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The Dandelion
by
At thirty-five, Abigail Simmons has mastered only one thing—running. When tragedy strikes, she runs. This time her urge to flee brings Abi back to her hometown, where she hopes she can find the peace she’s always searched for. That hope is dashed when Abi’s ex, Sam Forrester, bumps his way back into her life.
Sam has flourished in ways Abi hasn’t. From the outside, he has ...more
Sam has flourished in ways Abi hasn’t. From the outside, he has ...more
Kindle Edition, 1st edition, 387 pages
Published
April 8th 2018
by Michelle Leighton
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Community Reviews
(showing 1-30)
Mar 16, 2018
Dilek VT
marked it as never-no-way
A dying woman wants to find someone who will love her child and husband after she has gone...
And who is a better option than his ex? The one with a secret... (hmm, it sounds like a secret baby but I don't know for sure.)
So far from my type of romance... So not my cuppa!
And who is a better option than his ex? The one with a secret... (hmm, it sounds like a secret baby but I don't know for sure.)
So far from my type of romance... So not my cuppa!
Mar 29, 2018
Paige
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
arcs,
emotion-overload,
marriage,
oh-so-sweet,
romance-light,
romance,
second-chaces,
what-a-twist
4 “Timing” Stars
The Dandelion is a story of true love, second chances, and life’s unexpected twists and turns. This heartbreaking yet hopeful romance was a slow burn that made me questions myself and life in general. Sam, Abigail and Sara have a story that defies the norm yet was beautifully haunting.
Over two decades ago Abigail moved away from her high school sweetheart her junior year of school. Though she and Sam had a connection few do at such a young age, timing was not on their side. Year ...more
The Dandelion is a story of true love, second chances, and life’s unexpected twists and turns. This heartbreaking yet hopeful romance was a slow burn that made me questions myself and life in general. Sam, Abigail and Sara have a story that defies the norm yet was beautifully haunting.
Over two decades ago Abigail moved away from her high school sweetheart her junior year of school. Though she and Sam had a connection few do at such a young age, timing was not on their side. Year ...more
I don’t even know where to begin my review of this highly emotionally charged book. I guess I can start by saying that it was a really sad story but one filled with so much love, hope and second chances.
Abi has returned to her lakeside hometown after leaving the boy she promised she would love forever behind 20 years ago. When she sees Sam again she is glad to see that he is happily married and they have a beautiful wee daughter. She is also left with a sense of sadness too, of the life she coul ...more
Abi has returned to her lakeside hometown after leaving the boy she promised she would love forever behind 20 years ago. When she sees Sam again she is glad to see that he is happily married and they have a beautiful wee daughter. She is also left with a sense of sadness too, of the life she coul ...more
another Dandelion gif ↓ - it doesn't have anything to do with the book, but it's sooo adorable - I just had to add it to my review☺
Abi left her home town in South Carolina with her mom when she was 17 years old.
Now, 18 years later, she's back.
She's 'running' from something. From pain that happened to her, but also pain that she caused. But we don't know any details.
She just wants a few nice summer months back home where she was happy as a kid and teenager. To find some peace and quiet.
And maybe ...more
I had such high hopes for this book after reading the blurb. It had me pumped for what I thought would be a profoundly emotional story full of depth and second chances. I was geared up for heartache, for angst, for... something. Unfortunately I struggled with connecting much to the story at all. There's a lot more telling than showing in this book, and because of that, I never felt the chemistry between Sam and Abi, I never felt grief or loss or heartache. It existed, the characters say they're
...more
Apr 11, 2018
Rejane
marked it as not-interested
With a blurb like that I just can't read it. And don't think it's because of the supposed sadness. It's more for the silliness. I may sound cold, what I really am, but this kind of situation just annoys me. And I don't think any dying person would be on the hunt for another love for their partner and a parent for their kid. Just one situation this worked for me: it was an episode of GOLDEN GIRLS and a woman who was dying was trying to get Sophia to date her husband so she could look after him wh
...more
There was something about this which reminded me of 'sister-wives'
FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED
With its eye-catching cover that is indicative of the story inside and a book blurb assured to grab and hold the attention of readers, I won’t be giving away much more of this plot. I would only be spoiling the overall effect and the unexpected revelations you should encounter on your own. Not a story that's always easy on the heart, this is a soul-searching journey and one that won’t soon be forgotten. The Dandelion was a lot different from what I expected – and so much mo ...more
With its eye-catching cover that is indicative of the story inside and a book blurb assured to grab and hold the attention of readers, I won’t be giving away much more of this plot. I would only be spoiling the overall effect and the unexpected revelations you should encounter on your own. Not a story that's always easy on the heart, this is a soul-searching journey and one that won’t soon be forgotten. The Dandelion was a lot different from what I expected – and so much mo ...more
arc provided by the author for an honest, unbiased review
im just sitting here, in public, trying not to cry. im trying. I will not do it. ladies, its not working. I just feel so emotionally raw right now. like if people look too close, they'll see how my broken heart is justflayed open from reading this.
this whole story has felt like one huge heart crushing story. in one way or another, this story is going to break your heart in two . Whether it's Sara's story or Abi's, you are going to ache fo ...more
im just sitting here, in public, trying not to cry. im trying. I will not do it. ladies, its not working. I just feel so emotionally raw right now. like if people look too close, they'll see how my broken heart is justflayed open from reading this.
this whole story has felt like one huge heart crushing story. in one way or another, this story is going to break your heart in two . Whether it's Sara's story or Abi's, you are going to ache fo ...more
Memories…..they can haunt you for years or bring you joy from the fondness. For Abi – decades have come and gone since she fled her hometown, leaving the boy of her dreams behind in her wake. Life was anything but easy for Abi, and now she is determined to put it all behind her. To return to the one place she can seek solace and peace.
Abi knew that there was a possibility that she would run into Sam. Yet – nothing could have prepared her for just how much his life had changed in her absence. As ...more
Abi knew that there was a possibility that she would run into Sam. Yet – nothing could have prepared her for just how much his life had changed in her absence. As ...more
*4.5 Stars
My curiosity level was at an all-time high as soon as I read the synopsis for The Dandelion. I was fully aware that this was going to be an emotional read – there was absolutely no way around that, but I had to know how Michelle Leighton was going to tell Abi, Sam, and Sara’s story.
Abi just wanted to spend a few quiet months by the lake where her fondest memories took place. She wanted to find some much needed peace while offering a helping hand in her former community. Abi never expec ...more
My curiosity level was at an all-time high as soon as I read the synopsis for The Dandelion. I was fully aware that this was going to be an emotional read – there was absolutely no way around that, but I had to know how Michelle Leighton was going to tell Abi, Sam, and Sara’s story.
Abi just wanted to spend a few quiet months by the lake where her fondest memories took place. She wanted to find some much needed peace while offering a helping hand in her former community. Abi never expec ...more
I have wanted to meet a Michelle Leighton story for YEARS, as I’ve hoarded a couple of paperback pretties on my shelf of hers but never met them. When offered an opportunity to read The Dandelion, I was so THRILLED to finally meet this author’s words. Finally, I’d soak up a story from an author who’s been on my TBR for a long time.
The cover of The Dandelion is STUNNING with an ethereal beauty that didn’t quite reach the story. With an emotionally-wielding blurb, small town setting, and allure of ...more
The cover of The Dandelion is STUNNING with an ethereal beauty that didn’t quite reach the story. With an emotionally-wielding blurb, small town setting, and allure of ...more
Review to come on release day.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
When this book came up on the TBR list, I knew I had to read it even without reading the synopsis, this author and her writing style is one I love. She can rip out your heart, throw it on the ground, stomp on it and then pick it up, dust it off, put it back in your chest and jump start it and you are back to breathing again. She can transport you into any story and make you feel every emotion. And that ...more
When this book came up on the TBR list, I knew I had to read it even without reading the synopsis, this author and her writing style is one I love. She can rip out your heart, throw it on the ground, stomp on it and then pick it up, dust it off, put it back in your chest and jump start it and you are back to breathing again. She can transport you into any story and make you feel every emotion. And that ...more
Apr 03, 2018
Nadine Bookaholic
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
anyone that enjoys a great book that pulls at your heartstrings
Recommended to Nadine Bookaholic by:
Krissy
Shelves:
2018-books-i-read-for-a-challenge,
goodreads-year-in-review-2018,
meet-greet-challenge-round-27,
trope-second-chance-at-love,
father-of-child-children,
genre-romance-contemporary,
2018-ammp-badge-lover-challenge,
2018-big-bad-shhlut-year-challenge,
content-illness-or-addiction,
genre-womens-fiction
This story ripped my heart apart but slowly put it back together again. I read this book knowing that it would be a tough one to read because of the subject, a dying wife wanting her husband to find love again before she passes so she can get to know the woman that will help Sam raise their daughter, Noelle. As I sit here writing my review there are tears streaming down my face because I would want the same thing for my family.
I will not give any spoilers because YOU MUST READ THIS EMOTIONAL ST ...more
I will not give any spoilers because YOU MUST READ THIS EMOTIONAL ST ...more
Angst galore.
I think for half the book my heart was aching. The other half it was aching and I was crying my eyes out.
I loved Abi. Abi is so strong, only she doesn’t know it. She’s in so much pain, physical and emotional. She’s running, true, but she doesn’t realize she’s running towards her true home, toward redemption and towards a second chance.
Deciding on four months of vacation before she’s free of her old life, Abi is determined to live life helping others. She volunteers, doing everything ...more
I think for half the book my heart was aching. The other half it was aching and I was crying my eyes out.
I loved Abi. Abi is so strong, only she doesn’t know it. She’s in so much pain, physical and emotional. She’s running, true, but she doesn’t realize she’s running towards her true home, toward redemption and towards a second chance.
Deciding on four months of vacation before she’s free of her old life, Abi is determined to live life helping others. She volunteers, doing everything ...more
More Reviews Here: Readers Live A Thousand Lives
The Dandelion is a stunning read with a beautiful romance, that is not your average love story. It is heartwarming and heartfelt and the author clearly poured her heart and soul into the book. It is a story not to be missed.
This book is impossible to review without spoiling things, so I’m going to go the short and sweet route here. I could talk about this book for days on end, but there are a lot of twists along the way and I don’t want to take tho ...more
The Dandelion is a stunning read with a beautiful romance, that is not your average love story. It is heartwarming and heartfelt and the author clearly poured her heart and soul into the book. It is a story not to be missed.
This book is impossible to review without spoiling things, so I’m going to go the short and sweet route here. I could talk about this book for days on end, but there are a lot of twists along the way and I don’t want to take tho ...more
The Dandelion by Michelle Leighton
4.5 stars!!!
Abigail Simmons is thirty-five and has returned to her home town for some respite and to lay some old ghosts to rest. The only thing Abigail has ever excelled at is running, she has run her whole life, but now, with nothing else to run from she returns to her happy place, a place that holds her fondest memories, a place that she just wants to see and feel once again. The trouble with ghosts though ...more
4.5 stars!!!
“We saved each other. And my mother saved us all.”
Abigail Simmons is thirty-five and has returned to her home town for some respite and to lay some old ghosts to rest. The only thing Abigail has ever excelled at is running, she has run her whole life, but now, with nothing else to run from she returns to her happy place, a place that holds her fondest memories, a place that she just wants to see and feel once again. The trouble with ghosts though ...more
What a beautifully written story about the life journey of two strong women. Sara is dying and makes her husband Sam promise to find love again. Abi is running--again-- and plans to spend her summer chilling at the lake near her home town. Sam is the man that has loved both of these women in his life.
Even with this little bit of information about the story, you know your heart is just going to get crushed. It's a slow burn about second chances, and wishes, and dreams. It's about first love and ...more
Even with this little bit of information about the story, you know your heart is just going to get crushed. It's a slow burn about second chances, and wishes, and dreams. It's about first love and ...more
This book is an emotional, wonderful read!
The Dandelion is filled with incredible characters, fabulous setting and a whole lotta heartache too!!
If you're looking for a book that will keep you captivated until the end, one that will make you cry tears of joy/pain, love, loss, friendship.... this is the book for you!!!!
Trust me, this is one book I won't forget about anytime soon! It's one of a kind and one that you'll be envious of... I'd love to have that man, Sam in my life!!! #totalbookboyfrien ...more
The Dandelion is filled with incredible characters, fabulous setting and a whole lotta heartache too!!
If you're looking for a book that will keep you captivated until the end, one that will make you cry tears of joy/pain, love, loss, friendship.... this is the book for you!!!!
Trust me, this is one book I won't forget about anytime soon! It's one of a kind and one that you'll be envious of... I'd love to have that man, Sam in my life!!! #totalbookboyfrien ...more
For those who follow or read my reviews then you know I’m not a short and sweet type of person but this review is going to be exactly that to prevent spoiling this beautiful book.
This was one hard book to get through. It’s extremely emotional, sad, heartbreaking and I really didn’t think I could finish it because it hurt so bad. All of that was worth it. Every heartache. Every tear. Every time I had to put the kindle down just to take a breathe. It was worth. Every. Single. Minute.
Michelle Lei ...more
This was one hard book to get through. It’s extremely emotional, sad, heartbreaking and I really didn’t think I could finish it because it hurt so bad. All of that was worth it. Every heartache. Every tear. Every time I had to put the kindle down just to take a breathe. It was worth. Every. Single. Minute.
Michelle Lei ...more
Michelle Leighton has a way with words. Her words are powerful, hard to read and always take you on an emotional journey. This book was no different. It was a slow burn but filled with so many unresolved emotions and new emotions. It was beautifully written. I'm not going to day anymore because I don't want to give anything away. Definitely a must read!!!
***I received an ebook copy from the author at no cost***
This story is just as stunning as the book cover.
The Dandelion is a tale of life, love, death, and overcoming the struggles life puts in one's path. The story follows Abi, who has just returned to the town she grew up in, Molly's Knob. She's been away for years, from the town and everyone in it, and comes seeking familiarity and peace. Enter Sam, her high school sweetheart, who got away after Abi abruptly left town with her mother years e ...more
This story is just as stunning as the book cover.
The Dandelion is a tale of life, love, death, and overcoming the struggles life puts in one's path. The story follows Abi, who has just returned to the town she grew up in, Molly's Knob. She's been away for years, from the town and everyone in it, and comes seeking familiarity and peace. Enter Sam, her high school sweetheart, who got away after Abi abruptly left town with her mother years e ...more
Wow, Wow, WOW! I haven't read a Michelle Leighton book in so long and the blurb for The Dandelion caught my attention and I had to read it. I am so glad I did.
This is a premise that I have never read before so I am not sure if it has been done before but Leighton showed how it could be done so beautifully, so poetically perfect, so true to the amazing characters she crafted.
Abigail Simmons returns to her hometown for reasons unknown to the reader—though I could feel the sadness behind the reason ...more
This is a premise that I have never read before so I am not sure if it has been done before but Leighton showed how it could be done so beautifully, so poetically perfect, so true to the amazing characters she crafted.
Abigail Simmons returns to her hometown for reasons unknown to the reader—though I could feel the sadness behind the reason ...more
Apr 05, 2018
✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
arcs-read-and-reviewed,
second-chance-romance
ARC received for an honest review
It has been a couple of years since I have read a Michelle Leighton book, and it was wonderful to dive back into her world
The Dandelion is sweet, beautiful, heart breaking, thought provoking - heck, it is a bit of everything all rolled into one book.
Abi and Sam's story had me hooked from the start. It broke my heart, I may have been reading through tears at times. Theirs is a wonderful second chance love story that really did pull at the heart strings.
Gah, I don' ...more
It has been a couple of years since I have read a Michelle Leighton book, and it was wonderful to dive back into her world
The Dandelion is sweet, beautiful, heart breaking, thought provoking - heck, it is a bit of everything all rolled into one book.
Abi and Sam's story had me hooked from the start. It broke my heart, I may have been reading through tears at times. Theirs is a wonderful second chance love story that really did pull at the heart strings.
Gah, I don' ...more
My eyes tear with a sense of providence. Yes, this is where I’m supposed to be. This is was the right choice, the only choice for me.
This is where I’ll find peace from the pain.
And maybe redemption for what I’ve done.
If I’m even redeemable.
***
When I started THE DANDELION I was overcome with so much emotions. The story pulls at your very core and has you contemplating all possible endings. But the ending, the secret Abi is carrying around inside her, is not one I saw coming. And I ended the bo ...more
This is where I’ll find peace from the pain.
And maybe redemption for what I’ve done.
If I’m even redeemable.
***
When I started THE DANDELION I was overcome with so much emotions. The story pulls at your very core and has you contemplating all possible endings. But the ending, the secret Abi is carrying around inside her, is not one I saw coming. And I ended the bo ...more
Michelle Leighton has always been one of my go to authors. She just writes stories that speak to my soul. She is one of the first authors I read so many moons ago and she continues to bring us these amazing stories that have me glued to my kindle. She just has a gift and if you’ve not discovered her amazingness you need to one click The Dandelion. I admit its an unconventional second chance love story but that is what I loved about it! It’s not the same ole love story that is about losing y
...more
The Dandelion by Michelle Leighton
4.5 stars
M/F Second Chance Romance
Triggers: Death
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Abi is a runner. She learned from her mom that running solved a lot. But, as Abi grew older, she realized that while running was instant gratification at the time, the carnage that it can sometimes leave is not necessarily easily repaired. Despite her past, she decides that coming home might be what she needs to find a new inner peace.
Sam was Abi's sweethe ...more
4.5 stars
M/F Second Chance Romance
Triggers: Death
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Abi is a runner. She learned from her mom that running solved a lot. But, as Abi grew older, she realized that while running was instant gratification at the time, the carnage that it can sometimes leave is not necessarily easily repaired. Despite her past, she decides that coming home might be what she needs to find a new inner peace.
Sam was Abi's sweethe ...more
5+ Stars - another 2018 Favorite.
This was an emotionally stunning, angst filled, second-chance love story. An there is absolutely no cheating in this book. I would highly recommend this book to anybody, but you might want Kleenex close at hand just in case.
You first meet Abi and Sam at 17 and so much in love with each other. Then Abi's mother forces her to leave town and Sam behind. Then we forward 20 years later when Abi returns home for various reasons. One of the first people that she runs i ...more
This was an emotionally stunning, angst filled, second-chance love story. An there is absolutely no cheating in this book. I would highly recommend this book to anybody, but you might want Kleenex close at hand just in case.
You first meet Abi and Sam at 17 and so much in love with each other. Then Abi's mother forces her to leave town and Sam behind. Then we forward 20 years later when Abi returns home for various reasons. One of the first people that she runs i ...more
* A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. *
~ 4 Hopeful Stars ~
The Dandelion is an emotionally charged second chance love story.
As always with a Michelle Leighton story, you know your heart strings are going to be pulled and this book was no different. Not only because you know going into the book that Sam’s wife is dying, but what Abi also goes through and the secrets she is keeping will shred your heart. But just know that Michelle will put it all back toge ...more
~ 4 Hopeful Stars ~
The Dandelion is an emotionally charged second chance love story.
As always with a Michelle Leighton story, you know your heart strings are going to be pulled and this book was no different. Not only because you know going into the book that Sam’s wife is dying, but what Abi also goes through and the secrets she is keeping will shred your heart. But just know that Michelle will put it all back toge ...more
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New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, M. Leighton, is a native of Ohio. She relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: literary fiction. Having written over a dozen novels
...more
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Apr 13, 2018 06:14PM
Apr 14, 2018 06:47AM