Elizabeth O'Roark's The Summer We Fell Review!

The Summer We Fell

By: Elizabeth O’Roark

Release Date: April 6, 2023

Publisher: Elizabeth O’Roark

Author Website: https://www.elizabethoroark.com/

5 Stars

Luke Taylor and Juliet Cantrell were two kids who were abused, neglected and unwanted by the very people who should love them, their families. Brought together by someone who they each loved, but who experienced the opposite of what they did as the cherished son of his parents, their draw toward each other was taboo and awkward resulting in a reluctant dance around their attraction. Luke was observant and defiant looking for ways to channel his anger, recklessness and restless energy, driven by the visions of what he wanted. Juliet suffered at the hands of others so often that she was left with little to no self worth and the notion that any attention was better than none, misunderstanding people using you for wanting you. It was devastatingly heartbreaking to see Luke and Juliet navigate the best interest of others over themselves.

Luke and Juliet's relationship was complicated from the start. This pair could so easily see the other's dysfunctions even while being blind to their own. They each recognized a like soul in the other and were each in possession of extraordinary talents. Luke and Juliet's support of each other, often in subtle and covert ways, was touching and frustrating in the lengths this pair went to give it without being reprimanded or questioned by their actions. Ms. O'Roark gave a strong voice to the outlier in her characters Luke and Juliet. Their attraction was at times tortuous and at other times inspiring in its endurance. This author did a great job of translating this couple's longing to her audience.

This was a work filled with flawed characters. No portrayal walked away from this story without their fair share of questionable decisions and behavior. Anyone could be seen as a good guy or a bad guy depending on one's personal views, ultimately every character involved was human at their lowest and highest levels. This was not an easy read but one that found a way to a good place after much pain and suffering.

Elizabeth O'Roark sees past the superficial and reaches the most vulnerable places of her characters. Her ability to show sides of her portrayals that others might be dismissive of shows her talent at creating complex and beautifully messy works. Elizabeth O'Roark brings a moving story of sacrifice and true love to her readers in The Summer We Fell that will linger long after they turn the last page.

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

*This book can be read as a standalone.*