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Honeyton #1
The Illusion of Annabella
Annabella Baker has always lived a normal life with a loving family. She had dreams of going to college and becoming a dancer. But the summer before her senior year, the life she knew is ripped away from her, and she’s left wondering if it ever really existed in the first place.
Six months later, Annabella is living an entirely different life. The loving family she had no longer exists, and the girl who dreamed of being a dancer can barely walk. She spends most of her time getting into trouble and living in denial over what happened. One night she takes things one step too far and is left dealing with the consequences.
Put under house arrest, Annabella can no longer run away from her problems. With the help of her cute, sweet neighbor, Luca Benton, she rediscovers the girl she used to be, and finally learns the truth about what really happened that horrible day that changed her life forever.
Six months later, Annabella is living an entirely different life. The loving family she had no longer exists, and the girl who dreamed of being a dancer can barely walk. She spends most of her time getting into trouble and living in denial over what happened. One night she takes things one step too far and is left dealing with the consequences.
Put under house arrest, Annabella can no longer run away from her problems. With the help of her cute, sweet neighbor, Luca Benton, she rediscovers the girl she used to be, and finally learns the truth about what really happened that horrible day that changed her life forever.
269 pages, ebook
First published May 26, 2015
62 people are currently reading
1326 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Sorensen
417 books20.1k followersJessica Sorensen is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author from the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.
http://www.jessicasorensen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
May 29, 2015
One 
- for the pretty cover
One - for being a standalone
One- for a great big brother
Annabella, our main character is an extremely happy junior in high school. She just LOVES her life, her family, dancing and fireworks and glitter.
”…my head was crammed with glitter and rainbows and unicorns, fairytales and illusions.”
Sadly a tragic car accident happens and she suffers great loss. (On the day of the accident she finds out a secret about her mother. This damn secret had me reading the whole book to find out more-shame on me.) Anyway back to story Annabella may never dance again and goes all emo and self destructive.
”Rainbows suck. Lie. Disppear when you really need them.”
Cue in sweet hot new neighbor Luca who is stuck on being her friend no matter how hard our newly emo girl pushes him away. Poor Luca he was a walking book cliché candy conversations and just wont take no for an answer. All he wants is to see Anna smile … he’s character just didn’t work for me seemed so flat.
”Trying to scare me away with your wickedness? Because it’s not going to work. Plus, u called me your friend you lose.”
As I stated previously, I read on excited about finding out more about mom’s secret. Sadly the author and the heroine found it irrelevant to investigate further... ugh. Eventually with some rude awakenings Anna takes all the heavy make up off embraces her neighbor Luca and gets back on track with her new version of her life.
- for the pretty coverOne
- for being a standalone One
- for a great big brotherAnnabella, our main character is an extremely happy junior in high school. She just LOVES her life, her family, dancing and fireworks and glitter.
”…my head was crammed with glitter and rainbows and unicorns, fairytales and illusions.”
Sadly a tragic car accident happens and she suffers great loss. (On the day of the accident she finds out a secret about her mother. This damn secret had me reading the whole book to find out more-shame on me.) Anyway back to story Annabella may never dance again and goes all emo and self destructive.
”Rainbows suck. Lie. Disppear when you really need them.”
Cue in sweet hot new neighbor Luca who is stuck on being her friend no matter how hard our newly emo girl pushes him away. Poor Luca he was a walking book cliché candy conversations and just wont take no for an answer. All he wants is to see Anna smile … he’s character just didn’t work for me seemed so flat.
”Trying to scare me away with your wickedness? Because it’s not going to work. Plus, u called me your friend you lose.”
As I stated previously, I read on excited about finding out more about mom’s secret. Sadly the author and the heroine found it irrelevant to investigate further... ugh. Eventually with some rude awakenings Anna takes all the heavy make up off embraces her neighbor Luca and gets back on track with her new version of her life.
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Blurb:
Annabella Baker has always lived a normal life with a loving family. She had dreams of going to college and becoming a dancer. But the summer before her senior year, the life she knew is ripped away from her, and she’s left wondering if it ever really existed in the first place.
Six months later, Annabella is living an entirely different life. The loving family she had no longer exists, and the girl who dreamed of being a dancer can barely walk. She spends most of her time getting into trouble and living in denial over what happened. One night she takes things one step too far and is left dealing with the consequences.
Put under house arrest, Annabella can no longer run away from her problems. With the help of her cute, sweet neighbor, Luca Benton, she rediscovers the girl she used to be, and finally learns the truth about what really happened that horrible day that changed her life forever.
Blurb:
Annabella Baker has always lived a normal life with a loving family. She had dreams of going to college and becoming a dancer. But the summer before her senior year, the life she knew is ripped away from her, and she’s left wondering if it ever really existed in the first place.
Six months later, Annabella is living an entirely different life. The loving family she had no longer exists, and the girl who dreamed of being a dancer can barely walk. She spends most of her time getting into trouble and living in denial over what happened. One night she takes things one step too far and is left dealing with the consequences.
Put under house arrest, Annabella can no longer run away from her problems. With the help of her cute, sweet neighbor, Luca Benton, she rediscovers the girl she used to be, and finally learns the truth about what really happened that horrible day that changed her life forever.
June 4, 2015
THE ILLUSION OF ANNABELLA is a standalone NA novel. Annabella used to be a fun-loving girl until an accident that took her parents life and nearly hers occurred, changing the course of her life completely. Now she is no longer the rainbow everyone used to see her as; now she is the raincloud.
The shift is Annabella’s personality is so drastic that it definitely makes you feel sorry for her. Everything is a mess for her and when she starts messing around with bad boys and drugs, things have the potential to get much worse.
So when Annabella and her family get a new neighbor, Luca is the sunshine that is able to break through the clouds. But it isn’t easy at first and Annabella makes it very hard to actually like her. She’s very private and standoffish, warning Luca away from her. All of this kind of reminds me of Sorensen’s other series, Unraveling You but switched around where Annabella is like Ayden and Luca is much like Lyric.
I can see why people can struggle with Annabella’s character. She’s very good at hurting others and pushing them away, but at its core it’s because she feels vulnerable. So if you’re not hating her for what she does and says, you definitely feel bad for her.
While not my favorite of Sorensen’s books, THE ILLUSION OF ANNABELLA still encompasses everything Sorensen is best at – getting into a young mind and telling a beautiful, uplifting story.
June 4, 2015
THE ILLUSION OF ANNABELLA is a standalone NA novel. Annabella used to be a fun-loving girl until an accident that took her parents life and nearly hers occurred, changing the course of her life completely. Now she is no longer the rainbow everyone used to see her as; now she is the raincloud.
The shift is Annabella’s personality is so drastic that it definitely makes you feel sorry for her. Everything is a mess for her and when she starts messing around with bad boys and drugs, things have the potential to get much worse.
So when Annabella and her family get a new neighbor, Luca is the sunshine that is able to break through the clouds. But it isn’t easy at first and Annabella makes it very hard to actually like her. She’s very private and standoffish, warning Luca away from her. All of this kind of reminds me of Sorensen’s other series, Unraveling You but switched around where Annabella is like Ayden and Luca is much like Lyric.
I can see why people can struggle with Annabella’s character. She’s very good at hurting others and pushing them away, but at its core it’s because she feels vulnerable. So if you’re not hating her for what she does and says, you definitely feel bad for her.
While not my favorite of Sorensen’s books, THE ILLUSION OF ANNABELLA still encompasses everything Sorensen is best at – getting into a young mind and telling a beautiful, uplifting story.
*ARC provided by author
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June 5, 2015
Rating: 3.5/5
Review coming soon!
Review coming soon!
May 30, 2015
2.5 / 5.
My main issue was how cliche it all turned out to be.
My main issue was how cliche it all turned out to be.
April 22, 2016
everything about this book was stupid tbh. The style of writing, the too much sulking & drama and most importantly, the spelling & grammar mistakes. I just CANNOT.
October 21, 2017
5 stars!
Excellent book. The things that Anna goes through as a teenager is unreal. It's good to see that you can come out the other end slowly without too many scars. Jessica Sorensen did a great job writing this book.
Excellent book. The things that Anna goes through as a teenager is unreal. It's good to see that you can come out the other end slowly without too many scars. Jessica Sorensen did a great job writing this book.
March 31, 2016
Annabella, a girl who thinks fireworks are fireflies and wants it to rain glitter. Who aspires to become a great dancer.This is a story of a girl, so consumed by loss that she no longer thinks of fireworks as fireflies and could care less if it rains glitter. Who may never dance again. After a tragic accident and the loss of those she loves. She spirals into a world full of danger, chasing after the numbness. This really is sad, heartbreaking, and touching. How someone changes and has to learn to be somewhat of the old girl she use to be.
I really wanted to shake Anna and tell her to stop. There are people who love her and care for her. But the secrets she’s keeping eat at her, until it becomes all consuming. The writing was very poetic to me and the feelings were very deep and raw. That only comes so often in books I’ve read. To really fall in deep with a character. How she would lie to herself, so she wouldn’t have to really think about this new world that came crashing down on her.
I loved Luca and what he brought to her. Little does she know, there’s more about him and more about what he actually saw in her. That in some ways he really knew, the real Annabella. Even if your broken, you can be put back together and realizing that even though your life will not be the same. It should never keep you from living.
“One foot in front of the other, Anna. Time to live again.”
Lissa
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I really wanted to shake Anna and tell her to stop. There are people who love her and care for her. But the secrets she’s keeping eat at her, until it becomes all consuming. The writing was very poetic to me and the feelings were very deep and raw. That only comes so often in books I’ve read. To really fall in deep with a character. How she would lie to herself, so she wouldn’t have to really think about this new world that came crashing down on her.
I loved Luca and what he brought to her. Little does she know, there’s more about him and more about what he actually saw in her. That in some ways he really knew, the real Annabella. Even if your broken, you can be put back together and realizing that even though your life will not be the same. It should never keep you from living.
“One foot in front of the other, Anna. Time to live again.”
Lissa
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
September 4, 2015
Anna is struggling within herself. She is lost and Lucas comes along just in time to help her find her was, or does she? This was a great book. This read different than most of Jessica Sorensen's books. I can't wait to find out more about this amazing family.
January 30, 2017
The only thing I hate is not knowing when next book is coming out. Jessica has a lot of books that end in cliffhangers. I'm waiting on three books of hers because the first ones ended in cliffhangers. Very frustrating and hard to keep up with.
Read
February 12, 2016**5
October 13, 2017
Another 5 stars for Ms. Sorensen
The Illusion of Annabella is a great read! As with most of her books, Jessica Sorensen delivers greatly developed characters, who experience real life in a very real way. After the tragedy that pulls The Baker family apart at the seams, the use of weather metaphors is perfect; this imagery works very well to describe when Annabella becomes tense, uncomfortable, angry or scared. This is a story just about everyone can relate with, and the author uses that to impart some great wisdom to the reader. I highly recommend The Illusion of Annabella to both YA and adult readers alike. Grab a box of tissues, and buckle up to ride the emotional rollercoaster of yet another fantastic Jessica Sorensen story.
The Illusion of Annabella is a great read! As with most of her books, Jessica Sorensen delivers greatly developed characters, who experience real life in a very real way. After the tragedy that pulls The Baker family apart at the seams, the use of weather metaphors is perfect; this imagery works very well to describe when Annabella becomes tense, uncomfortable, angry or scared. This is a story just about everyone can relate with, and the author uses that to impart some great wisdom to the reader. I highly recommend The Illusion of Annabella to both YA and adult readers alike. Grab a box of tissues, and buckle up to ride the emotional rollercoaster of yet another fantastic Jessica Sorensen story.
August 31, 2019
What a good book! How does a family cope after both parents are killed in a car wreck? This book focuses on Anna, and the terrible loss as well as the terrible secret she had just learned before the wreck happened. The oldest brother, Loki, is 21 and now the caretaker of four teenagers.
I found this book to be interesting and certainly raises questions.
I found this book to be interesting and certainly raises questions.
March 20, 2018
First of all; why on earth hadn’t I read this book sooner?!
Regardless of the tragedy and heartache there are tender and heartwarming moments. Towards the end of the book i found it really sweet and surprised that they had, unknowingly crossed paths.
Regardless of the tragedy and heartache there are tender and heartwarming moments. Towards the end of the book i found it really sweet and surprised that they had, unknowingly crossed paths.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2017
Great read
This was such a great book. The story was great. I was hooked from the very beginning to the end.
This was such a great book. The story was great. I was hooked from the very beginning to the end.
December 16, 2019
I'd be that dancer who would probably have a huge crush on the sweet, cute guy next door who didn't honk his horn and yell at me to get into the car.
January 4, 2017
Liked this book. Good getting to love yourself/overcoming life and difficulties. Very PG rated
February 18, 2017
I'm giving it 2.5 stars. It's not that it was terrible, or I didn't like it. It just had a lot of potential that it didn't tap into. It really should have been worked up more.
The Plot: Annabella used to be a happy-go-lucky dreamer, all positive thoughts and glitter. On her 17th birthday, on their way to a surprise location, their car is hit and both her parents are killed in the crash. Anna survives, but her leg is badly mangled, preventing her from ever dancing again, which was her passion and future career. On top of that, that same day she discovered that her mother was having an affair, and she feels guilty for not having told her father. Fast forward to six months later and we're introduced to a very different Anna - black clothes, heavy eyeliner, purple hair with multiple arrests under her belt. She's not dealing with her parents' deaths well or the secret of her mother's affair. Her other siblings are trying to keep it together as well, but she's lost in her own grief. After another arrest, she is put under house arrest for a few weeks with an ankle bracelet. This forces her to have to deal with her family, her physical therapy, her guilt, and the new boy next door, Luca.
My Thoughts/Mainly Disappointments: So, the beginning of the book was a mix of being too fluffy/happy over-the-top and then too melodramatic while using the words "rain" or "rainstorm" way too much. I think if Sorensen had started by throwing us into the mix of Anna being in her rebellious stage and getting into trouble, then dropped in flashbacks of the past, it would have been a better story. There also seemed to be too much filler in the book, things that really didn't matter to the plot of the story.
I really wasn't caring for the book at all until almost halfway through the story. The concept of Anna being under house arrest was interesting, and I feel like Sorensen could have done more with that, but that was just a very small part of the book.
I enjoyed Luca's character and some of his quirks, but then Sorensen ends up making him into a creeper at the end. I get it was supposed to be sweet, and I guess a little bit it was, but it's still in creeper territory.
At the end of it, there wasn't enough substance in the book, it seemed thrown together quickly without trying to make it a good work. That itself is evident by the disregard of editing it. So many times punctuation was missing, she'd forget to close a quotation with marks multiple times, and over and over she forgot to write simple articles the, a, and an. That stuff drives me crazy, especially on top of everything else. All in all, it was a disappointment because it could have been so much better if she just put more time into it.
The Plot: Annabella used to be a happy-go-lucky dreamer, all positive thoughts and glitter. On her 17th birthday, on their way to a surprise location, their car is hit and both her parents are killed in the crash. Anna survives, but her leg is badly mangled, preventing her from ever dancing again, which was her passion and future career. On top of that, that same day she discovered that her mother was having an affair, and she feels guilty for not having told her father. Fast forward to six months later and we're introduced to a very different Anna - black clothes, heavy eyeliner, purple hair with multiple arrests under her belt. She's not dealing with her parents' deaths well or the secret of her mother's affair. Her other siblings are trying to keep it together as well, but she's lost in her own grief. After another arrest, she is put under house arrest for a few weeks with an ankle bracelet. This forces her to have to deal with her family, her physical therapy, her guilt, and the new boy next door, Luca.
My Thoughts/Mainly Disappointments: So, the beginning of the book was a mix of being too fluffy/happy over-the-top and then too melodramatic while using the words "rain" or "rainstorm" way too much. I think if Sorensen had started by throwing us into the mix of Anna being in her rebellious stage and getting into trouble, then dropped in flashbacks of the past, it would have been a better story. There also seemed to be too much filler in the book, things that really didn't matter to the plot of the story.
I really wasn't caring for the book at all until almost halfway through the story. The concept of Anna being under house arrest was interesting, and I feel like Sorensen could have done more with that, but that was just a very small part of the book.
I enjoyed Luca's character and some of his quirks, but then Sorensen ends up making him into a creeper at the end. I get it was supposed to be sweet, and I guess a little bit it was, but it's still in creeper territory.
At the end of it, there wasn't enough substance in the book, it seemed thrown together quickly without trying to make it a good work. That itself is evident by the disregard of editing it. So many times punctuation was missing, she'd forget to close a quotation with marks multiple times, and over and over she forgot to write simple articles the, a, and an. That stuff drives me crazy, especially on top of everything else. All in all, it was a disappointment because it could have been so much better if she just put more time into it.
June 9, 2015
Jessica Sorensen released a new series that is going to capture the readers attention. Her latest New Adult series, The Honeyton Series, is based upon a family of orphaned children ranging from age 21 to age 13. The unexpected loss of their parents in a car accident has forever changed all of their lives. Each sibling is going to have their own story to tell. It all begins with Annabelle, the middle child, the dreamer of the clan.
Annabella Baker has lived in her own magical world that spreads delight and wonder to her family. She is the one who believes in fairy tales and loves glitter showers beneath the rainbow. She chases fireflies and delights in sparklers any time of the year. She is an optimist. She is the one that will dance through life.
On her seventeenth birthday her parents plan a special celebration just for her. She is having her first real high school birthday party later that evening. The day is her special gift from her parents. That day will forever change Annabelle and her siblings life.
What should of been the most special day of her life has turned into the ultimate nightmare. Moments before the horrific car accident occurs, Annabelle is exposed to some ugly truths that will forever change her views about her parents, their marriage, and their family. She knows her mother's horrible secret. A secret that her mother and father took to their graves and left Annabelle with the responsibility of keeping. Not only has she lost her parents physically, she has also lost her faith in family. She has also been physically injured. That injury is so severe that it will prevent Annabelle from ever dancing again. She has lost her dream of becoming a professional dancer.
What occurs in Annabelle's life after the accident is a collision course of self destruction and lawless behavior. Her actions will affect every member of her family. She will put her family in jeopardy of being torn apart even more than they already are. She cannot get her act together until one night makes her face the horrid truth about her life.
A new neighbor, Lucas, will help her find some of the missing joy she thought she had lost forever. He will help her realize that her life isn't over, it is just on a new path. He will help her find her faith and trust in her family. He will show her that forgiving her parents will heal the deepest wound she carries.
As this story unfolds the reader will see how this family has lost more than their guiding light. The oldest brother, age 21, will have to give up his college life and become a responsible adult ,parenting four siblings between the ages of 17 and 13. The second eldest sibling will escape the horrors of her home life through her culinary schooling in Europe. She may not be present in their home but her life is just as affected as her siblings. Each of these siblings will experience their own kind of pain and change in very different ways.
In the end they only have each other. The one thing their parents taught them was how to love each other completely. It is the greatest gift they could give their children.
This family will survive but the scars will remain on their souls.
I have always been partial to stories about orphaned children raising themselves since I was a little girl. I went from reading the Box Car Children in elementary school to reading V.C. Andrews Dollanganger series in high school. No matter what age I am, I will always hold a special fascination for these kind of books. I love the dynamics of siblings pulling together to survive life.
The Honeyton series has definitely captured my attention. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
May 27, 2015
* A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review *
~ 3.5 Grape Skittle Stars ~
What would you do if your life and everything you believed to be true changed in a blink of an eye??
Well that's exactly what happened to Annabella Baker. She not only found out a secret about her mom, but was also in a tragic car accident that claimed the life of her parents. Stuck in a downward spiral...Annabella makes some really bad choices over the course of several months.
The Illusion of Annabella is a story about loss, grief, anger, and learning to overcome all of those things.
I know when I pick up a Jessica Sorensen book that I am in for a heartfelt emotional YA book. Jessica is amazing at giving us tortured heroines in her stories, but she is also amazing at giving us FABULOUS Heroes to fall in love with. I thought this story was an accurate tale of what could happen to a seventeen year old girl who has just had her whole world turned upside down, but also how it effects the people around her as well. This book proves that when you make adult choices, there are adult consequences to go along with those choices. Also you need to think of the other people in your life before making those choices because it will essentially effect them as well.
I enjoyed this book but I will say it didn't WOW me. I thought it was a little on the long side. There were things I thought could've been left out and still the story would've had the same impact on the reader. There was a scene that happened towards the end of the book that I wish would've happened earlier….it would've spiced up the book a little sooner. I also would've liked to see how Annabella's life turned out after the end of the book. Maybe through an epilogue or by cutting out some of the middle and putting more chapters at the end after her revelation. But that's just me…I'm sure many of you will love the book just as it is.
Annabella was truly a tortured soul. She carried the weight of her mom's secret on her shoulders and didn't know what to do with it. She also had to carry the weight of being the only survivor in the car accident. I don't condone the decisions she made but I can't say that I blame her. I'm not sure how a situation like this would effect me. I did roll my eyes a couple times regarding Annabella….I wanted to smack her upside the head a couple times too. She had this family who she could turn to and lean on, because they were going through the similar situation, yet she pushed them away and shut them out. I was glad that she met Luca (her cute next door neighbor). He was able to open her up and bring her back to life. But he did it in a way that she didn't see what was happening until she had her revelation!! Luca….He was great. So patient and kind. He also had some serious family issues, but I think that helped him in understanding Annabella and helping her cope with things.
The Illusion of Annabella is a Stand-alone novel, but is the first book in the Honeyton Series. Each of the siblings in this book, will be getting their own story as well. This book truly does show you how secrets and lies can destroy a person and those around her. If you are a fan of Jessica's then you don't want to miss this book!!!!
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~ 3.5 Grape Skittle Stars ~
What would you do if your life and everything you believed to be true changed in a blink of an eye??
Well that's exactly what happened to Annabella Baker. She not only found out a secret about her mom, but was also in a tragic car accident that claimed the life of her parents. Stuck in a downward spiral...Annabella makes some really bad choices over the course of several months.
The Illusion of Annabella is a story about loss, grief, anger, and learning to overcome all of those things.
I know when I pick up a Jessica Sorensen book that I am in for a heartfelt emotional YA book. Jessica is amazing at giving us tortured heroines in her stories, but she is also amazing at giving us FABULOUS Heroes to fall in love with. I thought this story was an accurate tale of what could happen to a seventeen year old girl who has just had her whole world turned upside down, but also how it effects the people around her as well. This book proves that when you make adult choices, there are adult consequences to go along with those choices. Also you need to think of the other people in your life before making those choices because it will essentially effect them as well.
I enjoyed this book but I will say it didn't WOW me. I thought it was a little on the long side. There were things I thought could've been left out and still the story would've had the same impact on the reader. There was a scene that happened towards the end of the book that I wish would've happened earlier….it would've spiced up the book a little sooner. I also would've liked to see how Annabella's life turned out after the end of the book. Maybe through an epilogue or by cutting out some of the middle and putting more chapters at the end after her revelation. But that's just me…I'm sure many of you will love the book just as it is.
Annabella was truly a tortured soul. She carried the weight of her mom's secret on her shoulders and didn't know what to do with it. She also had to carry the weight of being the only survivor in the car accident. I don't condone the decisions she made but I can't say that I blame her. I'm not sure how a situation like this would effect me. I did roll my eyes a couple times regarding Annabella….I wanted to smack her upside the head a couple times too. She had this family who she could turn to and lean on, because they were going through the similar situation, yet she pushed them away and shut them out. I was glad that she met Luca (her cute next door neighbor). He was able to open her up and bring her back to life. But he did it in a way that she didn't see what was happening until she had her revelation!! Luca….He was great. So patient and kind. He also had some serious family issues, but I think that helped him in understanding Annabella and helping her cope with things.
The Illusion of Annabella is a Stand-alone novel, but is the first book in the Honeyton Series. Each of the siblings in this book, will be getting their own story as well. This book truly does show you how secrets and lies can destroy a person and those around her. If you are a fan of Jessica's then you don't want to miss this book!!!!
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June 26, 2015
**4.5 Stars**
This was such a heartbreakingly poignant and gripping novel. Truly so emotional that I cried a few times, eyes welled up even more times. The tragic loss of both parents for Anna was such a turning point in her life. To be so happy and carefree, to then being emotionally and physically damaged…it was such a beautiful story to see her journey.
“Life feels like a dream. I kind of wish it were.”
Annabella finds peace through dancing. She dreams of a career in dance and uses it in her daily life to center her. On a tragic day she’s stripped of her parents and her ability to dance. The bright, smiling young woman morphs instantly into a lost, wild girl with a constant black cloud. She spins out of control on how to cope, how to come to grips with her new normal, and how to handle the siblings who are so torn apart. Anna’s journey was incredibly palpable. I could see her pain, see her war with what was right and wrong. I could believe that she would struggle with her own mortality and beliefs when something so unthinkable happens. Because I could feel the words, I became emotionally invested in this story. I felt her anger, sadness, guilt, and utter sense of loss of self.
“Has he heard the story of the girl who breathed dancing and the accident that forever stole her air away? The girl who now wanders around, gasping for a simple breath of air.”
I’ve sort of gotten busy with so many books that I haven’t gone back to a Jessica Sorensen book in awhile, but delving into this story reminded me how well she writes. She has a way of drawing you in and making you feel. She can so easily get into the mind of young woman and play those emotions out. I warred with myself while reading Anna’s journey. I warred with her. Grief can truly change and affect you, and I longed for her to overcome. But Luca…oh he was such a beautiful bright spot in Anna’s life. Her buoy to keep her afloat. He was so beautiful and quirky and just what she needed to stay above water.
“But most of all, I miss the sunshine and rainbows girl I used to be. The one that could only see the sunshine because she’d never noticed the clouds until they completely covered the sky.”
I think this will resonate with a lot of readers. I think everyone has experienced an emotional struggle whether it be from loss or depression or illness or harm. Seeing this family torn apart but slowly finding their way back to each other was amazing. I absolutely loved it.
**Received an early copy in exchange for an honest review**
This was such a heartbreakingly poignant and gripping novel. Truly so emotional that I cried a few times, eyes welled up even more times. The tragic loss of both parents for Anna was such a turning point in her life. To be so happy and carefree, to then being emotionally and physically damaged…it was such a beautiful story to see her journey.
“Life feels like a dream. I kind of wish it were.”
Annabella finds peace through dancing. She dreams of a career in dance and uses it in her daily life to center her. On a tragic day she’s stripped of her parents and her ability to dance. The bright, smiling young woman morphs instantly into a lost, wild girl with a constant black cloud. She spins out of control on how to cope, how to come to grips with her new normal, and how to handle the siblings who are so torn apart. Anna’s journey was incredibly palpable. I could see her pain, see her war with what was right and wrong. I could believe that she would struggle with her own mortality and beliefs when something so unthinkable happens. Because I could feel the words, I became emotionally invested in this story. I felt her anger, sadness, guilt, and utter sense of loss of self.
“Has he heard the story of the girl who breathed dancing and the accident that forever stole her air away? The girl who now wanders around, gasping for a simple breath of air.”
I’ve sort of gotten busy with so many books that I haven’t gone back to a Jessica Sorensen book in awhile, but delving into this story reminded me how well she writes. She has a way of drawing you in and making you feel. She can so easily get into the mind of young woman and play those emotions out. I warred with myself while reading Anna’s journey. I warred with her. Grief can truly change and affect you, and I longed for her to overcome. But Luca…oh he was such a beautiful bright spot in Anna’s life. Her buoy to keep her afloat. He was so beautiful and quirky and just what she needed to stay above water.
“But most of all, I miss the sunshine and rainbows girl I used to be. The one that could only see the sunshine because she’d never noticed the clouds until they completely covered the sky.”
I think this will resonate with a lot of readers. I think everyone has experienced an emotional struggle whether it be from loss or depression or illness or harm. Seeing this family torn apart but slowly finding their way back to each other was amazing. I absolutely loved it.
**Received an early copy in exchange for an honest review**
June 22, 2015
AMY'S REVIEW
5 STARS
“I decided that I needed to stop watching life and actually live it”…total these for this book!!! Annabella watching her life from the outside and was too afraid to take control back. Suffering in the pain that was propelled at her, she felt it her duty to endure all of the weight that it bestowed. It wasn’t until a little faith, in the form of a geeky yet completely adorable next door neighbor, stepped in and showed her that stepping back into herself would be the most freeing thing she could do. This book offered love, loss, depth of self, redemption and forgiveness. Emotion created to make me feel and see Annabella for the beautifully complicated character that she was and watch her flourish into the beautiful young woman she was meant to be.
When gripping a reality so hard to take, Annabella is thrust into a world she had no idea existed and all the control she thought she has is ripped away. After a tragic accident claims the only life she’s known, choices need to be made, good or bad, Annabella struggles to survive in the new world created for her. Enter the hunky yet completely nerdy new neighbor Luca and all of the control she is trying desperately to grab onto is thrown out the window. “Besides, there’s more to you than just your looks, even if you don’t want me to think so”. He see her…really sees beyond the front she putting up, which shocks her and makes her more curious than ever. They are amazingly adorable and watching them both heal each other is the highlight of the book.
This was such a magnificent book that I blew through it in one sitting! It drew me in and captured my attention and heart from the very start. These two beautifully broken teens were dynamic and brilliant as they fought through more than they should have at their age, to begin to live life to its fullest! I really enjoyed this book and all the feels that I received from it. Total recommend and 5 star read all the way!!
5 STARS
“I decided that I needed to stop watching life and actually live it”…total these for this book!!! Annabella watching her life from the outside and was too afraid to take control back. Suffering in the pain that was propelled at her, she felt it her duty to endure all of the weight that it bestowed. It wasn’t until a little faith, in the form of a geeky yet completely adorable next door neighbor, stepped in and showed her that stepping back into herself would be the most freeing thing she could do. This book offered love, loss, depth of self, redemption and forgiveness. Emotion created to make me feel and see Annabella for the beautifully complicated character that she was and watch her flourish into the beautiful young woman she was meant to be.
When gripping a reality so hard to take, Annabella is thrust into a world she had no idea existed and all the control she thought she has is ripped away. After a tragic accident claims the only life she’s known, choices need to be made, good or bad, Annabella struggles to survive in the new world created for her. Enter the hunky yet completely nerdy new neighbor Luca and all of the control she is trying desperately to grab onto is thrown out the window. “Besides, there’s more to you than just your looks, even if you don’t want me to think so”. He see her…really sees beyond the front she putting up, which shocks her and makes her more curious than ever. They are amazingly adorable and watching them both heal each other is the highlight of the book.
This was such a magnificent book that I blew through it in one sitting! It drew me in and captured my attention and heart from the very start. These two beautifully broken teens were dynamic and brilliant as they fought through more than they should have at their age, to begin to live life to its fullest! I really enjoyed this book and all the feels that I received from it. Total recommend and 5 star read all the way!!
June 30, 2015
There are moments that change your life forever. For Annabella Baker, that moment came with a dire chain of events. The fairy tales and glitter came to halt on her seventeenth birthday.
Birthdays are suppose to be special. Annabella couldn’t wait to celebrate the day with her family. Then an unexpected secret unfolds before young Annabella. Leaving her uncertain about her family. This unbelievable secret that alters the way Annabella will think of her mother.
Tragedy would soon shape the future. Annabella was involved in an accident with her parents. Both were tragically taken from this world. Now this secret that Annabella is harboring is boring a whole in her heart. Faced with an injury that leaves her with permanent damage, Annabella no longer lives for her passion…..dancing.
A path of self destruction circles around Annabella. Her actions will affect the family her parents left behind. With her brother acting as guardian, Annabella will test the limits of the law. Forcing all of her siblings to face an uncertain future as a result.
When a new neighbor moves to town, Annabella finds herself drawn to Luca. Their friendship brings a light back into Annabella’s life. She is laughing again…..something her family didn’t think would happen again. Luca is the calm to Annabella’s storm. With his subtle guidance, Annabella is discovering that life can go on.
The Illusion of Annabella is a wonderful story of surviving a tragedy. With any book from Sorensen, readers will find that life isn’t always perfect. It’s what you do to survive that makes it worth living. I love the fact these siblings must pull together to fact life head-on. Each with struggles of their own.
As the first book in the Honeyton series, the story focuses mainly on Annabella. There will be subsequent books each dedicated to one of the Baker siblings. I cannot wait to see what Jessica has in store for her fans!!
Birthdays are suppose to be special. Annabella couldn’t wait to celebrate the day with her family. Then an unexpected secret unfolds before young Annabella. Leaving her uncertain about her family. This unbelievable secret that alters the way Annabella will think of her mother.
Tragedy would soon shape the future. Annabella was involved in an accident with her parents. Both were tragically taken from this world. Now this secret that Annabella is harboring is boring a whole in her heart. Faced with an injury that leaves her with permanent damage, Annabella no longer lives for her passion…..dancing.
A path of self destruction circles around Annabella. Her actions will affect the family her parents left behind. With her brother acting as guardian, Annabella will test the limits of the law. Forcing all of her siblings to face an uncertain future as a result.
When a new neighbor moves to town, Annabella finds herself drawn to Luca. Their friendship brings a light back into Annabella’s life. She is laughing again…..something her family didn’t think would happen again. Luca is the calm to Annabella’s storm. With his subtle guidance, Annabella is discovering that life can go on.
The Illusion of Annabella is a wonderful story of surviving a tragedy. With any book from Sorensen, readers will find that life isn’t always perfect. It’s what you do to survive that makes it worth living. I love the fact these siblings must pull together to fact life head-on. Each with struggles of their own.
As the first book in the Honeyton series, the story focuses mainly on Annabella. There will be subsequent books each dedicated to one of the Baker siblings. I cannot wait to see what Jessica has in store for her fans!!
February 20, 2017
Feel good
Wondering if you should give this one a try? The answer is, yes! The only downside to the story is that it came to an end. I want more Luca!
Wondering if you should give this one a try? The answer is, yes! The only downside to the story is that it came to an end. I want more Luca!
May 31, 2015
When I started reading this I thought 'Oh Jeez, something bad is going to happen. Annabella is too full of rainbows and glittery dreams. Reality has to hit.' It sure does. Annabella loses her parents and her dream of dancing one stormy morning. It completely transforms her beliefs about life and her identity.
Annabella completes the transformation by changing her look to the polar opposite of Dreamer Anna. Rainbows turn to black and sparks of light snuff out to darkness. Her illegal escapades cause plenty of grief for her family, especially her eldest brother, Loki, who is now taking care of his four younger siblings.
A new family move in next door complete with a cute, nerdy seventeen-year-old boy. He seems to see right through Annabella's dark cloud exterior and is determined to make her smile again. Luca is funny and charming. He wants to help Annabella even though he has his own stuff going on. Maybe it's because of his own 'stuff' that he wants to help her so much.
The story begins full of angst and pain. I wanted to shake Annabella for the first part of the book. She's so lost. She knows she is, but she can't stop from causing herself and others pain. Annabella isn't fully aware of the effect of her actions on the other people in her life. Her slowly budding friendship with Luca helps her to see the bigger picture and find her way back.
Be prepared for some twists when truths are revealed. An emotional, riveting read.
Fabulous story!
4.5 flares.
*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review*
Cheers
Annabella completes the transformation by changing her look to the polar opposite of Dreamer Anna. Rainbows turn to black and sparks of light snuff out to darkness. Her illegal escapades cause plenty of grief for her family, especially her eldest brother, Loki, who is now taking care of his four younger siblings.
A new family move in next door complete with a cute, nerdy seventeen-year-old boy. He seems to see right through Annabella's dark cloud exterior and is determined to make her smile again. Luca is funny and charming. He wants to help Annabella even though he has his own stuff going on. Maybe it's because of his own 'stuff' that he wants to help her so much.
The story begins full of angst and pain. I wanted to shake Annabella for the first part of the book. She's so lost. She knows she is, but she can't stop from causing herself and others pain. Annabella isn't fully aware of the effect of her actions on the other people in her life. Her slowly budding friendship with Luca helps her to see the bigger picture and find her way back.
Be prepared for some twists when truths are revealed. An emotional, riveting read.
Fabulous story!
4.5 flares.
*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review*
Cheers
August 3, 2016
"Having a fear doesn't make someone weak. It's letting the fear control you that does"
Anna is a happy go lucky girl who views the world in a unique way. She adores her family and wants to become a dancer someday. Her school life is the same as most teenage girls, hanging out with her best friend and having crushes on cute boys. But one day her life takes a dramatic turn of events and that happy go lucky girl can no longer be found.
Anna deals with the outcome in a way that most teenagers, hell even some adults, would - drink, drugs and danger to blot out the physical and emotional pain. She pulls away from the family that loves her and goes from a rainbow to a raincloud.
Despite the attempts of her family to get through to her, it turns out it's the new boy next door that helps Anna see the error of her ways discover her new place in the world.
I liked how this story put across a strong sense of family and how they are there to help, regardless of whether she wanted to accept it or not. And I also liked that Luca and Annas relationship took work and time to build and ultimately wasn't "girl meets boy, they fall in love and all is right with the world again"
Anna is a happy go lucky girl who views the world in a unique way. She adores her family and wants to become a dancer someday. Her school life is the same as most teenage girls, hanging out with her best friend and having crushes on cute boys. But one day her life takes a dramatic turn of events and that happy go lucky girl can no longer be found.
Anna deals with the outcome in a way that most teenagers, hell even some adults, would - drink, drugs and danger to blot out the physical and emotional pain. She pulls away from the family that loves her and goes from a rainbow to a raincloud.
Despite the attempts of her family to get through to her, it turns out it's the new boy next door that helps Anna see the error of her ways discover her new place in the world.
I liked how this story put across a strong sense of family and how they are there to help, regardless of whether she wanted to accept it or not. And I also liked that Luca and Annas relationship took work and time to build and ultimately wasn't "girl meets boy, they fall in love and all is right with the world again"
June 16, 2015
This is truly a beautifully written story of a girl at 17 still believe in glitter unicorns and all the good things of the world.. That is until her 17th birthday. A few life altering events change that day that changed Anna forever. This is her struggle trying to find out who she is from this day on . My heart broke for Annabelle and her family . Her struggle with drugs, alcohol getting in with the wrong crowd .. She fine meets a really good friend who's fighting his own battles Luca. he still sees all the good happy glitter rainbows unicorns in Anna that she no longer see's and he isn't giving up on Anna and letting her push him away like she has her family and friends. Luca starts to bring down the walls around her heart by sharing his on family struggles with her . He don't judge Anna for hermistakes over this past 8 months . Don't miss this wonderful book by Jessica Sorensen. It will break your heart while filling you with hope all at the same time. ..
September 11, 2015
Love this new series!
Jessica is one of my favorite authors! This new series is awesome! Angst, pain, sadness, tears, romance, secrets, Jessica covers it all! Annabella suffers a tragedy and loses so many things dear to her. Because of the tragedy she completely becomes the opposite of what she was before, and falls deeper into despair. She's so lost but can't find a way to stop from falling. The cute boy next door tries to become friends with her and he slowly chips away at her despair and self-revulsion she has for herself! Slowly secrets are revealed but can she be a new old version of herself! The heartache and pain of Annabella made my heart ache for her, tears were shed. This is a journey of a girl falling deep into despair after a tragedy, but with caring people around her, she finds her way knowing everything will never be the same, but she can merge the parts of the old and new to become someone ready to live life again! Don't miss out!!
Jessica is one of my favorite authors! This new series is awesome! Angst, pain, sadness, tears, romance, secrets, Jessica covers it all! Annabella suffers a tragedy and loses so many things dear to her. Because of the tragedy she completely becomes the opposite of what she was before, and falls deeper into despair. She's so lost but can't find a way to stop from falling. The cute boy next door tries to become friends with her and he slowly chips away at her despair and self-revulsion she has for herself! Slowly secrets are revealed but can she be a new old version of herself! The heartache and pain of Annabella made my heart ache for her, tears were shed. This is a journey of a girl falling deep into despair after a tragedy, but with caring people around her, she finds her way knowing everything will never be the same, but she can merge the parts of the old and new to become someone ready to live life again! Don't miss out!!
March 18, 2016
I didn't come into this book with a lot of expectations or even knowing much about it. Sometimes I like that: being completely surprised. Like most Jessica Sorensen books, Anna/Annabella's story had its dark parts. Having your world shattered in more ways than one could lead anyone down a dark path. But her journey back from the darkness was beautiful in its own way. And Luca... Oh, I loved him. Such a great character. Maybe one of my favorites from this author.
Aside from the language and some intense, more mature situations/themes, this book was a fairly clean read. No explicit sexual content. Though it is a teen romance, I'd recommend it for older, more mature teens.
I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to the next book in the series. I'd love to see happy endings for this family.
Aside from the language and some intense, more mature situations/themes, this book was a fairly clean read. No explicit sexual content. Though it is a teen romance, I'd recommend it for older, more mature teens.
I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to the next book in the series. I'd love to see happy endings for this family.
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