Synopsis: When 16-year-old Emmie releases a balloon with her biggest secret hidden inside, she doesn’t expect anyone to find it. When, a few weeks later, Lucas Moreau does just that, the two teens develop an instant rapport, going from trading emails to a deep and enduring friendship. Fourteen years later, Lucas asks Emmie to be his “best woman” at his upcoming wedding. Emmie accepts the honor but must face the fact that her long-simmering romantic feelings for Lucas can never be revealed.
My Review
Dear Emmie Blue was an August Goodreads book promotion from Amazon. In the mood for a light reading experience, I add Dear Emmie Blue to my library. Unfamiliar with author Lia Louis, I had no preconceptions about her work.
Nestled under my duvet, I escape to the U.K. where I am introduced to Emmie Blue.
Lia Louis’ debut novel Dear Emmie Blue is a lovely story through and through. Louis’ narrative focuses on fragile ties, loss, chance, connection, pain, love, and compassion. Dear Emmie Blue is based on a plot filled with humorous anecdotes and dramatic personalities. Louis’ star character Emmie tethers her heartstrings together after an act of betrayal.
Adrift, 16-year-old Emmie sets forth a balloon with her name and her secret attached. Unexpectedly, a kindred soul named Lucas spots her balloon on the beach. Lucas phones Emmie to let her know that he discovered Emmie’s balloon thousands of miles away in France. Emmie and Lucas become fast friends and establish a lifelong relationship. Initially, the pair communicate via email and the postal service. Lucas and Emmie bond over shared birthdays, jars of Marmite, and mixed CDs.
When Emmie meets Lucas and his brother Elliot, they welcome her into their lives. Emmie is adored by the boy’s parents as well. Without a family of her own, Emily carries scars from her childhood. Over time, Lucas and Elliot help Emmie understand that she is enough.
Celebrating their shared birthday Lucas and 30-year-old Emmie meet at a favorite restaurant. Hopeful seated comfortably next to Lucas, Emmie eagerly awaits a proposal from him. Instead, Lucas asks Emmie to be his “best woman” at his upcoming wedding. Lucas is to be married to Marie his former girlfriend. Devasted by his unrequited love, Emmie falters. Disquieted, Emmie disappears into the ladies room where shedding tears she reflects
Because I know, deep down, I am made of strong stuff. Rebuilt with it, at least the way we all are, over the years with age and experience, skin thickening, heart softening, patched up double in the places prone to breakage. A sum of all these things that have hurt us, scared us, sheltered us, and delighted us. And that’s what Lucas is to me, I suppose. Delight, yes, of course. But shelter. Safety.
Which is how Emmie grasps that she will accept Lucas’s request and serve as his “best woman.”
Dear Emmie Blue is a story with hidden truths and unintended consequences.
Resilient Emmie possesses a kind heart and a gentle disposition that allows her to reevaluate the past and glance at a brighter future.
Read Dear Emmie Blue to find out more about this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5-star endearing tale.
Featured Photo Courtesy Of Joshua Barnett Creative Commons
