This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Stephen Christopher for Readers' Favorite
Lucy Bloom is a dental hygienist living in Pin Oak, Iowa, who enjoys her single life. She’s very content staying home, cooking herself a gourmet meal, and reading literary fiction. Yvonne, her bossy older twin by three minutes, has other ideas. Nathan Moss is the young local pastor who certainly knows how to fill out his civilian clothes. Yvonne has decided that Lucy and Nathan would make a perfect couple, so she sets them up. Ghosts from Lucy’s past are about to revisit her in the form of a box left behind when her mother passed away. Can Lucy let go of the past to have a future? Will she find love with the pastor, or is she destined to life as an old maid? All these questions are answered in Joy Cleveland’s novella, Lucy in Bloom.
Novellas are a great concept. I read the entire book in three sittings. Joy Cleveland managed to cram a lot of story into a few pages; this is real talent. I loved everything about Lucy in Bloom. I had a grin on my face from the opening to the closing page. Yvonne’s character goes at everything with the speed of a freight train, leaving everyone breathless. The reader can’t help feeling sorry for Lucy for all she has endured, but at the same time wants to cheer for her with each happy moment. Nathan is everyone’s dream pastor. This novella is a story of hope, reflection, resilience, and love. There’s no swearing or graphic sex scenes, so it’s suitable for teens and up. I’m very keen to read more from Joy Cleveland. Highly recommended.
