Reviews

When A Light in the Forest opens, Vega Jones is living with her young son and boyfriend Zach. Her mother has died recently, and Vega feels adrift and trapped in an abusive relationship. She musters the courage to leave and heads with her son to the small rural Ohio town her mother left years ago for reasons unknown to Vega.

I liked Vega's character and was happy to see her grow in tenacity and courage in ways she didn't think she had in her. She is supported by shop owner Eve as well as Carl and Mary, and local nice guy Heff. But the community also harbors residents who are extremely (and perhaps stereotypically rural SE Ohio) homophobic and hostile.

I did find some of the writing choppy and repetitive, even a bit preachy at times. The story arc was somewhat predictable as well. But I love stories of found family and second chances, and this one checks that box easily with warmth and tenderness.

Possible triggers: domestic violence, sexual abuse, animal cruelty, homophobia, near-death experience

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my complimentary ebook of A Light in the Forest.

3iii8v's review against another edition

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4.0

Sort of started reading this book knowing I had other stuff to do, but every time I went to get up, another little twist kept my interest. Until lastly, I just fell in love with the ending, and it tied up all the loose ends in a beautiful bow!

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

cdlindley4's review against another edition

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4.0

Listened to on Audible. Great story. Narration was not the best.

charlihammond's review against another edition

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4.0

Great book. Loved the characters especially Heff. Reminds me of Glendy Vanderah.

dchumphrey213's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

mooshroomx's review against another edition

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5.0

The amount of love I have for this book is indescribable

mckenziemartines's review against another edition

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1.0

Hey did you know Eve had a near death experience????? There were way too many references to her NDE. It ruined an otherwise good story for me. And the narrator?? What a grating irritating voice.

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