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Appalachian Hearts #1
Lessons Learned
A young girl needs to spread her wings, but a young woman needs roots.
English teacher Sarah Bray never thought she’d return to Sycamore Falls, but a traumatic event at her inner-city school leaves her desperate for the sanctuary of home. By returning to her roots, an older and wiser Sarah hopes to deal with the demons of her present and confront the ghosts of her past.
She discovers a kindred spirit in Lucas Miller, a teacher from New York with demons of his own. As the newest faculty members at Sycamore High School, they quickly become friends – bonding through Lucas’s culture shock and their mutual desire to build new lives. When they open their wounded hearts to each other, their friendship effortlessly evolves into romance.
Their love is put to the test when Matt, the quarterback of the football team, shares his deepest secret with Sarah. When the conservative community finds out, Sarah and Lucas – along with the town of Sycamore Falls – are schooled in the lessons of acceptance, tolerance, and love.
English teacher Sarah Bray never thought she’d return to Sycamore Falls, but a traumatic event at her inner-city school leaves her desperate for the sanctuary of home. By returning to her roots, an older and wiser Sarah hopes to deal with the demons of her present and confront the ghosts of her past.
She discovers a kindred spirit in Lucas Miller, a teacher from New York with demons of his own. As the newest faculty members at Sycamore High School, they quickly become friends – bonding through Lucas’s culture shock and their mutual desire to build new lives. When they open their wounded hearts to each other, their friendship effortlessly evolves into romance.
Their love is put to the test when Matt, the quarterback of the football team, shares his deepest secret with Sarah. When the conservative community finds out, Sarah and Lucas – along with the town of Sycamore Falls – are schooled in the lessons of acceptance, tolerance, and love.
235 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
39 people are currently reading
1421 people want to read
About the author
Sydney Logan
33 books628 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Sydney Logan writes heartfelt romances that feature strong women and the men who love them. In addition to her novels, she has penned several short stories and is a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul. She is a Netflix junkie, music lover, and a Vol for Life. Sydney and her husband make their home in beautiful East Tennessee.
To learn more about Sydney and her books, visit her online at www.sydneylogan.com.
To learn more about Sydney and her books, visit her online at www.sydneylogan.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
January 4, 2013
SPOILER FREE REVIEW
4.5 STARS out of 5
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Very Intense, Highly Emotional and Extremely Raw...
I started this book off crying. I'm talking on the first page I was sobbing so I put the book down for a while. When I finally finished days later I was still crying. In all honesty I read most of this book with teary eyes but I loved it! I consider it A MUST READ!
This is a story about
Hatred-Acceptance&love
HATRED is built from fear it knows no color, it has no limit and it consumes those who are weak minded.
Sarah Bray comes home to Sycamore Falls in hopes to find peace. Something that she could not find in the big city. After experiencing a life changing tragedy at the high school she taught at, Sarah was left emotionally traumatized. She has dealt with enough pain to last a lifetime; her parents died when she was sixteen, and after her grandmothers passing a few years back she is now all alone.
With the summer coming to an end soon Sarah will be back to work again. Teaching English at her former high school.
Currently making changes to the house left to her by her grandmother Sarah is at the hardware store when she meets Lucas. Lucas Miller is new to Sycamore Falls and is trying to adjust to small town living. He has recently left the hustle and bustle of New York city and a past that left him emotionally scarred. Unbeknownst to Sarah he is also a teacher and will be teaching at the local high school. A friendship quickly forms between the two. Their feelings grow for one another...
It does not take long for them to realize that what they share is more than friendship.
"Let me love you" he whispered roughly, and I whimpered as his entire body pressed in to mine.
Problem is Sarah does not feel she deserves the love Lucas wants to give. She feels that she is damaged. Lucky for her Lucas has no desire to give up on finding a way in to her heart. Slowly Sarah begins to give her heart to Lucas.
Early on in the school year Sarah becomes close to one of her students, Matt. He's the quarterback, he's very popular and he's currently dating the captain of the cheer-leading squad. One day he let's Sarah in on a secret... He's pretending. He is pretending to be happy with his life.
When Matt decides a change is in order his life takes a turn he never saw coming. He goes from being loved to being hated. He starts to get bullied at school.
This scares Sarah. She knows that something must be done. But in the small town of Sycamore Falls she learns that most people do not feel the same as she. In fact they use there belief system as weapon.
With Matt's life on the line she will risk her own life and reputation in order to save him.
Thoughts
POWERFUL.
THOUGHT PROVOKING.
A MUST READ.
The love story is slow building. Which I enjoyed. I love how the author allowed Sarah and Lucas time to build a real relationship. Lucas was given a glimpse in to Sarah's post traumatic stress and it provided him a chance to see her in her most vulnerable state. And he accepted it. He was there to help her cope when she had no one else.
Friendships are tested and people use the Bible as a hate weapon.
I hated that with a passion... I was ENRAGED. OUTRAGED. And just plain old M A D. I cried happy tears and I cried sad tears.
Dear readers,
READ THIS BOOK. Lessons Learned is a thought provoking story about love, hate and all the things in between the two. Keep the Kleenex handy this is one of those reads that will have you waking up with puffy eyes.
I recommend this to all book lovers.
My Ratings
Characters- Love some Hate some
Writing Style- Excellent
Plot/Storyline- Highly Emotional and Raw
Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy
Overall- I loved it! I recommend it to EVERYONE/ALL BOOK LOVERS!!!!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews go to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
**Review copy provided by author for an honest review**
4.5 STARS out of 5
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Very Intense, Highly Emotional and Extremely Raw...
I started this book off crying. I'm talking on the first page I was sobbing so I put the book down for a while. When I finally finished days later I was still crying. In all honesty I read most of this book with teary eyes but I loved it! I consider it A MUST READ!
This is a story about
Hatred-Acceptance&love
HATRED is built from fear it knows no color, it has no limit and it consumes those who are weak minded.
Sarah Bray comes home to Sycamore Falls in hopes to find peace. Something that she could not find in the big city. After experiencing a life changing tragedy at the high school she taught at, Sarah was left emotionally traumatized. She has dealt with enough pain to last a lifetime; her parents died when she was sixteen, and after her grandmothers passing a few years back she is now all alone.
With the summer coming to an end soon Sarah will be back to work again. Teaching English at her former high school.
Currently making changes to the house left to her by her grandmother Sarah is at the hardware store when she meets Lucas. Lucas Miller is new to Sycamore Falls and is trying to adjust to small town living. He has recently left the hustle and bustle of New York city and a past that left him emotionally scarred. Unbeknownst to Sarah he is also a teacher and will be teaching at the local high school. A friendship quickly forms between the two. Their feelings grow for one another...
It does not take long for them to realize that what they share is more than friendship.
"Let me love you" he whispered roughly, and I whimpered as his entire body pressed in to mine.
Problem is Sarah does not feel she deserves the love Lucas wants to give. She feels that she is damaged. Lucky for her Lucas has no desire to give up on finding a way in to her heart. Slowly Sarah begins to give her heart to Lucas.
Early on in the school year Sarah becomes close to one of her students, Matt. He's the quarterback, he's very popular and he's currently dating the captain of the cheer-leading squad. One day he let's Sarah in on a secret... He's pretending. He is pretending to be happy with his life.
When Matt decides a change is in order his life takes a turn he never saw coming. He goes from being loved to being hated. He starts to get bullied at school.
This scares Sarah. She knows that something must be done. But in the small town of Sycamore Falls she learns that most people do not feel the same as she. In fact they use there belief system as weapon.
With Matt's life on the line she will risk her own life and reputation in order to save him.
Thoughts
POWERFUL.
THOUGHT PROVOKING.
A MUST READ.
The love story is slow building. Which I enjoyed. I love how the author allowed Sarah and Lucas time to build a real relationship. Lucas was given a glimpse in to Sarah's post traumatic stress and it provided him a chance to see her in her most vulnerable state. And he accepted it. He was there to help her cope when she had no one else.
Friendships are tested and people use the Bible as a hate weapon.
I hated that with a passion... I was ENRAGED. OUTRAGED. And just plain old M A D. I cried happy tears and I cried sad tears.
Dear readers,
READ THIS BOOK. Lessons Learned is a thought provoking story about love, hate and all the things in between the two. Keep the Kleenex handy this is one of those reads that will have you waking up with puffy eyes.
I recommend this to all book lovers.
My Ratings
Characters- Love some Hate some
Writing Style- Excellent
Plot/Storyline- Highly Emotional and Raw
Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy
Overall- I loved it! I recommend it to EVERYONE/ALL BOOK LOVERS!!!!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews go to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
**Review copy provided by author for an honest review**
July 1, 2012
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Lessons Learned by Sydney Logan. Based on the premise, I was looking forward to reading this story. Having grown up in a very small town in Appalachia much like Sycamore Falls, I was excited to see how she described such a unique place.
I was not disappointed.
I have read a lot of stories that take place in the south. Some authors try to make the characters feel more genuine by writing their dialect (and dialogue) in a way that they feel is honest. And few succeed. Sydney Logan not only succeeds, but she writes them in a way that makes it seem effortless. Her characters speak in a way that is true to the region, and all their interactions never feel forced or obnoxious.
Our heroine is Sarah who is returning to Sycamore Falls from Memphis. She is coping with something traumatic, and while we don’t exactly know what it is in the beginning, little by little, her story is revealed. She meets our hero, Lucas – a man who has come to Sycamore Falls in attempt to get away from something in his past as well.
I loved reading the progression of their relationship. It flowed in a way that felt truly real. And Lucas is one of those heroes that melts your heart in the smallest ways. His care and concern for Sarah was what won me over completely. He was exactly what she needed when she needed it.
What I loved most about the romance in this story was the lack of contrived and manufactured drama. While Sarah and Lucas are falling in love, they are faced with something that tests them, both as individuals and a new couple. Sycamore Falls is a small town in the Bible Belt. And with that, comes small-minded people who have a limited view of the world outside their hometown. And their prejudices are exposed in different ways – from their opinions on pre-marital sex to their feelings on homosexuality.
Which brings us to the real issue in this book.
Matt, a student of both Lucas and Sarah, admits to Sarah that he is gay. And the news also becomes public knowledge. And from there, he is bullied and ostracized for his sexuality. Not only by his peers, but also by the adults in this small community. I can’t lie and say that this part wasn’t heart wrenching to read, but I can say that I feel like it was written honestly, considering the region of the country in which this story takes place.
I must admit that my views on this particular subject are far more liberal and accepting than the views expressed in this book. I believe that homosexuality isn’t a choice. You don’t choose who you fall in love with any more than you can choose the race to which you’re born. And even though I grew up in a place similar to world the author describes, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by parents who taught me that people are different and that’s okay. And most importantly, that acceptance and love are the most important things in the world.
I also live in a reality where gay marriage is still a dividing issue, and hateful and violent bullying is a very real problem for so many people who are deemed different than the societal norm. And while it’s hard for me to admit, the kind of persecution that Matt experiences in this book is a very true and accurate portrayal of what actually happens in society.
It’s sad.
It’s painful.
But it’s also honest.
This book had a little bit of everything. I swooned, I cried, I was angry, but at the heart of the story, I also fell in love with the two main characters. And at the end of the day, that’s why I read.
I was not disappointed.
I have read a lot of stories that take place in the south. Some authors try to make the characters feel more genuine by writing their dialect (and dialogue) in a way that they feel is honest. And few succeed. Sydney Logan not only succeeds, but she writes them in a way that makes it seem effortless. Her characters speak in a way that is true to the region, and all their interactions never feel forced or obnoxious.
Our heroine is Sarah who is returning to Sycamore Falls from Memphis. She is coping with something traumatic, and while we don’t exactly know what it is in the beginning, little by little, her story is revealed. She meets our hero, Lucas – a man who has come to Sycamore Falls in attempt to get away from something in his past as well.
I loved reading the progression of their relationship. It flowed in a way that felt truly real. And Lucas is one of those heroes that melts your heart in the smallest ways. His care and concern for Sarah was what won me over completely. He was exactly what she needed when she needed it.
What I loved most about the romance in this story was the lack of contrived and manufactured drama. While Sarah and Lucas are falling in love, they are faced with something that tests them, both as individuals and a new couple. Sycamore Falls is a small town in the Bible Belt. And with that, comes small-minded people who have a limited view of the world outside their hometown. And their prejudices are exposed in different ways – from their opinions on pre-marital sex to their feelings on homosexuality.
Which brings us to the real issue in this book.
Matt, a student of both Lucas and Sarah, admits to Sarah that he is gay. And the news also becomes public knowledge. And from there, he is bullied and ostracized for his sexuality. Not only by his peers, but also by the adults in this small community. I can’t lie and say that this part wasn’t heart wrenching to read, but I can say that I feel like it was written honestly, considering the region of the country in which this story takes place.
I must admit that my views on this particular subject are far more liberal and accepting than the views expressed in this book. I believe that homosexuality isn’t a choice. You don’t choose who you fall in love with any more than you can choose the race to which you’re born. And even though I grew up in a place similar to world the author describes, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by parents who taught me that people are different and that’s okay. And most importantly, that acceptance and love are the most important things in the world.
I also live in a reality where gay marriage is still a dividing issue, and hateful and violent bullying is a very real problem for so many people who are deemed different than the societal norm. And while it’s hard for me to admit, the kind of persecution that Matt experiences in this book is a very true and accurate portrayal of what actually happens in society.
It’s sad.
It’s painful.
But it’s also honest.
This book had a little bit of everything. I swooned, I cried, I was angry, but at the heart of the story, I also fell in love with the two main characters. And at the end of the day, that’s why I read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2012
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.
Wow, it’s hard to know exactly where to start. When I heard Sydney Logan’s first novel was being published, I was extremely excited to get my hands on a copy before I even knew what the story was about. I went into it knowing only what the blurb tells us about it, so I honestly expected a typical contemporary sappy romance with a smidgen of angst from past turmoil tossed in.
That was not what I got. At all.
What I got was a deep story about love and acceptance, a story about hope and growing up. It’s a fantastic portrayal of small-town conservative American, where bigotry still runs rampant and the hate can be extreme. A lot of people are unaware that these places still exist, but they do, and I commend Sydney Logan for diving right into the issue.
Sarah Bray, haunted by things she’d witnessed at the previous school she taught at, moves back to her small hometown to get away from it all. She meets Lucas Miller, another new teacher in town, who is there to escape his own scandal of sorts. They hit it off immediately, and we watch as their love blossoms despite their past trauma. Their story is a case of love conquering all, that no matter what we have gone through and how we’ve been hurt, we still have the ability to open up and love (and be loved, in this case). Sarah and Lucas were both well-formed characters, but throughout the beginning of the story something felt a little ‘off’ to me. I couldn’t put my finger on it until much later when I realized they seemed a little too ‘perfect’. They weren’t perfect in the sense that they didn’t make any mistakes as individuals, because they did, but more in the sense that they fit together so flawlessly from their very first meeting at the hardware store. There’s no real conflict in the relationship, no big chase, no issues, no couple angst… but these are things we usually expect in a ‘romance’, so I, in turn, kept waiting for it to happen.
And that’s what makes this book different. It’s not a typical romance. It’s much more.
For me, the love story between Sarah and Lucas (as beautiful and heartwarming as it was) took a back seat to the more serious themes… and serious they are. Bullying, along with school shootings, homophobia, and suicide, are touchy subjects for a lot of people, and a lot of writers use them solely as plot points for shock value without even thinking of the consequences, but I think the way Sydney Logan handled it was not only respectful but also quite smart. And real. There’s no sugar-coating of the issues. Things aren’t wrapped up in a pretty bow. It’s gritty and honest, and it hurts, but it speaks the truth. You can’t fix everyone. You can’t completely erase hate. And that, in my opinion, makes this story even more beautiful.
Matt was, without a doubt, my favorite character in this book. If I could, I would bribe Sydney Logan with chocolate and alcohol to get her to write a story focused solely on him. He’s such a tortured soul, the high school quarterback and beloved son harboring deep secrets. I sympathized with him. I worried for him. I fell in love with him. My heart broke for him. I, admittedly, cried for him… and I rarely cry while reading a story. But Matt got to me. He’s one I’ll never forget.
Another character I loved was Sarah’s grandma. Even though she died before the story even started, I felt her influence throughout the entire book. She reminded me of my own grandma, with the dozens of cookbooks and nuggets of wisdom. My favorite part had to be toward the end when we get this line: “It’s nobody’s business who you vote for, and it’s nobody’s business how you pray.” Amen, Grandma. Amen. She was a wise, accepting soul whose presence still lingered in such a small, closed-minded town.
I give the book four stars (more like a strong 4.5). The religious undertones got to me a few times (possibly because I’m not a Christian so religious books often infuriate me… but maybe that’s the point here), and there’s the issue of the romance taking a back seat (the secondary characters totally stole the show a lot), which is why I docked half a star. But all-in-all, it was an easy read and held my attention through the entire book (which seems to be rare these days). Lessons Learned is a book that isn’t easily forgotten... I urge you to give it a read. You won’t regret it.
Also, did I mention it starts with a bang? Talk about the best prologue ever. Blew me away. (BTW, you can read the prologue on the author's website)
Wow, it’s hard to know exactly where to start. When I heard Sydney Logan’s first novel was being published, I was extremely excited to get my hands on a copy before I even knew what the story was about. I went into it knowing only what the blurb tells us about it, so I honestly expected a typical contemporary sappy romance with a smidgen of angst from past turmoil tossed in.
That was not what I got. At all.
What I got was a deep story about love and acceptance, a story about hope and growing up. It’s a fantastic portrayal of small-town conservative American, where bigotry still runs rampant and the hate can be extreme. A lot of people are unaware that these places still exist, but they do, and I commend Sydney Logan for diving right into the issue.
Sarah Bray, haunted by things she’d witnessed at the previous school she taught at, moves back to her small hometown to get away from it all. She meets Lucas Miller, another new teacher in town, who is there to escape his own scandal of sorts. They hit it off immediately, and we watch as their love blossoms despite their past trauma. Their story is a case of love conquering all, that no matter what we have gone through and how we’ve been hurt, we still have the ability to open up and love (and be loved, in this case). Sarah and Lucas were both well-formed characters, but throughout the beginning of the story something felt a little ‘off’ to me. I couldn’t put my finger on it until much later when I realized they seemed a little too ‘perfect’. They weren’t perfect in the sense that they didn’t make any mistakes as individuals, because they did, but more in the sense that they fit together so flawlessly from their very first meeting at the hardware store. There’s no real conflict in the relationship, no big chase, no issues, no couple angst… but these are things we usually expect in a ‘romance’, so I, in turn, kept waiting for it to happen.
And that’s what makes this book different. It’s not a typical romance. It’s much more.
For me, the love story between Sarah and Lucas (as beautiful and heartwarming as it was) took a back seat to the more serious themes… and serious they are. Bullying, along with school shootings, homophobia, and suicide, are touchy subjects for a lot of people, and a lot of writers use them solely as plot points for shock value without even thinking of the consequences, but I think the way Sydney Logan handled it was not only respectful but also quite smart. And real. There’s no sugar-coating of the issues. Things aren’t wrapped up in a pretty bow. It’s gritty and honest, and it hurts, but it speaks the truth. You can’t fix everyone. You can’t completely erase hate. And that, in my opinion, makes this story even more beautiful.
Matt was, without a doubt, my favorite character in this book. If I could, I would bribe Sydney Logan with chocolate and alcohol to get her to write a story focused solely on him. He’s such a tortured soul, the high school quarterback and beloved son harboring deep secrets. I sympathized with him. I worried for him. I fell in love with him. My heart broke for him. I, admittedly, cried for him… and I rarely cry while reading a story. But Matt got to me. He’s one I’ll never forget.
Another character I loved was Sarah’s grandma. Even though she died before the story even started, I felt her influence throughout the entire book. She reminded me of my own grandma, with the dozens of cookbooks and nuggets of wisdom. My favorite part had to be toward the end when we get this line: “It’s nobody’s business who you vote for, and it’s nobody’s business how you pray.” Amen, Grandma. Amen. She was a wise, accepting soul whose presence still lingered in such a small, closed-minded town.
I give the book four stars (more like a strong 4.5). The religious undertones got to me a few times (possibly because I’m not a Christian so religious books often infuriate me… but maybe that’s the point here), and there’s the issue of the romance taking a back seat (the secondary characters totally stole the show a lot), which is why I docked half a star. But all-in-all, it was an easy read and held my attention through the entire book (which seems to be rare these days). Lessons Learned is a book that isn’t easily forgotten... I urge you to give it a read. You won’t regret it.
Also, did I mention it starts with a bang? Talk about the best prologue ever. Blew me away. (BTW, you can read the prologue on the author's website)
October 17, 2014
Beautiful new cover for a wonderful book
I was blessed to read this as a novel in progress.
Lessons Learned is a lovely romance with a center of drama...made me laugh, made me cry...made me root for Sarah, Lucas and Matt.
Sycamore Falls was a character in itself. I've lived in small towns, and Sydney Logan caught the flavor of it to a T. There were characters that I loved...and some I wanted to smack really hard.
While one part of me wanted a "Footloose" ending, with parades and banners and cheers, the way Ms. Logan had the scenes play out were much more true to life.
Some people were schooled and some people didn't let their minds be opened or their heart be touched. Just like in real life. One thing is for sure, Lessons Learned will make people think about how they might react in this kind of situation.
I look forward to more from this new author. I am definitely be ready for her next book!
I was blessed to read this as a novel in progress.
Lessons Learned is a lovely romance with a center of drama...made me laugh, made me cry...made me root for Sarah, Lucas and Matt.
Sycamore Falls was a character in itself. I've lived in small towns, and Sydney Logan caught the flavor of it to a T. There were characters that I loved...and some I wanted to smack really hard.
While one part of me wanted a "Footloose" ending, with parades and banners and cheers, the way Ms. Logan had the scenes play out were much more true to life.
Some people were schooled and some people didn't let their minds be opened or their heart be touched. Just like in real life. One thing is for sure, Lessons Learned will make people think about how they might react in this kind of situation.
I look forward to more from this new author. I am definitely be ready for her next book!
July 5, 2012
When I first got this book, I opened it just to read a couple of pages. Before I knew it, I was at chapter 16. Sydney Logan has written a lovely romance in crisp, clean prose that hooks the reader before they realize it.
Sarah and Lucas are both looking for a refuge, but one of the things that makes Sycamore Falls so "safe" is also its greatest drawback. There are no secrets and those who are different can face very unpleasant consequences.
Lucas is a charming hero, the kind of man I like in a romance. He's sweet and considerate and it's easy to see why Sarah would fall heard-over-heels. And maybe they'll find the refuge that their wounded hearts are seeking in one another.
Sarah and Lucas are both looking for a refuge, but one of the things that makes Sycamore Falls so "safe" is also its greatest drawback. There are no secrets and those who are different can face very unpleasant consequences.
Lucas is a charming hero, the kind of man I like in a romance. He's sweet and considerate and it's easy to see why Sarah would fall heard-over-heels. And maybe they'll find the refuge that their wounded hearts are seeking in one another.
August 31, 2012
Sydney Logan’s debut novel, Lessons Learned, is so much more than a warm, tender romance. This book touched on very serious issues. It’s depiction of the much needed lessons of acceptance, tolerance and love was beautifully portrayed.
After a traumatic event that leaves Sarah suffering severe panic attacks, she leaves the big city to return to her small hometown of Sycamore Falls. Lucas has also endured a harrowing experience and relocates to this small southern town from New York City. These two quickly become friends and as they slowly open their wounded hearts, a breathtaking love develops.
The story is well-written and pulled me in almost immediately. Growing up, Sarah was very fortunate to have had a hero who encouraged her to "view the world with open eyes and an open heart." As High School teachers, the “episodes” that altered their lives at their schools are two of the most frightening, giving this story an authentic feel.
Lessons Learned is a warm, tender and touching love story that I enjoyed from beginning to end. There’s no angst with this couple, no contrived misunderstandings. What we are given is a hero and heroine that I both liked and admired whose romance is as beautiful to watch as the unfolding of the cocoon as it slowly opens to reveal the exquisite butterfly.
Sydney Logan has given us a winning debut! And how lucky for us readers that the author doesn’t leave us hanging, but gives one of the best epilogues, satisfying that hunger for more. I look forward to more by this author!
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
The Expected Release Date is September 6, 2012
****ARC courtesy of The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing via NetGalley****
After a traumatic event that leaves Sarah suffering severe panic attacks, she leaves the big city to return to her small hometown of Sycamore Falls. Lucas has also endured a harrowing experience and relocates to this small southern town from New York City. These two quickly become friends and as they slowly open their wounded hearts, a breathtaking love develops.
One of the best elements of this book is Lucas’ love for Sarah. While she is a strong, courageous young woman and one that I admired, she also was in need of a little sheltering and TLC. Gorgeous Lucas Miller is perfect for her. Sarah is his treasure and it shows.They each have taken jobs at the local High School and soon a dark cloud mars their happiness. Matt, senior and quarterback star of the football team, reveals a big secret and the ugliness of prejudice roars through this town. This young man suffered tremendously from self guilt to the brutality of school bullying and the pain he felt as an outcast from former friends, family, and his local church community.
My emotions were all over the place and I wanted to jump right in and take a stand right next to Sarah Bray and fight for this young man! Be prepared for anger and have plenty of tissues ready for Matt’s story is heart rending. And I’m sure Sarah Bray will become your hero too.Another treasure found here is the great job the author accomplished immersing me into Sarah and Lucas’ world, watching as their love grew into something really beautiful, while at the same time touching on the ugliness and the horror of intolerance all around. In the midst of the pain and the sadness that accompanies narrow-mindedness, I never lost sight of this couples deep love and the support they gave each other. It was a perfect blend of romance along with the reminder that no matter where you live, big city or small town, “having traditional values doesn’t give anyone the right to be judgmental or hurtful.”
The story is well-written and pulled me in almost immediately. Growing up, Sarah was very fortunate to have had a hero who encouraged her to "view the world with open eyes and an open heart." As High School teachers, the “episodes” that altered their lives at their schools are two of the most frightening, giving this story an authentic feel.
Lessons Learned is a warm, tender and touching love story that I enjoyed from beginning to end. There’s no angst with this couple, no contrived misunderstandings. What we are given is a hero and heroine that I both liked and admired whose romance is as beautiful to watch as the unfolding of the cocoon as it slowly opens to reveal the exquisite butterfly.
Sydney Logan has given us a winning debut! And how lucky for us readers that the author doesn’t leave us hanging, but gives one of the best epilogues, satisfying that hunger for more. I look forward to more by this author!
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
The Expected Release Date is September 6, 2012
****ARC courtesy of The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing via NetGalley****
July 6, 2012
4.5 stars! This is what a book should be...it made me laugh, made me cry, made me furious. It brought me through a full range of emotions and left me feeling very satisfied for reading it.
While you learn right along with Sarah Bray that tolerance and compassion is something that should be everywhere, but always isn't, you get a wonderful love story between Sarah and Lucas. Lucas proved to Sarah that love will always make things better and life can be happy even though it might not be as you originally expected it to be.
This was a moving tale and I'm very thankful that I received an ARC and was able to read it. I look forward to reading more from Sydney Logan in the future :)
While you learn right along with Sarah Bray that tolerance and compassion is something that should be everywhere, but always isn't, you get a wonderful love story between Sarah and Lucas. Lucas proved to Sarah that love will always make things better and life can be happy even though it might not be as you originally expected it to be.
This was a moving tale and I'm very thankful that I received an ARC and was able to read it. I look forward to reading more from Sydney Logan in the future :)
September 4, 2012
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
4 1/2 Stars! Beautifully written and compelling debut book! Sydney Logan takes us on a journey of love, healing, acceptance, taking a stand, and teaching by example.
I did a joint Q & A style review with my blog partner Steffi. Enjoy!
What did you think when you read the prologue? Were you able to guess what direction the book was going to take, or did it take some time to figure out why the author opened with that scene?
Karla says: The prologue was gut-wrenching and left me with a sick feeling in my stomach. It had me wondering what happened to the characters involved, but I had a suspicion as to where the story was going and was immediately drawn in.
Steffi says: The prologue definitely sucked me right in from the very first page and appealed to my curious nature. I wanted to know more about Sarah but I was also curious how Sydney Logan was going to bring those very different issues together. It worked!
Was the the small town setting and mindset of the residents realistic?
Karla says: Yes, it was. I thought Sydney Logan did a lovely job depicting rural America. It’s hard to imagine that people are so antiquated in their thinking, yet all over the United States, and the world for that matter, there are those who cannot accept others and their choices, unless it mirrors their own. Unfortunately this story is one that could and does happen everywhere.
What did you think about the romance that ensued between Sarah and Lucas?
Karla says: I loved it, and was happy they found each other. Since both of them had heartbreaking and disastrous incidents to overcome, it was wonderful that they had each other to lean on. I like that they didn’t jump into an intimate relationship, rather let it build on trust and love.
Steffi says: I particularly enjoyed that they were one hundred percent committed to each other. Lucas and Sarah were a team, something every couple should be. I can’t stress enough how perfect Lucas is but above all he is perfect for Sarah! To me their first meeting felt like two pieces of a puzzle, that are a bit worn down and have ragged edges, have finally found each other and they fit perfectly.
Did you know what secret Matt was hiding that was creating distance between him and his classmates, his parents, and causing him so much stress? What was your take on how the school handled the situations as a result of his proclamation?
Karla says: Yes, I guessed early on, but that didn’t make it any less compelling and heartbreaking to go on his journey with him. I loved that his best friend Howie had his back, and that Sarah and Lucas took a stand for him, especially when the school, particularly the principal seemed to be railroading him!! Not just Matt, but Sarah too! School is supposed to be a safe-haven for our children, bullying from students and faculty should not be tolerated…EVER!!
Steffi says: I agree with Karla, I knew early on what was going on with Matt but I already suspected when I read the blurb, so I started reading the book with that knowledge in the back of my mind. To be honest, I’ve only been aware of the problems homosexuals have in the States for about two years. Obviously homophobia is a worldwide problem but I’ve never encountered it myself and don’t know anyone who has either. I’m still shocked that this attitude exists, especially in our ‘modern’ world. Matt was let down by so many people but his parents and the school should have made him feel safe instead of alone.
Was there anything that you didn't enjoy about the book?
Karla says: There were times that Sarah annoyed me with her internal debate over her worthiness of Lucas' love. The blame that was placed on the ex was somewhat far-fetched, and I didn't care for the time that was spent with her friend Monica.
Steffi says: I’m glad that Lessons Learned tried to bring across that you don’t have to agree with a person in order to respect and accept them. At the same time, I was annoyed at how often it was emphasized that Sarah did not agree with Matt’s lifestyle. Also, the word lifestyle bothered me because it implies a choice that Matt decided to be gay? Maybe I’m a bit too particular about the word choice here.
What was your favorite scene?
Karla says: The times Sarah and Lucas spent at the waterfall! It was so serene and described so beautifully, I could imagine it in my mind. It was comforting.
Steffi says: The waterfall was also a favorite of mine. It was so important for Lucas and Sarah but also for Sarah and Matt and I loved how it brought everyone together. The waterfall was a safe haven for Sarah and Lucas but also a turning point for Matt.
Who was your favorite character(s)?
Karla says: Lucas and Howie. I love how they were both champions for the people they loved. I use the word loved for Howie too, but not in the way you think. Matt was his friend and nothing and no one deterred him from standing by his side. Howie was awesome and so was Matt, his bravery overwhelmed me!
Steffi says: I loved Howie for being the one person to stand by Matt and just being himself. Obviously I loved Matt for showing courage and being true to himself despite all the difficulties he had to face but I also really liked his mother. It was a very brave thing, being such a submissive person, to stand up to her domineering husband and being the mother her son needed instead of standing back and doing nothing.
Favorite quote:
Karla says: “Sometimes, teaching tolerance and love is far more important than teaching them about chemical equations and Robert Frost.”
Steffi says: "You're not alone in this world. I'm right here, and I'm trying so hard to love you. All I want to do is love you”
Was the ending appropriate and satisfying?
Karla says: Very much so, it was incredibly sweet. After all the anxiety and heartbreak the reader experiences in the book, it was a relief see some good come out of all of this, and to believe that these characters would have the life they were so deserving of.
Steffi says: A perfect ending to a beautiful book, it stood for everything Lessons Learned is about; love, acceptance, friendship and respect.
What did we learn:
Tolerance and acceptance does not mean you have to change your beliefs; everyone is entitled to live the life they choose!
**If you’d like a chance to win an ebook of Lessons Learned, click on the link to the blog, leave a comment at this post, along with a valid email and you will be entered to win. Contest runs from 9/4-9/7**
*ARC courtesy of The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing via NetGalley*
4 1/2 Stars! Beautifully written and compelling debut book! Sydney Logan takes us on a journey of love, healing, acceptance, taking a stand, and teaching by example.
I did a joint Q & A style review with my blog partner Steffi. Enjoy!
What did you think when you read the prologue? Were you able to guess what direction the book was going to take, or did it take some time to figure out why the author opened with that scene?
Karla says: The prologue was gut-wrenching and left me with a sick feeling in my stomach. It had me wondering what happened to the characters involved, but I had a suspicion as to where the story was going and was immediately drawn in.
Steffi says: The prologue definitely sucked me right in from the very first page and appealed to my curious nature. I wanted to know more about Sarah but I was also curious how Sydney Logan was going to bring those very different issues together. It worked!
Was the the small town setting and mindset of the residents realistic?
Karla says: Yes, it was. I thought Sydney Logan did a lovely job depicting rural America. It’s hard to imagine that people are so antiquated in their thinking, yet all over the United States, and the world for that matter, there are those who cannot accept others and their choices, unless it mirrors their own. Unfortunately this story is one that could and does happen everywhere.
What did you think about the romance that ensued between Sarah and Lucas?
Karla says: I loved it, and was happy they found each other. Since both of them had heartbreaking and disastrous incidents to overcome, it was wonderful that they had each other to lean on. I like that they didn’t jump into an intimate relationship, rather let it build on trust and love.
Steffi says: I particularly enjoyed that they were one hundred percent committed to each other. Lucas and Sarah were a team, something every couple should be. I can’t stress enough how perfect Lucas is but above all he is perfect for Sarah! To me their first meeting felt like two pieces of a puzzle, that are a bit worn down and have ragged edges, have finally found each other and they fit perfectly.
Did you know what secret Matt was hiding that was creating distance between him and his classmates, his parents, and causing him so much stress? What was your take on how the school handled the situations as a result of his proclamation?
Karla says: Yes, I guessed early on, but that didn’t make it any less compelling and heartbreaking to go on his journey with him. I loved that his best friend Howie had his back, and that Sarah and Lucas took a stand for him, especially when the school, particularly the principal seemed to be railroading him!! Not just Matt, but Sarah too! School is supposed to be a safe-haven for our children, bullying from students and faculty should not be tolerated…EVER!!
Steffi says: I agree with Karla, I knew early on what was going on with Matt but I already suspected when I read the blurb, so I started reading the book with that knowledge in the back of my mind. To be honest, I’ve only been aware of the problems homosexuals have in the States for about two years. Obviously homophobia is a worldwide problem but I’ve never encountered it myself and don’t know anyone who has either. I’m still shocked that this attitude exists, especially in our ‘modern’ world. Matt was let down by so many people but his parents and the school should have made him feel safe instead of alone.
Was there anything that you didn't enjoy about the book?
Karla says: There were times that Sarah annoyed me with her internal debate over her worthiness of Lucas' love. The blame that was placed on the ex was somewhat far-fetched, and I didn't care for the time that was spent with her friend Monica.
Steffi says: I’m glad that Lessons Learned tried to bring across that you don’t have to agree with a person in order to respect and accept them. At the same time, I was annoyed at how often it was emphasized that Sarah did not agree with Matt’s lifestyle. Also, the word lifestyle bothered me because it implies a choice that Matt decided to be gay? Maybe I’m a bit too particular about the word choice here.
What was your favorite scene?
Karla says: The times Sarah and Lucas spent at the waterfall! It was so serene and described so beautifully, I could imagine it in my mind. It was comforting.
Steffi says: The waterfall was also a favorite of mine. It was so important for Lucas and Sarah but also for Sarah and Matt and I loved how it brought everyone together. The waterfall was a safe haven for Sarah and Lucas but also a turning point for Matt.
Who was your favorite character(s)?
Karla says: Lucas and Howie. I love how they were both champions for the people they loved. I use the word loved for Howie too, but not in the way you think. Matt was his friend and nothing and no one deterred him from standing by his side. Howie was awesome and so was Matt, his bravery overwhelmed me!
Steffi says: I loved Howie for being the one person to stand by Matt and just being himself. Obviously I loved Matt for showing courage and being true to himself despite all the difficulties he had to face but I also really liked his mother. It was a very brave thing, being such a submissive person, to stand up to her domineering husband and being the mother her son needed instead of standing back and doing nothing.
Favorite quote:
Karla says: “Sometimes, teaching tolerance and love is far more important than teaching them about chemical equations and Robert Frost.”
Steffi says: "You're not alone in this world. I'm right here, and I'm trying so hard to love you. All I want to do is love you”
Was the ending appropriate and satisfying?
Karla says: Very much so, it was incredibly sweet. After all the anxiety and heartbreak the reader experiences in the book, it was a relief see some good come out of all of this, and to believe that these characters would have the life they were so deserving of.
Steffi says: A perfect ending to a beautiful book, it stood for everything Lessons Learned is about; love, acceptance, friendship and respect.
What did we learn:
Tolerance and acceptance does not mean you have to change your beliefs; everyone is entitled to live the life they choose!
**If you’d like a chance to win an ebook of Lessons Learned, click on the link to the blog, leave a comment at this post, along with a valid email and you will be entered to win. Contest runs from 9/4-9/7**
*ARC courtesy of The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing via NetGalley*
February 17, 2015
I was extremely fortunate to receive an advanced copy of Lessons Learned from NetGalley.
4 1/2 stars for this one. GREAT READ!
Lessons Learned is a heart wrenching story about two teachers, each struggling to move on from their respective pasts, and how their pasts help shape them in a way that they could save the life of one of their students.
I will state right off the bat, that I LOVED this book. It is a book that makes you really think about some of the more weighty topics in this world without being preachy or heavy handed about it. The lessons learned by the main characters are also lessons, you as the reader, can take away too.
Sarah Bray has decided to move back to her tiny mountain town of Sycamore Falls after a tragic event in her last school has left her traumatized. Her therapist suggested a change of scenery, and even though she never imagined moving back, she’s craving the comfort and security that sometimes only your hometown can give you.
Lucas Miller. What can I say about Lucas Miller? He too is a teacher looking for a fresh start. He comes to Sycamore Falls, knowing it is about as different from New York City as you can get. When he runs into Sarah Bray at the hardware store, immediately you will feel the connection. He is such a swoony character. He is chivalrous and kind, loving and patient. He is the picture perfect man, and I almost kept waiting for some horrible character trait to come out. Ultimately, he is everything that Sarah Bray needs in her life at exactly the right time.
The story feels honest and all of the characters in the book are relatable in a way that you probably knew someone, at some time in your life, that was like them. The book will make your heart swell, tears fall and your mind work. I absolutely adored this book and urge you to go out and read it.
Kudos to Sydney and I can’t wait to read any of her future work.
4 1/2 stars for this one. GREAT READ!
Lessons Learned is a heart wrenching story about two teachers, each struggling to move on from their respective pasts, and how their pasts help shape them in a way that they could save the life of one of their students.
I will state right off the bat, that I LOVED this book. It is a book that makes you really think about some of the more weighty topics in this world without being preachy or heavy handed about it. The lessons learned by the main characters are also lessons, you as the reader, can take away too.
Sarah Bray has decided to move back to her tiny mountain town of Sycamore Falls after a tragic event in her last school has left her traumatized. Her therapist suggested a change of scenery, and even though she never imagined moving back, she’s craving the comfort and security that sometimes only your hometown can give you.
Lucas Miller. What can I say about Lucas Miller? He too is a teacher looking for a fresh start. He comes to Sycamore Falls, knowing it is about as different from New York City as you can get. When he runs into Sarah Bray at the hardware store, immediately you will feel the connection. He is such a swoony character. He is chivalrous and kind, loving and patient. He is the picture perfect man, and I almost kept waiting for some horrible character trait to come out. Ultimately, he is everything that Sarah Bray needs in her life at exactly the right time.
The story feels honest and all of the characters in the book are relatable in a way that you probably knew someone, at some time in your life, that was like them. The book will make your heart swell, tears fall and your mind work. I absolutely adored this book and urge you to go out and read it.
Kudos to Sydney and I can’t wait to read any of her future work.
December 17, 2012
You had me at the book trailer .. and won me over with 235 pages of this amazing story.
I didn't know what to expect from this story just knew that Sydney Logan is an amazing writer and she proven herself again with Lessons Learned.
At first I felt disconnected from Sarah but I completely got why as I kept on reading, because she was disconnected with herself too, and her healing came in the name of Lucas, now can I just add that I want a Lucas for myself and now I blame the author for creating such an amazing caring incredible sweet character to add to my list of fictional boyfriends?.
But here is the thing that I loved the most about Lessons Learned, it wasn't just about this trouble woman wanted to find herself and get better, and it wasn't just about the romance and the sweet swoon moments (tho there are plenty of those too) it was about home, family, friendship, acceptance, the infinite love of God and the battle we may find in loving blinding regardless of race, age or sexual preference.
Lessons Learned was about being a better human being, makes you want to be a better human being.
And the fact that Sycamore Falls was as much of a character of any of the other in this book makes it love it even more.
I recommend this book, is a balm to the soul.
I didn't know what to expect from this story just knew that Sydney Logan is an amazing writer and she proven herself again with Lessons Learned.
At first I felt disconnected from Sarah but I completely got why as I kept on reading, because she was disconnected with herself too, and her healing came in the name of Lucas, now can I just add that I want a Lucas for myself and now I blame the author for creating such an amazing caring incredible sweet character to add to my list of fictional boyfriends?.
But here is the thing that I loved the most about Lessons Learned, it wasn't just about this trouble woman wanted to find herself and get better, and it wasn't just about the romance and the sweet swoon moments (tho there are plenty of those too) it was about home, family, friendship, acceptance, the infinite love of God and the battle we may find in loving blinding regardless of race, age or sexual preference.
Lessons Learned was about being a better human being, makes you want to be a better human being.
And the fact that Sycamore Falls was as much of a character of any of the other in this book makes it love it even more.
I recommend this book, is a balm to the soul.
October 12, 2012
I've had this on my list to-read for ages and I'm not sure why I waited so long to read it.
It was a good read. It was definitely an emotional read. It felt like the heroine cried in every single chapter. Actually, I think she did. She was still likeable though.
The hero, Lucas... Well, he was perfect. Too perfect maybe. But sometimes it's nice to read a hero who is a little too good to be true. He was very swoony. I absolutely loved the fact they were pretty solid in their relationship throughout the book, even though there were a number of complications that threatened their relationship. What I loved even more is was the fact there was no stupid misunderstanding that caused and tension between the hero and heroine.
The subject matter of this book is still a contemporary controversial issue in today's society. As I am not a traditionalist and have been raised to realise that people are different and that's not a bad thing, and that you shouldn't ever have to conform to society's ideals in order to fit in. So naturally, my heart broke so hard for Matt and I can't even begin to comprehend what it would be like to love in a small town who is very religious and traditional.
The style of the writing was fantastic, I didn't spot any errors which is fantastic, and overall, it was an enjoyable read.
It was a good read. It was definitely an emotional read. It felt like the heroine cried in every single chapter. Actually, I think she did. She was still likeable though.
The hero, Lucas... Well, he was perfect. Too perfect maybe. But sometimes it's nice to read a hero who is a little too good to be true. He was very swoony. I absolutely loved the fact they were pretty solid in their relationship throughout the book, even though there were a number of complications that threatened their relationship. What I loved even more is was the fact there was no stupid misunderstanding that caused and tension between the hero and heroine.
The subject matter of this book is still a contemporary controversial issue in today's society. As I am not a traditionalist and have been raised to realise that people are different and that's not a bad thing, and that you shouldn't ever have to conform to society's ideals in order to fit in. So naturally, my heart broke so hard for Matt and I can't even begin to comprehend what it would be like to love in a small town who is very religious and traditional.
The style of the writing was fantastic, I didn't spot any errors which is fantastic, and overall, it was an enjoyable read.
July 9, 2012
Lessons Learned was one of THE best books I have read this year. I cried, laughed, smiled, and got mad as all get out but seriously it was an absolutely fantastic book!!!! I loved the characters.... they were so well built up and I connected with them easily. The story was beautiful... extremely well told and consuming.
Full Review...
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Full Review...
http://lorisbookblog.blogspot.com/201...
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Blurb:
A young girl needs to spread her wings, but a young woman needs roots.
English teacher Sarah Bray never thought she’d return to Sycamore Falls, but a traumatic event at her inner-city school leaves her desperate for the sanctuary of home. By returning to her roots, an older and wiser Sarah hopes to deal with the demons of her present and confront the ghosts of her past.
She discovers a kindred spirit in Lucas Miller, a teacher from New York with demons of his own. As the newest faculty members at Sycamore High School, they quickly become friends – bonding through Lucas’s culture shock and their mutual desire to build new lives. When they open their wounded hearts to each other, their friendship effortlessly evolves into romance.
Their love is put to the test when Matt, the quarterback of the football team, shares his deepest secret with Sarah. When the conservative community finds out, Sarah and Lucas – along with the town of Sycamore Falls – are schooled in the lessons of acceptance, tolerance, and love.
Blurb:
A young girl needs to spread her wings, but a young woman needs roots.
English teacher Sarah Bray never thought she’d return to Sycamore Falls, but a traumatic event at her inner-city school leaves her desperate for the sanctuary of home. By returning to her roots, an older and wiser Sarah hopes to deal with the demons of her present and confront the ghosts of her past.
She discovers a kindred spirit in Lucas Miller, a teacher from New York with demons of his own. As the newest faculty members at Sycamore High School, they quickly become friends – bonding through Lucas’s culture shock and their mutual desire to build new lives. When they open their wounded hearts to each other, their friendship effortlessly evolves into romance.
Their love is put to the test when Matt, the quarterback of the football team, shares his deepest secret with Sarah. When the conservative community finds out, Sarah and Lucas – along with the town of Sycamore Falls – are schooled in the lessons of acceptance, tolerance, and love.
August 13, 2012
You’re looking for angst? This is not your book. You’re looking for fast pace? This is not your book. You’re looking for a book to soothe your cynical heart, make you believe in the goodness of people and that The Beatles were right after all when they said that all you need is love? This IS your book!
A sensitively written story about issues that are not only current but also rarely addressed in romantic novels. This is the story of Sarah, a young high school teacher, who returns to her small home town after something horrific happens in her life that shakes her to the core and makes her run back to a place which she never thought she would return to. She finds the comfort of familiarity and old friends but she is also faced with small town mentality and prejudices. Sycamore Falls is a town where everyone knows everyone, where everyone meddles in each other’s business and where being different means being marginalised and never accepted. Sarah quickly learns that the very things she ran away from and hoped to forget could be found anywhere, especially in a small town like Sycamore Falls.
Fortunately, this time Sarah is not alone in her battle. She meets Lucas, also a new arrival in town, with deeply troubling reasons of his own for escaping the big city and finding refuge in a town like Sycamore Falls. Their love story is a story of trust that is earned not forced, of shared ideals, of common goals and hopes for the future, a story of two people who have been searching for the same thing all their lives and who quickly realise that they are each other’s long-awaited ‘something’.
Sarah’s past traumas have marked her deeply, physically and mentally, making her reluctant to let people get close to her, believing that all those who love her would eventually leave her. Lucas is less afraid of their growing feelings for each other and is extremely open and demonstrative with his affections, but he never pushes Sarah into something she is not ready for, allowing her to set the pace to whatever is happening between them. He loves her so genuinely, making her less afraid each day of opening her heart to him and allowing him to love her. He helps her to find her courage again to face a less-than-perfect world and battle her past.
They ultimately find refuge in each other, turning their sorrow into hope.
But this is not just a sweet and fluffy romance. Sarah and Lucas’ love story acts almost as a contrasting backdrop to some very real and very ugly themes staining the lives of young people today - bullying being one of them. I believe this is a book about tolerance, about feeling different in a world that offers little acceptance to those who don’t fit the mould or don’t conform. It shows how cruel society can be to those already struggling with their identity and how desperate and helpless people can become when the world turns their backs on them, even more when those closest to them reject them. Sarah’s character shows us that we don’t necessarily need to agree with other people’s choices in order to accept them. She shows us that it is not wrong to be different but that it is wrong to be narrow-minded and cruel to those who had no choice in the way they were born.
I am not accustomed to books like this one. There were no emotional roller-coaster rides or heart-beat-skipping moments, but the emotions ran deep throughout the story, causing an array of reactions from the reader. Anger. Sadness. Joy. Hope. The most traumatic event happens in the past, making this story a less dramatic aftermath about second chances to make a difference, about never losing hope in oneself and having the courage to fight for your beliefs, over and over again. The writing style was rather simple and not particularly distinctive but it carried the message effectively and fittingly given the nature of the story itself.
~ N ♥
See this review on my blog! | Follow me on Facebook!
A sensitively written story about issues that are not only current but also rarely addressed in romantic novels. This is the story of Sarah, a young high school teacher, who returns to her small home town after something horrific happens in her life that shakes her to the core and makes her run back to a place which she never thought she would return to. She finds the comfort of familiarity and old friends but she is also faced with small town mentality and prejudices. Sycamore Falls is a town where everyone knows everyone, where everyone meddles in each other’s business and where being different means being marginalised and never accepted. Sarah quickly learns that the very things she ran away from and hoped to forget could be found anywhere, especially in a small town like Sycamore Falls.
Fortunately, this time Sarah is not alone in her battle. She meets Lucas, also a new arrival in town, with deeply troubling reasons of his own for escaping the big city and finding refuge in a town like Sycamore Falls. Their love story is a story of trust that is earned not forced, of shared ideals, of common goals and hopes for the future, a story of two people who have been searching for the same thing all their lives and who quickly realise that they are each other’s long-awaited ‘something’.
Sarah’s past traumas have marked her deeply, physically and mentally, making her reluctant to let people get close to her, believing that all those who love her would eventually leave her. Lucas is less afraid of their growing feelings for each other and is extremely open and demonstrative with his affections, but he never pushes Sarah into something she is not ready for, allowing her to set the pace to whatever is happening between them. He loves her so genuinely, making her less afraid each day of opening her heart to him and allowing him to love her. He helps her to find her courage again to face a less-than-perfect world and battle her past.
“You’re not alone in this world. I’m right here, and I’m trying so hard to love you. All I want to do is love you.”
They ultimately find refuge in each other, turning their sorrow into hope.
But this is not just a sweet and fluffy romance. Sarah and Lucas’ love story acts almost as a contrasting backdrop to some very real and very ugly themes staining the lives of young people today - bullying being one of them. I believe this is a book about tolerance, about feeling different in a world that offers little acceptance to those who don’t fit the mould or don’t conform. It shows how cruel society can be to those already struggling with their identity and how desperate and helpless people can become when the world turns their backs on them, even more when those closest to them reject them. Sarah’s character shows us that we don’t necessarily need to agree with other people’s choices in order to accept them. She shows us that it is not wrong to be different but that it is wrong to be narrow-minded and cruel to those who had no choice in the way they were born.
“Sometimes, teaching tolerance and love is far more important than teaching them about chemical equations and Robert Frost.”
I am not accustomed to books like this one. There were no emotional roller-coaster rides or heart-beat-skipping moments, but the emotions ran deep throughout the story, causing an array of reactions from the reader. Anger. Sadness. Joy. Hope. The most traumatic event happens in the past, making this story a less dramatic aftermath about second chances to make a difference, about never losing hope in oneself and having the courage to fight for your beliefs, over and over again. The writing style was rather simple and not particularly distinctive but it carried the message effectively and fittingly given the nature of the story itself.
~ N ♥
See this review on my blog! | Follow me on Facebook!
February 18, 2014
**4.5**
So there I was, lying in bed reading this book when I suddenly started hearing angry, loud & expletive-riddled yelling through my open window. And I literally thought to myself for a second, who would be behaving like that in Sycamore Falls? It took me another moment or two to remember that Sycamore Falls existed in my book and I had never lived in a small town. No, I was smack dab in the middle of Washington, DC, where I've lived for almost a decade.
I had been so transported to this small town that the reality of Washington, DC had completely fallen away from me.
That's the mark of a good book. One that can transport you to another time or place.
But that's not all this book had going for it. Oh no. There was Lucas. Oh Lucas.
Has there ever been a more patient, loving, supportive, protective, adoring man? I challenge you to find me one! Anyway, all you need to know is he is all of these things, and amazing, and everyone should find themselves a Lucas.
Were Lucas and Sarah sometimes sickeningly sweet? Yes. And I loved every second of it!
Now to get to the heavier stuff. Playing out against Lucas and Sarah's romance was a lot of drama. They are both teachers, having moved to Sycamore Falls after leaving previous teaching jobs in big cities for different "scandals." SPOILER Sarah witnessed the school shooting of a gay student and Lucas had been accused by a student of getting her pregnant. They move to this small town hoping to start over, but small towns aren't immune to similar events.
What's interesting about this book was that it was set in a high school, but was from the POV of adults (teachers) rather than students. So the events of the high school "drama" play out from a different perspective than one would usually see. And it deals with some pretty big issues - bullying and homosexuality. And I think it does a really good job of conveying so much of that and teaching a lesson, but without ever seeming preachy, because it always remains a story more than anything. And that's where it's success lies. Did I agree with the opinions of most of the characters in the book? No. Not even Lucas and Sarah 100% of the time. But the message of the book raised the discourse above the right or wrong of something like homosexuality to just the importance of treating everyone with respect and kindness regardless of race or sexual orientation.
Now for what kept this from being a full 5 stars. While I felt like I was presented with a realistic depiction of life in a small town, I didn't think Lucas should have fitted within that mold as much as he did. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED him. But I would expect someone who was raised in NYC to be a little more "worldly."
The other thing was that Sarah was a bit of a watering can. She seemed to cry through half the book. Not that she didn't have cause to be emotional, but I after a while I was wondering why Lucas would stick around with someone who was clearly having some issues. But that's also what made Lucas so amazing so it's a bit of a wash. ;)
Overall, awesome-sauce and I will be looking for Ms. Logan's other books.
So there I was, lying in bed reading this book when I suddenly started hearing angry, loud & expletive-riddled yelling through my open window. And I literally thought to myself for a second, who would be behaving like that in Sycamore Falls? It took me another moment or two to remember that Sycamore Falls existed in my book and I had never lived in a small town. No, I was smack dab in the middle of Washington, DC, where I've lived for almost a decade.
I had been so transported to this small town that the reality of Washington, DC had completely fallen away from me.
That's the mark of a good book. One that can transport you to another time or place.
But that's not all this book had going for it. Oh no. There was Lucas. Oh Lucas.
Has there ever been a more patient, loving, supportive, protective, adoring man? I challenge you to find me one! Anyway, all you need to know is he is all of these things, and amazing, and everyone should find themselves a Lucas.
Were Lucas and Sarah sometimes sickeningly sweet? Yes. And I loved every second of it!
Now to get to the heavier stuff. Playing out against Lucas and Sarah's romance was a lot of drama. They are both teachers, having moved to Sycamore Falls after leaving previous teaching jobs in big cities for different "scandals." SPOILER Sarah witnessed the school shooting of a gay student and Lucas had been accused by a student of getting her pregnant. They move to this small town hoping to start over, but small towns aren't immune to similar events.
What's interesting about this book was that it was set in a high school, but was from the POV of adults (teachers) rather than students. So the events of the high school "drama" play out from a different perspective than one would usually see. And it deals with some pretty big issues - bullying and homosexuality. And I think it does a really good job of conveying so much of that and teaching a lesson, but without ever seeming preachy, because it always remains a story more than anything. And that's where it's success lies. Did I agree with the opinions of most of the characters in the book? No. Not even Lucas and Sarah 100% of the time. But the message of the book raised the discourse above the right or wrong of something like homosexuality to just the importance of treating everyone with respect and kindness regardless of race or sexual orientation.
Now for what kept this from being a full 5 stars. While I felt like I was presented with a realistic depiction of life in a small town, I didn't think Lucas should have fitted within that mold as much as he did. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED him. But I would expect someone who was raised in NYC to be a little more "worldly."
The other thing was that Sarah was a bit of a watering can. She seemed to cry through half the book. Not that she didn't have cause to be emotional, but I after a while I was wondering why Lucas would stick around with someone who was clearly having some issues. But that's also what made Lucas so amazing so it's a bit of a wash. ;)
Overall, awesome-sauce and I will be looking for Ms. Logan's other books.
July 18, 2012
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a review.
Lessons Learned is a sweet debut novel from Sydney Logan. It's got a strong but still emotional heroine who has seen more than she ever really wanted. There's a gorgeous hero who is confident and almost instantly adoring. And there's a town that is a character in and of itself.
Sycamore Falls.
What I found most fascinating about this book was the way this last "character" evolved in presentation and function for the first-person narrator, Sarah Bray (Our Heroine). The town was familiar and soothing to a degree for a psyche that's been wounded. There are familiar friends, familiar places, and a much-beloved house to welcome Sarah home. As the largely homogenous community of Sycamore Falls is presented with differences, though, we see the stagnant and dirty underbelly of this white-picket-fence mountain community. While it's a sweet town, it seems to be one of those "good places to be from."
Without spoiling anything, let me just say that though I was not a fan of the heroine in the beginning (though Lucas is swoony!) she grew on me over the course of the story. She grew stronger in herself and the love of a good man gradually brought her to a healthier place. It is to Sydney Logan's credit that she could write such a heroine who provoked my instant "oh PUHLEEZE" response and bring me around to "aw, isn't she a sweetie?" before the story's end.
The big controversy in the story is not the Big Controversy in the story; rather it's how each person responds to events and circumstances that make them uncomfortable. In the end, I don't know if Sycamore Falls really "learned the lesson" intended. But I know that Sarah did and her story of healing is beautiful. And she gets Lucas in the bargain. ;-)
There are some delightful details in this story that tickled me, just as there were other aspects that I think were drawn too heavily. Still, I had tears in my eyes by the end of this story and am writing a review way past my bedtime because I wanted to type while my Kindle was hot. :)
I look forward to seeing what the author produces next!
Lessons Learned is a sweet debut novel from Sydney Logan. It's got a strong but still emotional heroine who has seen more than she ever really wanted. There's a gorgeous hero who is confident and almost instantly adoring. And there's a town that is a character in and of itself.
Sycamore Falls.
What I found most fascinating about this book was the way this last "character" evolved in presentation and function for the first-person narrator, Sarah Bray (Our Heroine). The town was familiar and soothing to a degree for a psyche that's been wounded. There are familiar friends, familiar places, and a much-beloved house to welcome Sarah home. As the largely homogenous community of Sycamore Falls is presented with differences, though, we see the stagnant and dirty underbelly of this white-picket-fence mountain community. While it's a sweet town, it seems to be one of those "good places to be from."
Without spoiling anything, let me just say that though I was not a fan of the heroine in the beginning (though Lucas is swoony!) she grew on me over the course of the story. She grew stronger in herself and the love of a good man gradually brought her to a healthier place. It is to Sydney Logan's credit that she could write such a heroine who provoked my instant "oh PUHLEEZE" response and bring me around to "aw, isn't she a sweetie?" before the story's end.
The big controversy in the story is not the Big Controversy in the story; rather it's how each person responds to events and circumstances that make them uncomfortable. In the end, I don't know if Sycamore Falls really "learned the lesson" intended. But I know that Sarah did and her story of healing is beautiful. And she gets Lucas in the bargain. ;-)
There are some delightful details in this story that tickled me, just as there were other aspects that I think were drawn too heavily. Still, I had tears in my eyes by the end of this story and am writing a review way past my bedtime because I wanted to type while my Kindle was hot. :)
I look forward to seeing what the author produces next!
November 23, 2012
Wahh!! I cried so many tears: happy and sad.
This book needs a tissue warning on the inside cover.
If you want to see this and more reviews go to My Blog
I want everyone to know how great this book is, and I want them to read it so they can experience the wonderful story I just did. I was able to devour it in one day. It was that good!
I love to share books that leave me with a lesson learned and this story, Lessons Learned by Sydney Logan, was amazing. I was left with such a feeling of wanting to change the world that it just proved to me that Sydney Logan has such an incredible way with words. She was able to build the two main characters so well that I was instantly attached to them. Sarah was so hurt and broken, but she was also strong and resilient. Lucas was the most loving and patient man ever, and it's incredible how fast I fell in love with him. He helped Sarah learn to accept good things in life and love freely with out fear of it all crashing down on them.
Then you have the friends, neighbors, and coworkers that they dealt with and Sydney did such a wonderful job making them so real. I've known people like them and I've dealt with some of those controversies. Everything felt so complete, deep, and real.
The lesson Sydney's characters taught us is even if you don't agree with someone's beliefs or decisions you still need to respect them. And that subject is so relevant to our times. The subject may be controversial, but the message and outcome is so good, so positive, and so inspiring.
ARC courtesy of The Writer's Coffee Shop via NetGalley
This book needs a tissue warning on the inside cover.
If you want to see this and more reviews go to My Blog
I want everyone to know how great this book is, and I want them to read it so they can experience the wonderful story I just did. I was able to devour it in one day. It was that good!
I love to share books that leave me with a lesson learned and this story, Lessons Learned by Sydney Logan, was amazing. I was left with such a feeling of wanting to change the world that it just proved to me that Sydney Logan has such an incredible way with words. She was able to build the two main characters so well that I was instantly attached to them. Sarah was so hurt and broken, but she was also strong and resilient. Lucas was the most loving and patient man ever, and it's incredible how fast I fell in love with him. He helped Sarah learn to accept good things in life and love freely with out fear of it all crashing down on them.
Then you have the friends, neighbors, and coworkers that they dealt with and Sydney did such a wonderful job making them so real. I've known people like them and I've dealt with some of those controversies. Everything felt so complete, deep, and real.
The lesson Sydney's characters taught us is even if you don't agree with someone's beliefs or decisions you still need to respect them. And that subject is so relevant to our times. The subject may be controversial, but the message and outcome is so good, so positive, and so inspiring.
ARC courtesy of The Writer's Coffee Shop via NetGalley
August 27, 2012
I was very excited to receive an ARC of Sydney Logan's debut novel Lessons Learned. I give this story a solid 4.5 stars.
Sydney Logan tackled controversial issues in a small town full of intolerant people with finesse. One of the things I admired most is that the author didn't go for the "typical" outcome. A number of times, I had tears in my eyes during this book, and I'm not typically a crier. The author definitely reaches inside and pushes those emotional buttons.
This book was a lovely journey of growth with a dose of drama. The relationship between Sarah and Lucas came about naturally, not rushed. I felt a range of emotions while reading, which is a testament to the author's storytelling skills.
The one thing that drew me out of the story a little bit is how perfect Lucas was. I kept wondering when the other shoe was going to drop and he would show his flaws, but it never happened. He always did and said the perfect things. That said, this did not ruin the story for me. I was fully invested in the characters and when I turned to the last page, I was disappointed it was over.
This is a terrific debut novel, and I look forward to reading future releases from Sydney Logan.
Sydney Logan tackled controversial issues in a small town full of intolerant people with finesse. One of the things I admired most is that the author didn't go for the "typical" outcome. A number of times, I had tears in my eyes during this book, and I'm not typically a crier. The author definitely reaches inside and pushes those emotional buttons.
This book was a lovely journey of growth with a dose of drama. The relationship between Sarah and Lucas came about naturally, not rushed. I felt a range of emotions while reading, which is a testament to the author's storytelling skills.
The one thing that drew me out of the story a little bit is how perfect Lucas was. I kept wondering when the other shoe was going to drop and he would show his flaws, but it never happened. He always did and said the perfect things. That said, this did not ruin the story for me. I was fully invested in the characters and when I turned to the last page, I was disappointed it was over.
This is a terrific debut novel, and I look forward to reading future releases from Sydney Logan.
September 4, 2012
The prologue is extremely moving, and given the amount of events such as these happening, it's also very poignant. Logan deals with it in a very sensitive way when the full story is revealed.
Sarah is a very nervous character and this can get a little grating, but once Lucas is introduced, he is the perfect buffer to her anxiety. When their stories are shared, it's understandable why they are perfect for each other.
Small town single-mindedness is highlighted throughout the book and provides the main characters a reason to fight (not with each other) and stand up for their beliefs. Whether they actually agree with what is happening in their town completely or not.
I have to admit, I guessed part of the story fairly early on, but that wasn't a problem as it was revealed by the author fairly early on as an essential part of the story.
As a romance, it was a different type. The love between the main characters is the hope that lifts them from everything else falling apart around them.
This book is about more than just a simple love story between a man and a woman, it's about love between friends, family and those whom you never expect to work their way into your heart.
Sarah is a very nervous character and this can get a little grating, but once Lucas is introduced, he is the perfect buffer to her anxiety. When their stories are shared, it's understandable why they are perfect for each other.
Small town single-mindedness is highlighted throughout the book and provides the main characters a reason to fight (not with each other) and stand up for their beliefs. Whether they actually agree with what is happening in their town completely or not.
I have to admit, I guessed part of the story fairly early on, but that wasn't a problem as it was revealed by the author fairly early on as an essential part of the story.
As a romance, it was a different type. The love between the main characters is the hope that lifts them from everything else falling apart around them.
This book is about more than just a simple love story between a man and a woman, it's about love between friends, family and those whom you never expect to work their way into your heart.
February 4, 2021
I picked up this story from Kindle Unlimited because of the school shooting story line.
Turns out Sarah just needed Lucas's love and to renew her faith by attending a nice local Baptist church in order to get over her PTSD.
I was totally disappointed by the main character, Sarah Bray, a high school teacher, telling her teen student, Matt, that she did not approve of his homosexuality. She still supported him and tried to keep him safe from school bullies, but I totally lost it when I read that line - and it is repeated several times, just so that there is no mistake about it.
It is hypocritical of the author to have Sarah and Lucas criticize the town folk of Sycamore Falls for being capital C conservatives, when she turns around and voices her own homophobia. Totally intolerant and unacceptable!
If you have any liberal tendencies at all, this is not the book for you. It certainly wasn't the book for ME! Thank goodness I was able to return it on my Kindle Unlimited subscription. Totally not a book I want in my library!
Turns out Sarah just needed Lucas's love and to renew her faith by attending a nice local Baptist church in order to get over her PTSD.
I was totally disappointed by the main character, Sarah Bray, a high school teacher, telling her teen student, Matt, that she did not approve of his homosexuality. She still supported him and tried to keep him safe from school bullies, but I totally lost it when I read that line - and it is repeated several times, just so that there is no mistake about it.
It is hypocritical of the author to have Sarah and Lucas criticize the town folk of Sycamore Falls for being capital C conservatives, when she turns around and voices her own homophobia. Totally intolerant and unacceptable!
If you have any liberal tendencies at all, this is not the book for you. It certainly wasn't the book for ME! Thank goodness I was able to return it on my Kindle Unlimited subscription. Totally not a book I want in my library!
July 25, 2012
LOVELY.
That's probably the best way to put this book. Small town love stories have a way of pouring into your heart like maple syrup. The sweet, sweet relationship between Sarah and Lucas took my breath away. Lucas...ah Lucas...every woman dreams to be loved and ADORED the way you did Sarah.
There is a twist in the story as Sarah and Lucas fight teenage bullying, trying to protect one of their students. It's heartbreaking...and the narrow-minded hatefulness displayed by some of their town was disgusting.
But, all in all, the story didn't take you too deep into any one thing. Yes, Sarah had demons. Yes, Lucas had demons. Yes, there was some shocking bullying. But, the true heart of the story is the love between Sarah and Lucas and how that love helped them handle and move past all of it.
If you're in the mood for a sugary sweet story, HIGH on the HEA-quotient...Lessons Learned is a great choice.
September 15, 2012
Being a teacher for 16 years, this book just really hit home for me in so many ways. Sydney Logan lays it all out there. When you are in the classroom with these children you learn quickly that you are teaching them much more than math and science. Many times you become their whole world.
Sarah and Lucas (oh yummy yummy Lucas).. were both broken in different ways, but fate has a way of bringing them together and helping a small town learn some lessons that most of the nation should learn.
Tolerance, forgiveness, and love. It may not be a class taught in school, but it is a message that Sydney Logan brings to the world.
Please don't miss this book.
Sarah and Lucas (oh yummy yummy Lucas).. were both broken in different ways, but fate has a way of bringing them together and helping a small town learn some lessons that most of the nation should learn.
Tolerance, forgiveness, and love. It may not be a class taught in school, but it is a message that Sydney Logan brings to the world.
Please don't miss this book.
July 1, 2012
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of Lessons Learned and could not be happier about it! As I suspected, the writing was fantastic. I love how Sydney tells the story and how her characters have real depth and personality. The way she describes the people, places and things makes them feel real. I felt like I was in Sycamore Falls, which was a character in and of itself, and that I knew Sara and Lucas. I was happy when they were happy, sad when they were sad, and swooned like crazy while they were falling in love. They were both good, genuine people and you definitely root for them as a couple as well as individually.
I appreciated the fact there was no manufactured drama for the sake of drama in the relationship between Sarah and Lucas. Often times, it's easy to create a fight or a "situation" just to give the story conflict but there are other ways to keep things interesting and that's what was done in Lessons Learned. Sarah had to learn to readjust to small town life and be okay in the town where she grew up and where everyone knows everything about her and her past. Lucas had to learn to adjust to being the new guy from the big city in a small town and the questions that come along with that. Both Sarah and Lucas were dealing with difficult situations that led them to Sycamore Falls. While their reasons for moving there included a desire to escape their problems, they were eventually forced to deal with them and figure out how to move on. I also really liked that they were written as a mature couple who communicated with one another and discussed problems as they were happening. There were no secrets, lies or deceptions and I genuinely enjoy reading about those kinds of relationships. Not everything was perfect, they did have some struggles but they were dealt with in an open, mature manner and I dig that.
One of the themes in the book was about acceptance and loving people, even when you don't agree with them. While I feel this is a valuable message, I did struggle with "nuts and bolts" of how the message was delivered. Homosexuality, in my opinion, is not a choice, nor is it a sin and isn't something to "agree" with. One of Sarah's students, Matt, reveals to Sarah, and eventually the town, that he is gay. It was difficult to see a young man who was struggling with accepting himself, having to face harsh judgment from people who were hateful and what felt like judgment from people who supported him by saying they didn't agree with his lifestyle but they loved him anyways. However, the story is set in a very conservative, religious, small town so this is how homosexuality is viewed by the characters in the book. I completely understand my viewpoint is likely more liberal than most but I would be remiss if I didn't mention that particular sentiment in the story not resonating with me personally.
All that being said, this is a beautifully written story with a strong female heroine and a sweet, swoony man. It's hard to dislike a book that has those things going for it. I would definitely recommend Lessons Learned and when you pick up your copy, get ready to be swooned by a porch swing and that's all I'll say about that ;)
I appreciated the fact there was no manufactured drama for the sake of drama in the relationship between Sarah and Lucas. Often times, it's easy to create a fight or a "situation" just to give the story conflict but there are other ways to keep things interesting and that's what was done in Lessons Learned. Sarah had to learn to readjust to small town life and be okay in the town where she grew up and where everyone knows everything about her and her past. Lucas had to learn to adjust to being the new guy from the big city in a small town and the questions that come along with that. Both Sarah and Lucas were dealing with difficult situations that led them to Sycamore Falls. While their reasons for moving there included a desire to escape their problems, they were eventually forced to deal with them and figure out how to move on. I also really liked that they were written as a mature couple who communicated with one another and discussed problems as they were happening. There were no secrets, lies or deceptions and I genuinely enjoy reading about those kinds of relationships. Not everything was perfect, they did have some struggles but they were dealt with in an open, mature manner and I dig that.
One of the themes in the book was about acceptance and loving people, even when you don't agree with them. While I feel this is a valuable message, I did struggle with "nuts and bolts" of how the message was delivered. Homosexuality, in my opinion, is not a choice, nor is it a sin and isn't something to "agree" with. One of Sarah's students, Matt, reveals to Sarah, and eventually the town, that he is gay. It was difficult to see a young man who was struggling with accepting himself, having to face harsh judgment from people who were hateful and what felt like judgment from people who supported him by saying they didn't agree with his lifestyle but they loved him anyways. However, the story is set in a very conservative, religious, small town so this is how homosexuality is viewed by the characters in the book. I completely understand my viewpoint is likely more liberal than most but I would be remiss if I didn't mention that particular sentiment in the story not resonating with me personally.
All that being said, this is a beautifully written story with a strong female heroine and a sweet, swoony man. It's hard to dislike a book that has those things going for it. I would definitely recommend Lessons Learned and when you pick up your copy, get ready to be swooned by a porch swing and that's all I'll say about that ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2012
I'd give it a million stars if I could.
Sydney Logan's debut novel made me cry. I say that with some shock because honestly...I'm not a crier. I don't cry at movies, I certainly don't cry at books. But the poignant honesty in Lessons Learned brought tears to my eyes. A mother's words of unconditional love sent me over the edge and looking for tissues. Not in an 'Oh my God, that's twisting my emotions' way, but in recognition of a mother offering her son unconditional love and not understanding why the rest of the world, which includes his own father, can't love him the same way.
Lessons Learned tells the story of Sarah, who's suffered anxiety and panic attacks since a traumatic event at the high school where she taught. She moves back to her hometown, seeking comfort in the familiar, a place to start over. She meets Lucas, who's also dealt with issues at his prior school, but those have left him stronger and more sure of what he wants and does not want. His feelings for Sarah are deep and immediate, and while hers are no less deep, she plays her cards close to her chest at first, fearful of being hurt as she has been in the past.
Their relationship grows as situations in their new school eerily begin to imitate situations Sarah has dealt with in the past, and she finds herself unable to sit back and let the past repeat itself. Where once she stood by, this time she gets involved in the life of the affected student, not allowing the issue to be swept under the rug.
What Sarah tries to impart on the town is tolerance. No one's asking anyone to agree, just agree to disagree, but respect everyone, regardless.
Something I found interesting was Sarah's concept of her hometown and the way that changed over the course of the story. Sycamore Falls itself didn't change--that is, the viewpoint of the townspeople in general didn't change, but the way Sarah saw things certainly did. At first, her hometown was a comfort to look forward to, but by the end of the story, she and Lucas needed to escape the small town and the even smaller minds.
I don't want to give too much more away. The characters came alive to me, I could feel Sarah's pain, Lucas's frustration, Debbie's agony, Matt's sorrow and despair. The dimensions given to them were wonderful. The secondary characters didn't just take up space, they filled in the details of the story, helped the reader to really understand why something was happening the way it was, or why someone was reacting the way she was.
Sydney Logan's words grabbed me and held on, and I was sorry when the book ended because I had come to care about these characters so much. And that, to me, is the sign of an incredible story and an incredible storyteller.
Congratulations on a magnificent debut novel. I look forward to everything you write.
Sydney Logan's debut novel made me cry. I say that with some shock because honestly...I'm not a crier. I don't cry at movies, I certainly don't cry at books. But the poignant honesty in Lessons Learned brought tears to my eyes. A mother's words of unconditional love sent me over the edge and looking for tissues. Not in an 'Oh my God, that's twisting my emotions' way, but in recognition of a mother offering her son unconditional love and not understanding why the rest of the world, which includes his own father, can't love him the same way.
Lessons Learned tells the story of Sarah, who's suffered anxiety and panic attacks since a traumatic event at the high school where she taught. She moves back to her hometown, seeking comfort in the familiar, a place to start over. She meets Lucas, who's also dealt with issues at his prior school, but those have left him stronger and more sure of what he wants and does not want. His feelings for Sarah are deep and immediate, and while hers are no less deep, she plays her cards close to her chest at first, fearful of being hurt as she has been in the past.
Their relationship grows as situations in their new school eerily begin to imitate situations Sarah has dealt with in the past, and she finds herself unable to sit back and let the past repeat itself. Where once she stood by, this time she gets involved in the life of the affected student, not allowing the issue to be swept under the rug.
What Sarah tries to impart on the town is tolerance. No one's asking anyone to agree, just agree to disagree, but respect everyone, regardless.
Something I found interesting was Sarah's concept of her hometown and the way that changed over the course of the story. Sycamore Falls itself didn't change--that is, the viewpoint of the townspeople in general didn't change, but the way Sarah saw things certainly did. At first, her hometown was a comfort to look forward to, but by the end of the story, she and Lucas needed to escape the small town and the even smaller minds.
I don't want to give too much more away. The characters came alive to me, I could feel Sarah's pain, Lucas's frustration, Debbie's agony, Matt's sorrow and despair. The dimensions given to them were wonderful. The secondary characters didn't just take up space, they filled in the details of the story, helped the reader to really understand why something was happening the way it was, or why someone was reacting the way she was.
Sydney Logan's words grabbed me and held on, and I was sorry when the book ended because I had come to care about these characters so much. And that, to me, is the sign of an incredible story and an incredible storyteller.
Congratulations on a magnificent debut novel. I look forward to everything you write.
July 19, 2012
I slept 4 hours, I was late for work this morning and I don’t regret it at all.
Lessons Learned was such an amazing book, I couldn’t put it down. I read it in a day; it was such an emotional rollercoaster.
Where to start? When I finished the book yesterday I was exhausted, I cried my eyes out. *have tissues near*
From the start it was so easy to relate to Sarah, an English teacher who returns to her hometown after a traumatic event in Memphis. Coming back to the small town of Sycamore Falls brings back all sorts of memories good ones and not so good. It also gives Sarah the chance to reconnect with his past and make peace with it.
Lucas in an outsider, also HS teacher who arrives in Sycamore Falls looking for a new, fresh start.
The romance between these two characters is not instant, there is a slow burn. First the strong bond as friends over their past experiences then move into love.
Lucas is the modern version of Prince Charming. Sarah does not need kingdoms and tiaras; she needs a strong, solid partner. Who puts her first, protects her and cherish her as if she were the only girl in the world. And she is the only one for him.
As they relationship grows, there is another story in the background. Matt´s story. One of Sarah´s student who confides in her with a secret that will turn the peaceful Sycamore Falls into a living hell for him, his family and the ones who love him.
I cried so much for Matt, his story was so moving, so real. We are faced with homophobe on daily basis and seeing how our actions can affect these young boys was heartbreaking. The way Sydney Logan shows that you do have to agree 100% with their choice but you should love and support them. Life is hard enough as it is for teenage boys without adding rejection, from parents, peers and closed ones, into the mix.
Sarah and Lucas are faced with a reality that makes them think about their own future, their own kids. Will they be happy in a place where differences are not embraced but condemned?
I honestly think that Sydney Logan manages to portrait our reality in these characters, even today we are face with these types of people.
As for the romance, I could marry Lucas in a heartbeat. When two damage people meet and fall in love, there is nothing more powerful that that bond. Because is not only about love, is about healing, is about hope.
I don’t think I have words left, I just love every bit of it and I hope to read more from Sydney Logan.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley
Lessons Learned was such an amazing book, I couldn’t put it down. I read it in a day; it was such an emotional rollercoaster.
Where to start? When I finished the book yesterday I was exhausted, I cried my eyes out. *have tissues near*
From the start it was so easy to relate to Sarah, an English teacher who returns to her hometown after a traumatic event in Memphis. Coming back to the small town of Sycamore Falls brings back all sorts of memories good ones and not so good. It also gives Sarah the chance to reconnect with his past and make peace with it.
Lucas in an outsider, also HS teacher who arrives in Sycamore Falls looking for a new, fresh start.
The romance between these two characters is not instant, there is a slow burn. First the strong bond as friends over their past experiences then move into love.
Lucas is the modern version of Prince Charming. Sarah does not need kingdoms and tiaras; she needs a strong, solid partner. Who puts her first, protects her and cherish her as if she were the only girl in the world. And she is the only one for him.
As they relationship grows, there is another story in the background. Matt´s story. One of Sarah´s student who confides in her with a secret that will turn the peaceful Sycamore Falls into a living hell for him, his family and the ones who love him.
I cried so much for Matt, his story was so moving, so real. We are faced with homophobe on daily basis and seeing how our actions can affect these young boys was heartbreaking. The way Sydney Logan shows that you do have to agree 100% with their choice but you should love and support them. Life is hard enough as it is for teenage boys without adding rejection, from parents, peers and closed ones, into the mix.
Sarah and Lucas are faced with a reality that makes them think about their own future, their own kids. Will they be happy in a place where differences are not embraced but condemned?
I honestly think that Sydney Logan manages to portrait our reality in these characters, even today we are face with these types of people.
As for the romance, I could marry Lucas in a heartbeat. When two damage people meet and fall in love, there is nothing more powerful that that bond. Because is not only about love, is about healing, is about hope.
I don’t think I have words left, I just love every bit of it and I hope to read more from Sydney Logan.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley
February 2, 2013
I just literally "turned" my last page of this ebook and tears are rolling down my cheeks. What a beautiful and amazing book this is. To fall in love with Lucas is a given, with Sarah, who happens to be an amazing woman, with Matt who is a young man struggling with life and trying to get a hold of things, with Tommy and Audrey, with the falls, the home, even grandma! Wanting to meat all of them and friend them, since they are the kind of people we should all have in our lives. Sydney did an amazing job at depicting small town life and how difficult it can be for some, she also did an excellent job at giving us this beautiful love story, filled with hope and love. So, if you want to be filled with all the feelings, and turn the last page with a smile in your face while tears run down and while you heart is filled with love, then go ahead and read it! It's fantastic.
July 27, 2012
Sydney Logan. You've outdone yourself. I loved this story so much. I smiled, I gasped, and I teared up several times. Lucas Miller was so sweet and so endearing and so much of what Sarah Bray needed. As a teacher, I was touched so much by the relationships she built with her students and her willingness to fight for them. This was one of the best stories I've read this year. I would/will recommend Lessons Learned to everyone I know.
January 12, 2013
I loved this book from the first page. The Prologue totally sucked me in and I didn't want to stop reading. I laughed, I cried and I couldn't help but fall in love with the characters. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a good romance with a plot to support the love story.
March 10, 2015
I got more than I bargained for when I started reading Lessons Learned. I have never come across a book where I wanted to cry in every other chapter! But it was a really great story; it was nice change from paranormal reads. If there was a book that would have a tearjerker impact on me, then this was the one.
This story is about English teacher Sarah Bray, following a traumatic event that had affected her deeply, she returns to her hometown, Sycamore Falls. By returning home, she hopes to battle the demons of her past. She meets Lucas Miller in a hardware store; he is a teacher from New York and also battling his own past. Their love blossoms, but then Matt the quarterback of the football team reveals a secret of his own to them.
I like the protagonist Sarah, I think she is someone who genuinely loves teaching and maintains a good connection with her students, which is nice to read about. She went through hardship when she was young. Her parents died when she was sixteen and from that day on, she distanced herself her people who showed her love because in this way she wouldn’t get hurt.
The relationship blossoming between her and Lucas is very sweet and innocent; there was neither angst nor problems with them. Sarah, despite a very wounded character allowed to be loved by him and the nice thing was that Lucas wanted to take care of her. When Sarah had a panic attack and also when she cried, Lucas was there for her making sure that she was okay. Sarah’s ex-boyfriend Ryan, on the other hand, could not handle Sarah’s breakdowns and emotions. I think that’s why Lucas and Sarah worked so well together. Lucas sounded a bit too perfect to me. What I like was they pulled through and overcame their past together.
When Sarah’s past was revealed and I felt really moved by her story. I was close to tears! She blamed herself for what happened to Josh when it wasn’t her fault, but she felt responsible because he confided in her. All she wanted to do was help him. With Lucas, there was a scandal that he was involved in back in New York. This wasn’t his fault either, but he was left humiliated after the incident that he could not face teaching there again.
I thought the storyline was intensely moving and I commend the author for writing such an amazing story on important issues. It was centered on the concept of love, being accepted, suicide and prejudice. In a small town like Sycamore Falls, people are respectable and have traditional values. However there will be people who are very narrow-minded and will have different beliefs to as what is right and wrong in terms of someone’s sexuality. For one thing, people aren’t use to seeing people of another ethnicity, which I found quite astounding. When Sarah’s best friend Monica comes to visit her, who is African American, heads turn and people stare. Sarah was fortunate to be brought up by her grandma who taught her to view the world with an open eye.
Matt completely stole the show in this book. It’s not often that a story would be centered on a secondary character. The situation with Matt and Josh is partially the same, so it's a bit like déjà vu for Sarah; she regretted deeply that she couldn’t save Josh. After the truth about Matt is revealed, residents of Sycamore Falls are shocked, gossip spreads and they quickly distance themselves from him. At school, Matt becomes very isolated, suffers from school bullying and even from his local community church. My heart broke for him and cried. It was so heartbreaking to read about what he’s going through and how he wasn’t accepted for who he is. In the same way when people say ‘you can’t help who you fall for,’ Matt can’t help who he is and he can’t change that. You can either accept it or you don’t.
Sarah was the heroine of the story; I really liked that she stood up for Matt to the manipulative Principle who is against him. She tried to help Matt, in the same way she tried to help Josh and that’s how teachers should be – supportive to their students. Sarah was quite a vulnerable character in the beginning of the story about her past, but when it comes to her students, she’ll stand up to what she believes is right.
This book is definitely a 4 stars out of 5. It made me want to cry so much, but it’s one of those books that compelled and stayed with me. The story is an easy read, very well written and really moved me. I loved getting to know the characters, reading about the development of Sarah and Lucas’ love story, and especially Matt, he was the one that shined throughout the book.
Bottom line: I recommend! But you’re going to need some tissues ready.
This story is about English teacher Sarah Bray, following a traumatic event that had affected her deeply, she returns to her hometown, Sycamore Falls. By returning home, she hopes to battle the demons of her past. She meets Lucas Miller in a hardware store; he is a teacher from New York and also battling his own past. Their love blossoms, but then Matt the quarterback of the football team reveals a secret of his own to them.
I like the protagonist Sarah, I think she is someone who genuinely loves teaching and maintains a good connection with her students, which is nice to read about. She went through hardship when she was young. Her parents died when she was sixteen and from that day on, she distanced herself her people who showed her love because in this way she wouldn’t get hurt.
The relationship blossoming between her and Lucas is very sweet and innocent; there was neither angst nor problems with them. Sarah, despite a very wounded character allowed to be loved by him and the nice thing was that Lucas wanted to take care of her. When Sarah had a panic attack and also when she cried, Lucas was there for her making sure that she was okay. Sarah’s ex-boyfriend Ryan, on the other hand, could not handle Sarah’s breakdowns and emotions. I think that’s why Lucas and Sarah worked so well together. Lucas sounded a bit too perfect to me. What I like was they pulled through and overcame their past together.
When Sarah’s past was revealed and I felt really moved by her story. I was close to tears! She blamed herself for what happened to Josh when it wasn’t her fault, but she felt responsible because he confided in her. All she wanted to do was help him. With Lucas, there was a scandal that he was involved in back in New York. This wasn’t his fault either, but he was left humiliated after the incident that he could not face teaching there again.
I thought the storyline was intensely moving and I commend the author for writing such an amazing story on important issues. It was centered on the concept of love, being accepted, suicide and prejudice. In a small town like Sycamore Falls, people are respectable and have traditional values. However there will be people who are very narrow-minded and will have different beliefs to as what is right and wrong in terms of someone’s sexuality. For one thing, people aren’t use to seeing people of another ethnicity, which I found quite astounding. When Sarah’s best friend Monica comes to visit her, who is African American, heads turn and people stare. Sarah was fortunate to be brought up by her grandma who taught her to view the world with an open eye.
Matt completely stole the show in this book. It’s not often that a story would be centered on a secondary character. The situation with Matt and Josh is partially the same, so it's a bit like déjà vu for Sarah; she regretted deeply that she couldn’t save Josh. After the truth about Matt is revealed, residents of Sycamore Falls are shocked, gossip spreads and they quickly distance themselves from him. At school, Matt becomes very isolated, suffers from school bullying and even from his local community church. My heart broke for him and cried. It was so heartbreaking to read about what he’s going through and how he wasn’t accepted for who he is. In the same way when people say ‘you can’t help who you fall for,’ Matt can’t help who he is and he can’t change that. You can either accept it or you don’t.
Sarah was the heroine of the story; I really liked that she stood up for Matt to the manipulative Principle who is against him. She tried to help Matt, in the same way she tried to help Josh and that’s how teachers should be – supportive to their students. Sarah was quite a vulnerable character in the beginning of the story about her past, but when it comes to her students, she’ll stand up to what she believes is right.
This book is definitely a 4 stars out of 5. It made me want to cry so much, but it’s one of those books that compelled and stayed with me. The story is an easy read, very well written and really moved me. I loved getting to know the characters, reading about the development of Sarah and Lucas’ love story, and especially Matt, he was the one that shined throughout the book.
Bottom line: I recommend! But you’re going to need some tissues ready.
February 12, 2017
I am so glad to have been given the opportunity to read Lessons Learned.
We begin with Sarah Bray returning to her hometown Sycamore Falls after enduring a traumatic experience while living and teaching in the big city. As she comes to terms with her past loss, Sarah also finds comfort, friendship, and love with Lucas Miller, another teacher also seeking a fresh start in small town Appalachia. But this is no ordinary romance story: Logan uses this setting as a backdrop for a larger commentary on issues of religion, race, sexuality, discrimination, violence, forgiveness, healing, and redemption.
This book is extremely well written, featuring relatable and compelling characters and an evocative plot. I can absolutely imagine myself driving through Sycamore Falls, or picking up a newspaper and reading about Sarah or Lucas' experiences. Right from the beginning, I feel compassion for these characters. I want the best for them, and I'm invested in their happiness. I enjoy watching Sarah overcome her fear. I enjoy watching her build a life with Lucas. They take care of each other. More than anything, I appreciate how kind, unassuming, and patient Lucas is. I love watching Sarah and Lucas' relationship unfold.
Many times while reading, I find myself frustrated with Sarah. Why is she so hesitant to tell Lucas the truth about what happens at her old school? Is it because of the guilt Sarah feels? Lucas says it best when he argues "I can't help you fight your demons if I don't know what they are." And I'm equally curious about the fact that Lucas doesn't search the internet or ask friends about Sarah's past. Is he really *that* patient?
I love how, from very early on, Lucas is clear about the depth of his feelings:
"You're not alone in this world. I'm right here, and I'm trying so hard to love you. All I want to do is love you. Let me love you."
The way he begs Sarah to let him tell her he love her...it's heart-wrenching and desperate and beautiful.
The Josh/Travis story and Sarah's guilt in the aftermath is heartbreaking:
"I told him to be honest. I told him to be real and he listened to me, and now he's dead."
Josh, a gay student, confides in Sarah. She tries to advise him, and unfortunately, as a result of another student's hatred, Josh is killed.
After reading this, I am still curious about what happened to Travis. Is he alive? Does he take his own life after killing Josh? Is Josh the only person he harmed that day?
I think the use of Matt's character and story is masterful. It kind of serves as a counterpoint to Josh's story.
It's so painful to watch the star of this town deal with scorn from friends and neighbors as a result of being gay. Matt deals with so much: former team mates beating him up, rumors in the newspaper, possible jail time for defending himself against a violent assault.
One of the most difficult moments for me, is Matt's speech in church...asking to remain a part of the community, practically apologizing for being gay, and still being turned away.
Matt's attempted suicide just guts me: "do you think there's enough water in this river to wash away my wickedness?"
But with the help of his mother, Sarah, and Lucas, Matt survives and goes on to accomplish great things.
I love how Logan uses this story as a commentary on small towns. In actuality, they're not so different than big cities. Small towns are sheltered and conservative, preferring the status quo. But maybe being sheltered isn't always a bad thing.
Moreover, there are all sorts of people in small towns, just like in big cities. There are people like Princple Mullins, hell-bent on making life difficult for those he doesn't think are living appropriately. And there are people like Aubrey and Tommy, complex characters, with strong beliefs in the bible and right vs. wrong. But they don't use those beliefs to harm or discriminate against others.
Ultimately, with encouragement from Sarah's Grandmother via a letter written before her passing, Sarah and Lucas leave Sycamore Falls. The year they spend in this town brings them together and heals them. But Sarah and Lucas also know that, in order to grow individually and as a family, they must settle elsewhere.
"And maybe someday you'll make a list of your lessons learned and you'll share them with your own granddaughter."
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I laughed, cried, swooned, raged, and cheered with these characters. You will too.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book!
We begin with Sarah Bray returning to her hometown Sycamore Falls after enduring a traumatic experience while living and teaching in the big city. As she comes to terms with her past loss, Sarah also finds comfort, friendship, and love with Lucas Miller, another teacher also seeking a fresh start in small town Appalachia. But this is no ordinary romance story: Logan uses this setting as a backdrop for a larger commentary on issues of religion, race, sexuality, discrimination, violence, forgiveness, healing, and redemption.
This book is extremely well written, featuring relatable and compelling characters and an evocative plot. I can absolutely imagine myself driving through Sycamore Falls, or picking up a newspaper and reading about Sarah or Lucas' experiences. Right from the beginning, I feel compassion for these characters. I want the best for them, and I'm invested in their happiness. I enjoy watching Sarah overcome her fear. I enjoy watching her build a life with Lucas. They take care of each other. More than anything, I appreciate how kind, unassuming, and patient Lucas is. I love watching Sarah and Lucas' relationship unfold.
Many times while reading, I find myself frustrated with Sarah. Why is she so hesitant to tell Lucas the truth about what happens at her old school? Is it because of the guilt Sarah feels? Lucas says it best when he argues "I can't help you fight your demons if I don't know what they are." And I'm equally curious about the fact that Lucas doesn't search the internet or ask friends about Sarah's past. Is he really *that* patient?
I love how, from very early on, Lucas is clear about the depth of his feelings:
"You're not alone in this world. I'm right here, and I'm trying so hard to love you. All I want to do is love you. Let me love you."
The way he begs Sarah to let him tell her he love her...it's heart-wrenching and desperate and beautiful.
The Josh/Travis story and Sarah's guilt in the aftermath is heartbreaking:
"I told him to be honest. I told him to be real and he listened to me, and now he's dead."
Josh, a gay student, confides in Sarah. She tries to advise him, and unfortunately, as a result of another student's hatred, Josh is killed.
After reading this, I am still curious about what happened to Travis. Is he alive? Does he take his own life after killing Josh? Is Josh the only person he harmed that day?
I think the use of Matt's character and story is masterful. It kind of serves as a counterpoint to Josh's story.
It's so painful to watch the star of this town deal with scorn from friends and neighbors as a result of being gay. Matt deals with so much: former team mates beating him up, rumors in the newspaper, possible jail time for defending himself against a violent assault.
One of the most difficult moments for me, is Matt's speech in church...asking to remain a part of the community, practically apologizing for being gay, and still being turned away.
Matt's attempted suicide just guts me: "do you think there's enough water in this river to wash away my wickedness?"
But with the help of his mother, Sarah, and Lucas, Matt survives and goes on to accomplish great things.
I love how Logan uses this story as a commentary on small towns. In actuality, they're not so different than big cities. Small towns are sheltered and conservative, preferring the status quo. But maybe being sheltered isn't always a bad thing.
Moreover, there are all sorts of people in small towns, just like in big cities. There are people like Princple Mullins, hell-bent on making life difficult for those he doesn't think are living appropriately. And there are people like Aubrey and Tommy, complex characters, with strong beliefs in the bible and right vs. wrong. But they don't use those beliefs to harm or discriminate against others.
Ultimately, with encouragement from Sarah's Grandmother via a letter written before her passing, Sarah and Lucas leave Sycamore Falls. The year they spend in this town brings them together and heals them. But Sarah and Lucas also know that, in order to grow individually and as a family, they must settle elsewhere.
"And maybe someday you'll make a list of your lessons learned and you'll share them with your own granddaughter."
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I laughed, cried, swooned, raged, and cheered with these characters. You will too.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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