and absolute pleasure to read. :)
April 27, 2014
Sometimes life hands you lemons, and everyone around you expects you to make lemonade, well sometimes you can't and a lemon is just that, a sour, bitter fruit that is only good when accompanied by something that will make it sweeter and refreshing. That remind me of this book, Sarah hasn't had a very good run, and even though I've wanted to read the book from her point of view since where love finds you, I new it would be an upsetting read. She's had lots of obstacles thrown at her, and understandably, she wants to wave the white flag and say' world, I've had enough, I'm finished now'. However, through the devastatingly beautiful book, she learns she has friends who can push her when she's low and hold her when she's had enough. They can also smile with her when her body, and heart start to heal. I don't want to give anything away but I loved this story. It's beautiful and inspiring in a way that no one writes like anymore. Marilyn grey is a rarity and I thank her for that. She inspires without pushing views onto people that may not be wanted. I love this story, and I know you will too. 'Don't think about tomorrow, just go to sleep tonight and think about seeing your friend tomorrow, and nothing else' until next time xx
May 4, 2014
Oh wow. I am so honored to get and ARC for this book. It was just amazing. Marilyn seems to keep getting better and better. The books keep getting more heartfelt than ever before. This is just so touching.
Sarah, the ever-optimist turns pessimistic after an accident taking away her beauty and ability to nurse a child. She gets so down you start wondering where was the Sarah we used to read about; the one who went through cancer and bounced back better than anyone could ever think they could. You understand where she's coming from whenever she does something, even if it is a bit annoying. And even through everything she's been through, she still puts others before her.
She can't seem to be able to see herself through other people's eyes, no matter how many times they say or show it. It's only when a little girl comes in with her uncle does Sarah see everything in a better light and becomes the optimistic friend we all loved.
Although I didn't get the big, right-on-your-face twist I was expecting after all Marilyn's previous books, we still get one to step away from the usual. It was refreshing and probably shows a lesson to some that our Prince Charming may not be the guy we thought.
This book is just amazing. It's so inspiring, teaching us about inner beauty and how to bounce back from hard times.
Sarah, the ever-optimist turns pessimistic after an accident taking away her beauty and ability to nurse a child. She gets so down you start wondering where was the Sarah we used to read about; the one who went through cancer and bounced back better than anyone could ever think they could. You understand where she's coming from whenever she does something, even if it is a bit annoying. And even through everything she's been through, she still puts others before her.
She can't seem to be able to see herself through other people's eyes, no matter how many times they say or show it. It's only when a little girl comes in with her uncle does Sarah see everything in a better light and becomes the optimistic friend we all loved.
Although I didn't get the big, right-on-your-face twist I was expecting after all Marilyn's previous books, we still get one to step away from the usual. It was refreshing and probably shows a lesson to some that our Prince Charming may not be the guy we thought.
This book is just amazing. It's so inspiring, teaching us about inner beauty and how to bounce back from hard times.
April 28, 2014
I know I could be a broken record but every time I think I have my favorite book in this series figured out another one comes out and I cant make up my mind again. This one, I have to say though has moved to the top of my list. I literally was crying my eyes out sobbing through a few chapters, angry in some, and beaming with a smile in the rest. I think Sarah is a very relatable character and I think that is why I responded so emotionally to this story. I loved how it progressed and I loved that I got the ending I was hoping for. I am never disappointed with Marilyn's stories and after finishing each book within hours, I am bummed I have to wait for the next one. You wont be sorry after getting to know these characters!!
August 11, 2016
This series just keeps getting better. Each character in this series is so different but yet they work so well together. This story is very emotional and inspirational. I love the relationships in this story. Sarah and Ella have such a wonderful friendship. I enjoyed getting to see more of the characters from the other books in the series. The books in this series can be read alone but are better when read in order. I highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the series. I look forward to reading When the City Sleeps and finding out what new surprises Marilyn Grey has for us.
May 2, 2014
Marilyn Grey just keeps getting better with each book.
Bloom is a story about beauty. How do you measure the beauty of something, of someone? Is it just the pleasantness of the outward appearance, or the glow that lights from within?
Sarah Jordan is an excellent photographer. She’s a people-pleaser, and she sees the beauty in even the ugliest thing. She used to be a head-turner because of her beauty, but when a forgotten camp fire crawled its way to the tent she fell asleep in and licked a large portion of her skin, taking her beauty with it, she starts seeing negative things more because how can you see the beauty in things when you can’t even find it in yourself?
Now Sarah is recovering and coming to terms with the fact that the beautiful woman she once was is no longer the woman she sees everytime she looks in the mirror. All she sees are the scars that mar her body. Gone is the girl who sees beauty in everything.
One of the things I love about Marilyn Grey is her knack in tackling the issues of life in every book. She does it so simply but when you take the time to not just read but absorb the whole content of the book, you realize that the theme is beautiful and the books get you thinking about life and its issues.
I thought nothing could be better than Heart In A Shoestring, but I was wrong. Ms. Grey just took it to a whole new level of awesomeness. The way Sarah pondered about the true meaning of beauty makes the reader think along with her. For me the essence of the story is very realistic, making it easier for the reader to relate and appreciate the book and its ‘lessons’. A lot of people is so concerned about outward appearances and they obsess about always looking beautiful and pleasing to the eyes. Nothing wrong with that, but people tend to forget that beauty is something that cannot be seen or touched. Some people take their beauty for granted and they don’t realize how much they want it until it’s gone. Beauty is something that comes from within, and I think Bloom portrayed that very well. Like when Sarah is so obsessed with hiding her scars, she doesn’t think of anything else aside from negative thoughts. But when she laughs, when she’s happy and feeling alive, that’s when people see her as beautiful because then the scars don’t matter.
Of course, this book has its…downfalls. I think Anastasia is too witty and smart for a nine-year-old kid. Her story was told, and it might have explained it some but I think for a nine-year-old she needed to be toned down a little. The writing style is okay to me, but sometimes there are too many punctuation marks (periods) and the sentences could have been better in a complete form. Aside from that…I like the book. A lot.
Another thing about Marilyn Grey is so good at is giving a glimpse of the other characters’ story enough for a reader to understand what’s going to happen in the next books but at the same time not revealing too much to give satisfaction to curious minds. You can guess and guess but with Ms. Grey you can never be sure because she has a way of surprising her readers. The lady knows how to twist a story.
This is how you write a book. I just can’t imagine how much I’m going to like When The City Sleeps. This series is sure something that should be on a bestsellers list.
Bloom is a story about beauty. How do you measure the beauty of something, of someone? Is it just the pleasantness of the outward appearance, or the glow that lights from within?
Sarah Jordan is an excellent photographer. She’s a people-pleaser, and she sees the beauty in even the ugliest thing. She used to be a head-turner because of her beauty, but when a forgotten camp fire crawled its way to the tent she fell asleep in and licked a large portion of her skin, taking her beauty with it, she starts seeing negative things more because how can you see the beauty in things when you can’t even find it in yourself?
Now Sarah is recovering and coming to terms with the fact that the beautiful woman she once was is no longer the woman she sees everytime she looks in the mirror. All she sees are the scars that mar her body. Gone is the girl who sees beauty in everything.
One of the things I love about Marilyn Grey is her knack in tackling the issues of life in every book. She does it so simply but when you take the time to not just read but absorb the whole content of the book, you realize that the theme is beautiful and the books get you thinking about life and its issues.
I thought nothing could be better than Heart In A Shoestring, but I was wrong. Ms. Grey just took it to a whole new level of awesomeness. The way Sarah pondered about the true meaning of beauty makes the reader think along with her. For me the essence of the story is very realistic, making it easier for the reader to relate and appreciate the book and its ‘lessons’. A lot of people is so concerned about outward appearances and they obsess about always looking beautiful and pleasing to the eyes. Nothing wrong with that, but people tend to forget that beauty is something that cannot be seen or touched. Some people take their beauty for granted and they don’t realize how much they want it until it’s gone. Beauty is something that comes from within, and I think Bloom portrayed that very well. Like when Sarah is so obsessed with hiding her scars, she doesn’t think of anything else aside from negative thoughts. But when she laughs, when she’s happy and feeling alive, that’s when people see her as beautiful because then the scars don’t matter.
Of course, this book has its…downfalls. I think Anastasia is too witty and smart for a nine-year-old kid. Her story was told, and it might have explained it some but I think for a nine-year-old she needed to be toned down a little. The writing style is okay to me, but sometimes there are too many punctuation marks (periods) and the sentences could have been better in a complete form. Aside from that…I like the book. A lot.
Another thing about Marilyn Grey is so good at is giving a glimpse of the other characters’ story enough for a reader to understand what’s going to happen in the next books but at the same time not revealing too much to give satisfaction to curious minds. You can guess and guess but with Ms. Grey you can never be sure because she has a way of surprising her readers. The lady knows how to twist a story.
This is how you write a book. I just can’t imagine how much I’m going to like When The City Sleeps. This series is sure something that should be on a bestsellers list.
January 11, 2015
This books was indescribably beautiful. The passage "real,strong beauty not shaken by even the cruelest of flames. Humble beauty." It perfectly describes Sarah's journey to finding herself after the events of being burned and her road to recovery. There were lots of moments where you wanted to root for Sarah and James until he had a major personality shift and showed his true colors. That was the twist in this one that James wasn't who we thought he was from the previous books. But in that way it becomes a more relatable story since we almost all have had one of those kind of relationships where you meet someone and then later you find out they aren't exactly what they seem.
This story like the others has a lot of life lessons and more than a little wisdom "the truth is life isn't about love and romance. It's not even about tallying up good works and feeding the poor. Life is about everything . . . . Everything except nothing." Too often we try and make relationships all about the good and shiny moments and when things get tough people sometimes bail. This whole series is about embracing every moment, every aspect of love and commitment and following your heart, and I can't wait to see where it goes from here!
This story like the others has a lot of life lessons and more than a little wisdom "the truth is life isn't about love and romance. It's not even about tallying up good works and feeding the poor. Life is about everything . . . . Everything except nothing." Too often we try and make relationships all about the good and shiny moments and when things get tough people sometimes bail. This whole series is about embracing every moment, every aspect of love and commitment and following your heart, and I can't wait to see where it goes from here!
May 2, 2014
This book has a heartbeat of it's own. You could feel it as you read each page. It is a love story, but not in the traditional sense. It is about learning to know and love your true self.
Sarah's heartbeat started out weak and irregular. As the story unfolds, it becomes stronger and more regular. You root for Sarah to heal ( on the inside ) from page one. You will feel Sarah's pain, you will see her hurt, and you will laugh with her.
Marilyn Grey writes a book that will inspire you to be a more beautiful person from the inside out. She writes in such a way that helps you see the world from another perspective. I recommend this book. Bloom is a beautiful book!
More reviews at Ope's Opinions.com
Sarah's heartbeat started out weak and irregular. As the story unfolds, it becomes stronger and more regular. You root for Sarah to heal ( on the inside ) from page one. You will feel Sarah's pain, you will see her hurt, and you will laugh with her.
Marilyn Grey writes a book that will inspire you to be a more beautiful person from the inside out. She writes in such a way that helps you see the world from another perspective. I recommend this book. Bloom is a beautiful book!
More reviews at Ope's Opinions.com
May 5, 2014
This is a story of beauty and friendship. Marilyn is an amazing writer who never ceases to amaze. I read this book in a full day it was a non-stop drop. The people that come along the way show love when it is least expected.
Synopsis:
Have you ever wondered how many people would still love you if you were no longer beautiful? Have you ever thought of people who wake up and can't stand the idea of seeing their reflections? Have you ever considered that death may be easier than life?
I never did. Not once. Not until one moment, one mistake, changed my life forever.
I woke up to beeping machines, hovering faces, and pain like you wouldn't believe. I'm not just talking about my burns either. I'm talking about my heart.
My name is Sarah Jordan and this is my story. I'm tired of pretending to be perfect. Of painting on a smile when I'm struggling. My story isn't always pretty and easy to read, but it hasn't been easy to live either. I'm opening up. Letting you in. So maybe, just maybe, together we can peel away the masks and find true beauty. True life. Underneath it all.
Welcome to my heart ... bound within the pages of Bloom.
A beautiful, successful, sweet personality with the world at her fingertips, Sarah Jordan falls in love with James, a charming man who adores her. But he comes with broken pieces and a daughter he adopted when his brother and sister-in-law died in an accident he feels he could've prevented. When she finally decides to say yes to his many proposals, they are both burned in a campfire accident. After a year of hospital beds and stark lights, Sarah is released to go home with everything but her former beauty. As she recovers, James struggles with regret and guilt as Sarah fights to overcome the depression that comes with a new life so different from the one she loved so much. Her joy and security are tested while budding relationships cleanse wounds they never knew they had.
………………………………………
Sarah Jordan is an excellent photographer. She’s a people-pleaser, and she sees the beauty in even the ugliest thing. She used to be a head-turner because of her beauty, but when a forgotten camp fire crawled its way to the tent she fell asleep in and licked a large portion of her skin, taking her beauty with it, she starts seeing negative things more because how can you see the beauty in things when you can’t even find it in yourself?
Something huh? I loved Sarah Jordan she was a character that was lovable till the end and at some scenes I could relate to her in unacknowledgable you’d feel sorry for her as she wonders whether she will ever get her Happy -Ever After or will she move on form the pain and suffering she has experienced? The Sarah that we used to read about who bounced back from cancer is she even their anymore?
Marilyn keeps on giving us more as we demand. She’s amazing!
Read More to find out … You know you want to!
Best Read of 2014
Synopsis:
Have you ever wondered how many people would still love you if you were no longer beautiful? Have you ever thought of people who wake up and can't stand the idea of seeing their reflections? Have you ever considered that death may be easier than life?
I never did. Not once. Not until one moment, one mistake, changed my life forever.
I woke up to beeping machines, hovering faces, and pain like you wouldn't believe. I'm not just talking about my burns either. I'm talking about my heart.
My name is Sarah Jordan and this is my story. I'm tired of pretending to be perfect. Of painting on a smile when I'm struggling. My story isn't always pretty and easy to read, but it hasn't been easy to live either. I'm opening up. Letting you in. So maybe, just maybe, together we can peel away the masks and find true beauty. True life. Underneath it all.
Welcome to my heart ... bound within the pages of Bloom.
A beautiful, successful, sweet personality with the world at her fingertips, Sarah Jordan falls in love with James, a charming man who adores her. But he comes with broken pieces and a daughter he adopted when his brother and sister-in-law died in an accident he feels he could've prevented. When she finally decides to say yes to his many proposals, they are both burned in a campfire accident. After a year of hospital beds and stark lights, Sarah is released to go home with everything but her former beauty. As she recovers, James struggles with regret and guilt as Sarah fights to overcome the depression that comes with a new life so different from the one she loved so much. Her joy and security are tested while budding relationships cleanse wounds they never knew they had.
………………………………………
Sarah Jordan is an excellent photographer. She’s a people-pleaser, and she sees the beauty in even the ugliest thing. She used to be a head-turner because of her beauty, but when a forgotten camp fire crawled its way to the tent she fell asleep in and licked a large portion of her skin, taking her beauty with it, she starts seeing negative things more because how can you see the beauty in things when you can’t even find it in yourself?
Something huh? I loved Sarah Jordan she was a character that was lovable till the end and at some scenes I could relate to her in unacknowledgable you’d feel sorry for her as she wonders whether she will ever get her Happy -Ever After or will she move on form the pain and suffering she has experienced? The Sarah that we used to read about who bounced back from cancer is she even their anymore?
Marilyn keeps on giving us more as we demand. She’s amazing!
Read More to find out … You know you want to!
Best Read of 2014
February 12, 2015
Starting Bloom was somewhat of a mystery for me. I have never read anything by this author and with this book being fifth one in the series, I worried that I wouldn't be able to get into the story as much as I wanted to.
But despite my fears, this was an absolutely beautiful story. Bloom is way more than just discovering yourself. It's about completely adjusting to the way you view the world, view life itself, and trying to find beauty in somewhere that's considered "hideous".
Story begins when Sarah and her fiance James go out camping & he doesn't put out the fire. With a terrible accidents, coma, and long healing process - Sarah is stuck with scars all over her body that makes her feel like a monster. She is depressed and cannot even look at herself and knows that she has to let James go so he would be happy. But being obsessive, it's tough for him to let her go. When she meets Vasili, she knows that he would be a great friend for her. He knows what she went through and feels very open to him. If only a man could love her and look at her like the used to do before the accident...
I still can't get over this book. In the beginning, I was a little worried that the whole story was going to be about Sarah being depressed but when we are introduced to Anastasiya, the story takes an incredible turn. Through this dying little girl, Sarah is able to see that there is more to a person than just how their skin looks or what kind of clothes they wear. All throughout this story we see the changes in Sarah's life and it's just so absolutely incredible and honest, it made me cry. Recommended for anyone who enjoys books that actually have a meaning. This is the book that makes you think about your perspective on life and what you consider beautiful.
But despite my fears, this was an absolutely beautiful story. Bloom is way more than just discovering yourself. It's about completely adjusting to the way you view the world, view life itself, and trying to find beauty in somewhere that's considered "hideous".
Story begins when Sarah and her fiance James go out camping & he doesn't put out the fire. With a terrible accidents, coma, and long healing process - Sarah is stuck with scars all over her body that makes her feel like a monster. She is depressed and cannot even look at herself and knows that she has to let James go so he would be happy. But being obsessive, it's tough for him to let her go. When she meets Vasili, she knows that he would be a great friend for her. He knows what she went through and feels very open to him. If only a man could love her and look at her like the used to do before the accident...
"When we realize that the tears dripping from our eyes invisibly flow over the darkest parts of us, washing away the stains and revealing beauty we never knew we had. Real, strong beauty not shaken by even the cruelest of flames..."
I still can't get over this book. In the beginning, I was a little worried that the whole story was going to be about Sarah being depressed but when we are introduced to Anastasiya, the story takes an incredible turn. Through this dying little girl, Sarah is able to see that there is more to a person than just how their skin looks or what kind of clothes they wear. All throughout this story we see the changes in Sarah's life and it's just so absolutely incredible and honest, it made me cry. Recommended for anyone who enjoys books that actually have a meaning. This is the book that makes you think about your perspective on life and what you consider beautiful.
July 26, 2014
Sarah Jordan is no stranger to adversity in life (she battled and beat cervical cancer), but on the night she gets engaged to James, a campfire envelops her tent and she is severely burned. As she recovers and returns to life, she is forced to deeply examine herself and her decisions, battle depression and definitions of beauty. When she starts physical therapy with Vasili, she is introduced to his niece, Anastasia, a child who has also been burned and is also battling cancer. As Sarah is welcomed into this Greek family, she starts to heal and recover on the inside.
I flip-flopped back and forth in terms of whether or not I liked this story. There were parts of the story I loved and parts that I hated. Sarah's character was a bit all over the place, and there were tangents the story (and individual conversations) took that didn't fit and interrupted the flow of the story. I loved the Anastasia storyline. Grey was successful at dredging up deep emotions surrounding this plot line and I was sad when this part of the story ended. The whole James storyline was just weird. His character was deeply bi-polar and I didn't exactly understand what he added to the story. I did enjoy Ella and Sarah's friendship, and I think that the issues Sarah dealt with are relevant and fitting. The writing just didn't seem to bring everything together and it was a disjointed experience for me.
I flip-flopped back and forth in terms of whether or not I liked this story. There were parts of the story I loved and parts that I hated. Sarah's character was a bit all over the place, and there were tangents the story (and individual conversations) took that didn't fit and interrupted the flow of the story. I loved the Anastasia storyline. Grey was successful at dredging up deep emotions surrounding this plot line and I was sad when this part of the story ended. The whole James storyline was just weird. His character was deeply bi-polar and I didn't exactly understand what he added to the story. I did enjoy Ella and Sarah's friendship, and I think that the issues Sarah dealt with are relevant and fitting. The writing just didn't seem to bring everything together and it was a disjointed experience for me.
June 15, 2014
I won this book from Goodreads and what follows is an honest review.
What a terrific story! Bloom is the perfect title for this novel; a story of loss, a story of determination and acceptance, a story of guilt, friendship, family, love, fear, and being true to who you really are, no matter what.
During her long recovery from a terrible camp fire accident, Sarah finally grows and blooms into the woman she is meant to be. So many events influence this change in her, but basically it is true friendship, acceptance, and love that allow her to move past the tragic fire that has physically disfigured her, past all of her new struggles, to discover what .. and who .. is really important in her life. If we could all be fortunate enough to have Anastasias, Vasilis and Sarahs in our own lives we would certainly be better off!
Marilyn Grey has crafted a great novel here, full of great insight and wisdom!!! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
What a terrific story! Bloom is the perfect title for this novel; a story of loss, a story of determination and acceptance, a story of guilt, friendship, family, love, fear, and being true to who you really are, no matter what.
During her long recovery from a terrible camp fire accident, Sarah finally grows and blooms into the woman she is meant to be. So many events influence this change in her, but basically it is true friendship, acceptance, and love that allow her to move past the tragic fire that has physically disfigured her, past all of her new struggles, to discover what .. and who .. is really important in her life. If we could all be fortunate enough to have Anastasias, Vasilis and Sarahs in our own lives we would certainly be better off!
Marilyn Grey has crafted a great novel here, full of great insight and wisdom!!! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
May 11, 2014
Bloom tells the story of Sarah Jordan, who was burn by a campfire accident AFTER she said Yes to her boyfriend's marriage proposal.
What follows is her discovery to what her real beauty is. That people love her more than just because of her then "pretty" face.
I really like this book. Romance and "real beauty" aside, I like that it explores the story of an optimist. Sarah, before the burn, was "the friend who always looks at the bright side of things". When difficult circumstances happen to you, it's hard to do just that. It helps to take the good stuff from your past. You can say and read of all positive notes today, but applying them in real life? This book did it.
I also enjoyed reading about the friendship of Sarah and Ella. It might look like a rare thing, but it's very realistic.
I'll definitely be looking forward to her next books!
What follows is her discovery to what her real beauty is. That people love her more than just because of her then "pretty" face.
I really like this book. Romance and "real beauty" aside, I like that it explores the story of an optimist. Sarah, before the burn, was "the friend who always looks at the bright side of things". When difficult circumstances happen to you, it's hard to do just that. It helps to take the good stuff from your past. You can say and read of all positive notes today, but applying them in real life? This book did it.
I also enjoyed reading about the friendship of Sarah and Ella. It might look like a rare thing, but it's very realistic.
I'll definitely be looking forward to her next books!
May 18, 2014
Marilyn Grey impresses me again!
Book number 5 in the Unspoken series lives up to the rest of the series. Sarah Johnson tries to adjust to her new life after a freak accident. Her friends and her future husband stood by her side throughout the entire time, but after settling down from leaving the hospital, she realized that something isn't right with how she is living. She makes some big changes and finally sees herself smiling after it seemed like she had no reason to smile. A very important character gets introduced in this story and she makes the story that much more intimate. Definitely a story to be recommended, but I will warn you, it will mess with your emotions. You will want to cry at one point and then the next moment, you want to throw the book down in anger. Totally worth the emotional roller coaster!
Book number 5 in the Unspoken series lives up to the rest of the series. Sarah Johnson tries to adjust to her new life after a freak accident. Her friends and her future husband stood by her side throughout the entire time, but after settling down from leaving the hospital, she realized that something isn't right with how she is living. She makes some big changes and finally sees herself smiling after it seemed like she had no reason to smile. A very important character gets introduced in this story and she makes the story that much more intimate. Definitely a story to be recommended, but I will warn you, it will mess with your emotions. You will want to cry at one point and then the next moment, you want to throw the book down in anger. Totally worth the emotional roller coaster!
May 11, 2014
I Love Bloom!!! From the beginning it lures you into Sarah's life. Sarah is trying to find her self again after a tragicty in her life. She wants to find someone for finance to love he won't live with the guilt of what happens to her. James will not let her go and he keeps trying to get her back even though she does not want to hurt him she feels that they will regret each other later if they get married. Then she meets her new doctor Vasili and instantly find him very attractive. As he's talking her he want her to meet his 9 year old niece Anastasia. That's when their friendship began and when she starts finding herself and who she really is. This is an amazing book and one of my best reads of this year I would recommend everyone to read it. I have to warn you it's a real tear jerker.
January 19, 2016
The author did it this time! Another flavor or storyline in this one. Inner beauty vs. outer beauty and how the world defines it. A blooming read!
July 9, 2017
This book will pull on every heartstring imaginable. It's beautifully written and the author manages to write so eloquently and in such detail that you feel you've been transported into every page; every setting, feeling, incident.
June 14, 2019
Brill
Fantastic read, intriguing story from start to finish always love a happy ending. Superbly written enjoyed the Greek twist also
Fantastic read, intriguing story from start to finish always love a happy ending. Superbly written enjoyed the Greek twist also
June 24, 2019
Must read
A heartwarming story of discovery of love, but more importantly - life. Sadness and joy, all a part of life and living.
A heartwarming story of discovery of love, but more importantly - life. Sadness and joy, all a part of life and living.
February 12, 2022
Bloom
This book is about a beautiful woman who get burned over a lot of her body. Many people shun her but she finally finds rebirth and love with her doctor.
This book is about a beautiful woman who get burned over a lot of her body. Many people shun her but she finally finds rebirth and love with her doctor.
April 15, 2025
3 stars ⭐️
September 11, 2014
So apparently I didn't read the full synopsis before starting Bloom as I didn't realize it was part of a series until I had finished it (and it says it is best when read in order). I don't really feel like I missed anything while I was reading, I was never confused as to what was going on or anything, but apparently you get to know Sarah in prior books. As it was Bloom was an interesting read for me. I loved parts of it, loved the sentiment at parts, but hated parts as well. Sarah was kind of all over the place for me. I cannot imagine what she went through, but even so she annoyed the heck out of me at times. So I loved parts, hated parts, and thought parts were just so so. An odd read.
Sarah and James are in love. When James proposes on a camping trip Sarah says yes and they are going to start their life together. Only things don't work out that way. They are both burned in a terrible accident, Sarah more so than James. Sarah has burns on half her body, including her face. The book picks up after she get released from the hospital and has been just wasting away her life hiding in her room. I get it. I cannot imagine how hard it would be to get back to a normal life after something like that. Not only the physical pain involved, but the way people would react to you now wherever you went. Sarah is used to people looking at her, desiring her. She goes on how she always hated that, but at the same time she just wants to be attractive again. She seems incredibly depressed and like she really needs a therapist or someone to talk to about her issues. She is horrible to everyone in her life, not wanting them to be there for her. James has stuck by her side for this entire time, even though she tries her hardest to push him away. She keeps thinking how she needs to find someone else for him as he deserved better. How could he possibly still want to be with her with the way she looks? Really that was some of what I loved/hated about this book. Sarah was all about her physical appearance. Nothing else mattered. She was ugly now so she would never be able to be happy again. Her poor me attitude got on my nerves quite a bit. I understand it would be hard, but she needs help. I just got tired of listening to it after a while. Her friends, though, had a lot of good thoughts.
"'We understand where you're coming from and I guess we can respect that, but try to see what we see.'
'What? That true beauty is within?' I mocked.
'No,' he said. 'That you are still the same old Sarah and if you're getting uglier it has nothing to do with your skin.'"
Exactly. She might not be perfect on the outside, but she sure is ugly on the inside now. I felt bad for her, feel for what she is going through, and couldn't understand why she wasn't seeing someone to talk about all of this. Of course Sarah meets her physical therapist and has a crush on him instantly. His fiancee is like the exact opposite of Sarah. Natalie, the fiancee, is all about makeup and clothing and such. She is beautiful, but also kind of shallow. When Vasili, the physical therapist, wants Sarah to meet his niece, Anastasia, Sarah doesn't want to. But wouldn't you know Anastasia has similar burns on her body and instantly makes Sarah feel better about herself. She pretty instantly wants to start living again thanks to little Anastasia. It was a miracle. That is a part I did not like. I can't imagine that seeing a little dying girl with similar burns who is so positive would fix how dark and depressed and horrible Sarah was. I just didn't buy it was that easy for her to want to start living again. Sure after that she slowly comes out of her shell and starts to move on, but it was too easy it seemed.
The other odd thing? James turns into this crazy bad guy suddenly. Sarah keeps trying to push him away and finally she overhears something and has had enough. So then James just says horrible things to her, but then apologized, then horrible things, and on and on. It was odd. So then Sarah has Vasili.V They both seem to like the other, but he has a fiancee. The whole ending, how everything works out perfect for everyone involved, just was too much at times. It was too easy to get from don't want to live Sarah to Sarah in love. I did like how slowly Sarah did take it at the end though. How she was kind of afraid to move forward. It was nice to see, but then eventually that too got to be a bit much for me. It got to be like come on! Do something already! So yeah, overall I had many ups and downs with this books. Lots of exactly! Yes! followed by parts of eye rolling or annoyance. An interesting read.
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
Sarah and James are in love. When James proposes on a camping trip Sarah says yes and they are going to start their life together. Only things don't work out that way. They are both burned in a terrible accident, Sarah more so than James. Sarah has burns on half her body, including her face. The book picks up after she get released from the hospital and has been just wasting away her life hiding in her room. I get it. I cannot imagine how hard it would be to get back to a normal life after something like that. Not only the physical pain involved, but the way people would react to you now wherever you went. Sarah is used to people looking at her, desiring her. She goes on how she always hated that, but at the same time she just wants to be attractive again. She seems incredibly depressed and like she really needs a therapist or someone to talk to about her issues. She is horrible to everyone in her life, not wanting them to be there for her. James has stuck by her side for this entire time, even though she tries her hardest to push him away. She keeps thinking how she needs to find someone else for him as he deserved better. How could he possibly still want to be with her with the way she looks? Really that was some of what I loved/hated about this book. Sarah was all about her physical appearance. Nothing else mattered. She was ugly now so she would never be able to be happy again. Her poor me attitude got on my nerves quite a bit. I understand it would be hard, but she needs help. I just got tired of listening to it after a while. Her friends, though, had a lot of good thoughts.
"'We understand where you're coming from and I guess we can respect that, but try to see what we see.'
'What? That true beauty is within?' I mocked.
'No,' he said. 'That you are still the same old Sarah and if you're getting uglier it has nothing to do with your skin.'"
Exactly. She might not be perfect on the outside, but she sure is ugly on the inside now. I felt bad for her, feel for what she is going through, and couldn't understand why she wasn't seeing someone to talk about all of this. Of course Sarah meets her physical therapist and has a crush on him instantly. His fiancee is like the exact opposite of Sarah. Natalie, the fiancee, is all about makeup and clothing and such. She is beautiful, but also kind of shallow. When Vasili, the physical therapist, wants Sarah to meet his niece, Anastasia, Sarah doesn't want to. But wouldn't you know Anastasia has similar burns on her body and instantly makes Sarah feel better about herself. She pretty instantly wants to start living again thanks to little Anastasia. It was a miracle. That is a part I did not like. I can't imagine that seeing a little dying girl with similar burns who is so positive would fix how dark and depressed and horrible Sarah was. I just didn't buy it was that easy for her to want to start living again. Sure after that she slowly comes out of her shell and starts to move on, but it was too easy it seemed.
The other odd thing? James turns into this crazy bad guy suddenly. Sarah keeps trying to push him away and finally she overhears something and has had enough. So then James just says horrible things to her, but then apologized, then horrible things, and on and on. It was odd. So then Sarah has Vasili.V They both seem to like the other, but he has a fiancee. The whole ending, how everything works out perfect for everyone involved, just was too much at times. It was too easy to get from don't want to live Sarah to Sarah in love. I did like how slowly Sarah did take it at the end though. How she was kind of afraid to move forward. It was nice to see, but then eventually that too got to be a bit much for me. It got to be like come on! Do something already! So yeah, overall I had many ups and downs with this books. Lots of exactly! Yes! followed by parts of eye rolling or annoyance. An interesting read.
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
September 5, 2014
I can't stop crying for the entire time. It's more heart-breaking..
Feel sorry for the beautiful little girl, Anastasia.
I know how it feel when we see our family take their last breath, I was on it twice, for my grammy and cousin. But it's nice knowing the family have faith on Anastasia, kind beauty.
Death never separate us, it's just about place and time.
Sometimes, we don't feel fair of our life. Yet God always give us the best, even it's not as we think. Who knows the best for us expect Him.
Sarah, I feel bad for her. She deserves better. But her destiny turns the other way. She has to overcome her pain, her biggest obstacle of life. Glad knowing there are people around her who always support and love her just the way she is.
Kind of Sarah is my real best friend. I can't go away from her. Can't make her feel alone and not wanted.
Till her true love comes and stand by her, no matter what.
Sometimes, we think we do the right things that in the end turns bad. Because we think selfishly. Don't mind whether it is right or wrong. Need balance between heart and mind, really. Their life teaches me big thing to face my life.
Mostly, I love Marilyn Grey's books even more.. It's always fascinating. Love is simple when we can make it simple.
Life, I love you ^^
Feel sorry for the beautiful little girl, Anastasia.
I know how it feel when we see our family take their last breath, I was on it twice, for my grammy and cousin. But it's nice knowing the family have faith on Anastasia, kind beauty.
Death never separate us, it's just about place and time.
Sometimes, we don't feel fair of our life. Yet God always give us the best, even it's not as we think. Who knows the best for us expect Him.
Sarah, I feel bad for her. She deserves better. But her destiny turns the other way. She has to overcome her pain, her biggest obstacle of life. Glad knowing there are people around her who always support and love her just the way she is.
Kind of Sarah is my real best friend. I can't go away from her. Can't make her feel alone and not wanted.
Till her true love comes and stand by her, no matter what.
Sometimes, we think we do the right things that in the end turns bad. Because we think selfishly. Don't mind whether it is right or wrong. Need balance between heart and mind, really. Their life teaches me big thing to face my life.
Mostly, I love Marilyn Grey's books even more.. It's always fascinating. Love is simple when we can make it simple.
Life, I love you ^^
August 13, 2014
Admittedly, I read this book without reading any others in the series. Although it was advertised as a potential stand-alone novel, I do think I would have gained a greater understanding of the characters as well as enjoyed the book more had I read the previous 4 books. I spent about half the book wishing Sarah would take James back because he seemed to genuinely love her. I think it took too long to come out that their relationship wasn't the right kind of love for marriage. I also wish it hadn't come right down to the wedding day for Vasili and Natalie to come to terms with the reality of their relationship. To some extent, Vasili seemed like a weak character to me in that regard. Anastasia was definitely my favorite character, but even she was hiding behind a facade of her true feelings. It took me awhile to get used to/appreciate Sarah's thought process, and I wish she explained more about her physical healing and how that impacted her emotional healing instead of spending so much time caught up in her head. I definitely didn't understand Eleni's outburst nor why Natalie was at Visili's house towards the end. James and Abby, and Cheyene for that matter, disappeared in the middle of the book when I felt there were still some unresolved pieces there too.
August 11, 2014
Great Story
I wasn't sure about this book when I first saw it but the reviews were so positive I thought I'd give it a try. Marilyn Grey is a skillful writer who grabbed my attention in the first few pages and never let go.
The feelings are raw and intense throughout the book. Sarah was a beautiful young woman who believed her beauty was who she was . She and her boyfriend went camping.When it was time to go to sleep she went into the tent, asking Jimmy to put out the campfire. She woke up screaming, feeling the fire burn away her skin.
Recovering from serious burns is a very long, very painful process. We see how people reacted to Sarah who would never again have a perfect body or face. This story is really about how Sarah became a woman whose life was about more than how she looked.
The characters were complex and often surprised me with the choices they made. I look forward to reading more stories by this author.
I wasn't sure about this book when I first saw it but the reviews were so positive I thought I'd give it a try. Marilyn Grey is a skillful writer who grabbed my attention in the first few pages and never let go.
The feelings are raw and intense throughout the book. Sarah was a beautiful young woman who believed her beauty was who she was . She and her boyfriend went camping.When it was time to go to sleep she went into the tent, asking Jimmy to put out the campfire. She woke up screaming, feeling the fire burn away her skin.
Recovering from serious burns is a very long, very painful process. We see how people reacted to Sarah who would never again have a perfect body or face. This story is really about how Sarah became a woman whose life was about more than how she looked.
The characters were complex and often surprised me with the choices they made. I look forward to reading more stories by this author.
September 28, 2014
The first book I finished reading in August! :D
Bloom... The story is heartwarming, but at the same time it is heart-breaking.
We really cannot predict what will happen in the future. We also sometimes misinterpreted our feeling towards someone.
This book teaches me a lot of things. True, that the real beauty is in the within. It also teaches me that we have to deal with our current situation, accepting ourselves the way it is. And someone like Vasili taught me to look at the beauty in everything he sees. Just... amazing! I can't describe my feeling when I was reading and after I read the story. How I love Vasili's personality and hope that one day can meet someone like him. :)
So far, this 5th series is my favorite one, though I actually favor all the series. hehe~
Cannot wait for Mwenye story. I am just as curious as Sarah to know what actually happens with him and his family.
Bloom... The story is heartwarming, but at the same time it is heart-breaking.
We really cannot predict what will happen in the future. We also sometimes misinterpreted our feeling towards someone.
This book teaches me a lot of things. True, that the real beauty is in the within. It also teaches me that we have to deal with our current situation, accepting ourselves the way it is. And someone like Vasili taught me to look at the beauty in everything he sees. Just... amazing! I can't describe my feeling when I was reading and after I read the story. How I love Vasili's personality and hope that one day can meet someone like him. :)
So far, this 5th series is my favorite one, though I actually favor all the series. hehe~
Cannot wait for Mwenye story. I am just as curious as Sarah to know what actually happens with him and his family.
September 7, 2015
The basic storyline has promise, but it was poorly written. Sarah has endured some difficult things: cancer and now being severely burned. And she has a boyfriend/fiancee who truly needs psychiatric evaluation.
Meanwhile she's falling for her physical therapist (who's engaged) and being introduced to members of his family. I understand that he feels she'll have a connection with his niece because of the traumas they've both endured, but that's really crossing the line for a professional. Highly emotional scenes abound.
I might have enjoyed this if I'd read the other books in the series so actually cared about the peripheral characters - but I definitely cannot recommend it as a stand-alone.
Meanwhile she's falling for her physical therapist (who's engaged) and being introduced to members of his family. I understand that he feels she'll have a connection with his niece because of the traumas they've both endured, but that's really crossing the line for a professional. Highly emotional scenes abound.
I might have enjoyed this if I'd read the other books in the series so actually cared about the peripheral characters - but I definitely cannot recommend it as a stand-alone.
November 11, 2014
This was a beautiful, yet heart-wrenching book full of tragedy, tears, pain and loss, but also full of laughter, discovery, forgiveness, and love. I've never read a book so full of hope and life. Sarah, a talented photographer, found herself terribly scarred from a campfire that her fiance didn't put out as she asked. Months and months of pain, grafts, and therapy had to be endured. But during those pain-filled months, Sarah found herself on a journey of discovering what it was to really live, helped along by a dying child. She went through many phases of discovery, culminating in the one thing that each one of us must learn - what it is to really live life, comfortable in your own skin.
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