Book Review: Abby*s Journey by Steena Holmes + 2 Giveaways

39 Comments Edit


"A trip connects a daughter to the mother she never knew." (back cover)

Title:  Abby's Journey
Series: Sequel to Saving Abby
Author: Steena Holmes
Publisher:  Lake Union Publishing
Release Date:  Feburary 14, 2017
Genre: Literary Fiction



Twenty-year-old Abigail Turner has only known her mother, Claire—who died shortly after she was born—through letters, videos, postcards, and journals. Abby’s father, Josh, has raised his precious daughter himself, but his overprotectiveness has become stifling. Abby longs to forge out on her own and see the world after a childhood trapped indoors: she suffers from bronchopulmonary dysplasia, which means a case of the sniffles can rapidly escalate into life-threatening pneumonia.
But when Abby’s doctor declares her healthy—for now—her grandmother Millie whisks her away to Europe to visit the Christmas markets that her mother cherished and chronicled in her travel journals. Despite her father’s objections, Abby and Millie embark on a journey of discovery in which Abby will learn secrets that force her to reevaluate her image of her mother and come to a more mature understanding of a parent-child bond that transcends death.



"A trip connects a daughter to the mother she never knew," and yet, as someone who've read Saving Abby, I know the mother.  In Steena Holmes' Abby's Journey, I'm getting to know Abby herself.  Let's backtrack. When I found out there's a sequel to Saving Abby, I knew I had to read it, and lucky for me, I was able to get on the tour for this book.  I don't think you need to read Saving Abby to connect with Abby's Journey, but I highly recommend picking up Saving Abby as well. After all, it is on my favorite 2016 reads list.

Abby's Journey is exactly what the title suggests. It's Abby's journey trying to connect more to her deceased mother with the help of family and friends, and most importantly through her mother's journal and the letters her mother left for her and her father. It's funny how a story, a story filled with letters that radiates with love can touch one's soul. Abby's Journey, like its predecessor continues to make me feel - for the characters and for the story.  The letters had me teary eyed for a bit, and the one that started Chapter Twenty-One about Abby's father, Josh, it clenched my heart and filled my eyes with tears. Simply beautiful and I don't know what else to say.

"Love him without limits...and when it comes to finding someone to love to be loved by, never settle for less than the way your father loved me." (171)

 Steena Holmes gave us a  soulful and heartfelt story in both Saving Abby and Abby's Journey. It embraces what love is - parental love, family love and even when a man loves a woman and vice versa. It shares with us when life ends, love doesn't have to. It tells us a connection does not severe when there are things that you can't understand. Abby's Journey brings us on a lovely and poignant yet beautiful journey.

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Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.


TO PURCHASE A COPY

   



After writing her first novel while working as a receptionist, Steena Holmes made her dream of being a full-time writer a reality. She won the National Indie Excellence Book Award in 2012 for her bestselling novel Finding Emma. . Now both a New York Times and  USA Today bestselling author, Steena continues to write stories that touch every parent’s heart in one way or another. 

CONNECT WITH STEENA: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram






Enter to win (1) print copy of Abby's Journey by Steena Holmes

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There's also a chance to win a copy on Goodreads, ends on March 2nd!





Check out the full tour schedule for more reviews, giveaways, guest posts and interviews! (Click on image below).


                                                                                                                                                                      

CONVERSATION

39 comments:

  1. Danielle H.February 15, 2017 at 1:25:00 PM EST

    I read a similar story, but it was the mother who was overprotective after losing her spouse and then fearing losing her daughter. I loved, loved that book so much. Now this book sounds so different and with more as far as self-discovery that I can't wait to lose myself within the pages and follow along on this character's journey.

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    1. justcommonlyFebruary 15, 2017 at 8:15:00 PM EST

      Danielle, you will love it. I suggest reading Saving Abby first, not necessary but I've enjoyed the whole experience.

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  2. Paula ShreckhiseFebruary 15, 2017 at 1:52:00 PM EST

    This sounds interesting.

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  3. Gail H.February 15, 2017 at 1:54:00 PM EST

    I read and reviewed Saving Abby so I'd love to read the sequel. Thanks for the opportunity!

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  4. Connie Porter SaundersFebruary 15, 2017 at 3:15:00 PM EST

    This sounds like a wonderful read. Thank you for this review.

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  5. Lucy Reynolds February 15, 2017 at 5:08:00 PM EST

    These sound like great reads. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. justcommonlyFebruary 15, 2017 at 8:17:00 PM EST

      Hi Lucy! I highly recommend! Saving Abby is also in my favorites list...giveaway coming soon!

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  6. diannekcFebruary 15, 2017 at 5:09:00 PM EST

    "Abby's Journey" sounds like a great read. Looking forward to reading.

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  7. Edye NicoleFebruary 16, 2017 at 8:21:00 PM EST

    Sounds really good! :D

    mia2009(at)comcast(dot)net

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  8. UnknownFebruary 17, 2017 at 12:49:00 PM EST

    This was an amazing book. I hope Steena continues to write about Abby. I love and adore her books!!!

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    1. justcommonlyFebruary 17, 2017 at 9:03:00 PM EST

      I know!! Saving Abby was my first Steena book, but I'm going to have to look up her others as well!

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  9. Donna HepburnFebruary 17, 2017 at 2:56:00 PM EST

    Looking forward to reading this one. I had received an ARC of Saving Abby and it had me in tears (being pregnant at the time didn't help!). Steena is such a heartfelt writer.

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  10. Heather J @ TLC Book ToursFebruary 17, 2017 at 3:02:00 PM EST

    I'm so glad you enjoyed this book as much as you did. Thanks for being a part of the tour!

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    1. justcommonlyFebruary 17, 2017 at 9:03:00 PM EST

      Thanks Heather for stopping in! I had a great time with this series!

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  11. Karen G.February 23, 2017 at 5:12:00 PM EST

    The author is new to me. Saving Abby and Abby's Journey sounds really, really interesting. Adding to my To Read Wish list.

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    1. justcommonlyFebruary 25, 2017 at 10:52:00 PM EST

      Awesome Karen. They had solidify Steena Holmes as an author I will anticipate her new releases! And I need to check out her previous works too!

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  12. Richard BrandtFebruary 25, 2017 at 9:50:00 PM EST

    I enjoy reading about journeys of discovery.

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    1. justcommonlyFebruary 25, 2017 at 10:53:00 PM EST

      Agree Richard! I think this and Saving Abby are great ones to look into. Thanks for stopping by!

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  13. MomOfTwoXYFebruary 27, 2017 at 7:23:00 PM EST

    I always love to hear other's thoughts on Steena's writing.

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  14. lovinlarger49February 27, 2017 at 8:18:00 PM EST

    I cannot wait to read Abby's Journey. I received a copy of Saving Abby from the NetGalley/publisher. Steena, captors the heart so well.

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  15. UnknownFebruary 27, 2017 at 8:36:00 PM EST

    SO happy to see Steena getting some attention! <3

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  16. UnknownFebruary 27, 2017 at 9:24:00 PM EST

    I was recently introduced to Steena Holmes. I look forward to reading her books. I've already got a few in my TBR pile! I'm almost glad that I haven't read Saving Abby yet. When I do then I won't have to wait on the sequel! Thanks for this great opportunity to win!

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    1. justcommonlyFebruary 28, 2017 at 8:43:00 PM EST

      Hahah. That is a good point Elizabeth! Sometimes I think like that. I'm waiting to get the full series of Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage to start. I currently have 3 of the 5!

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  17. GlendaleonaFebruary 27, 2017 at 10:49:00 PM EST

    Steena is an amazing author who always reach my heart!! Needless to say I enjoy her books. Love you Steena!❤

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  18. GlendaleonaFebruary 27, 2017 at 10:50:00 PM EST

    I am a very big fan of Sterna's writing! She always manages to touch my heart❤

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    1. justcommonlyFebruary 28, 2017 at 8:44:00 PM EST

      How awesome!! Saving Abby made me a fan. Abby's Journey solidify the "must read" part!

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  19. Susan @ The Book BagFebruary 28, 2017 at 9:47:00 AM EST

    I have Saving Abby on my Kindle and seeing this new Abby story out has put it at the top of my TBR list. This sounds like a wonderful, heartfelt story I can wait to dive into! Thanks for this giveaway!

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  20. joyeFebruary 28, 2017 at 1:54:00 PM EST

    I read one of your other books. This one sounds equally as good. I have added it to my TBR list
    jwisley(at)aol(dot)com

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  21. UnknownFebruary 28, 2017 at 10:00:00 PM EST

    Sounds like an engaging story. Looking forward to reading it.

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