Synopsis:~
It is the summer of 1958, and life in the small
When her mother commits suicide and a not-so-favorite aunt arrives, Sammie has to choose who to trust with her deepest fears: Her best friend who has an opinion about everything, the mysterious kid from
Trusting is one thing, but accepting the truth may be the hardest thing Sammie has ever done.
My take:~
Take note of the name of debut author Carla Stewart, you are certain to be seeing it often in the future. Chasing Lilacs is a beautifully wrought story about Sammie, a young girl dealing with more than her fair share of pain as her mother’s mental health deteriorates, her father withdraws and she becomes intrigued by troubled teen, Cly MacLemore. The story is told through Sammie’s eyes, as she wrestles with confusion, guilt and fledgling love in a poignant and believable way. As Sammie tries to make sense of her mother’s depression, the personality altering treatment and her eventual death you will feel her shattering pain. As she takes tentative steps towards healing, you will know real joy. A complex look at family, friendship and faith, written with simplicity and tender emotion, Chasing Lilacs is an exceptional debut novel.
With thanks to Wynn-Wynn Media for my review copy
Relz Reviewz Extras
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Character Spotlight ~ Carla Stewart’s Sammie, Tuwana, Cly & Rita from Chasing Lilacs
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June 2, 2010 at 4:09 am
Thank you, Rel, for the heartwarming review. Sometimes this writing biz overwhelms me – this is one of those times. Blessings to you for the many writers whose work you promote.
June 2, 2010 at 7:06 am
Rel, I couldn't agree more. I read this book as an endorser and was amazed at Carla's ability to evoke emotion. She created a vivid, vibrant, tragic world and I loved every word of the story.
June 2, 2010 at 10:11 am
wow i had no idea the cover was changed. the ARC i have has a cover of a vase of lilacs on the front. interestingly it goes from looking like a book for an older audience to one for younger readers
June 2, 2010 at 10:59 am
Sounds like a book I would love to read. Some pings and pangs went off regarding my childhood as I read the review.
If I don't win—I will buy!
June 2, 2010 at 6:04 pm
Thanks, Christina. I'm so fortunate to have you in my corner.
Deborah, I loved the vase w/ lilacs cover, too, but when my publisher suggested this change, I was even more in love with the cover. This one is more of a depiction of the story, I think. And I really hope that younger people pick it up too.
Linda, good luck in the drawing! And I would be honored if you bought it . . . just in case you don't win. And please let me know how you liked the book.
Thanks again, Rel. You're the best.
June 2, 2010 at 6:08 pm
The book does sound interesting. I registered for a chance to win a copy, but with my record, probably won't. *grin*
June 2, 2010 at 7:15 pm
Chasing Lilacs sound like a wonderful, fascinating book. I'd love to read this one!
June 2, 2010 at 7:55 pm
This book sounds like a wonderful story. Have added to my wish list.
Pls count me in on the giveaway.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
June 2, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Vivian and Delia, thanks for your comments. Maybe your luck will change, Vivian:-)
Thanks misskallie for adding me to your wish list. Gee, I wish you all could win ๐
June 3, 2010 at 1:17 am
I had the good fortune of reading about Sammie's disfunctional family and her struggles when the book was in its infancy. Carla reaches the soul of this girl's heart. It was a joy to read then, and I'm sure it is now.
June 3, 2010 at 2:07 am
Oooh it sounds like a wonderful read. Can't wait to find it in our bookstore.
June 3, 2010 at 5:16 am
I had the chance to peek at the first few pages of Carla's next novel and was blown away at how good she is.
I'd guess Chasing Lilacs is the same quality.
You're right, Rel, this is one lady to keep a close eye on.
June 3, 2010 at 11:33 am
Chasing Lilacs sounds like a great read to put on my TBR list.
Thanks!
rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com
June 3, 2010 at 12:55 pm
Hey there – love reading your comments ๐ Be sure to check out the character spotlight on Carla's Sammie, Rita, Cly & Tuwana – I've just posted it.
It's a pleasure having you here, Carla.
Jim ~ great to know the calibre of writing continues!
June 3, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Thanks again, Rel. You have a lovely site, and it's been an privilege to be here.
Thank you, Bill, scrappy quilter, Jim, and rbooth – your comments mean a lot to me.
Jim – You make me blush, but thanks for the vote of confidence. We writers need that.
Blessings.