Sadness… Tears: Yes, there were some. Happiness: a lot. Hope: Plenty. Love: overflowing. These are the feelings and emotions that stood out reading Left to Love, the continuation of The Next Door Boys by Jolene Perry.

I looked forward to what would happen to Leigh and Brian’s love story and I was so happy with how it continued but I wasn’t prepared for the events that transpired next. I felt sad and scared for Leigh because for how long did she try to step out of the shadow of her sickness. Then it just suddenly comes spiraling back down. I was broken-hearted for her. How could this happen to her? At the same time, I felt frustrated with Leigh when she kept pushing people away especially Brian.  Bri, I was also broken-hearted for him, he’s so lost and didn’t know what to do to make her feel better. And I loved him for doing whatever he can to help Leigh, and he never once gave up and left her side. I admired them both for how they pushed through and fought the battle together.

Then you also have the adorable Nathan; he brought so much happiness to the story. He’s just so cute.

What I also loved in this book was that Leigh’s family and the people around her never left her side and never loosed hope and they really did their best to make her happy. 

This second book dug deeper. It was highly emotional than the first. Some tears fell and I was overwhelmed with a lot of emotions. If you’re an emotional person or you’re a softy, prepare some tissues while reading this. I really liked this as much as the first. This is just so full of love, love , and more love. I am now an official Jolene Perry fan.

What got my attention about this novel was its nice book cover. Sometimes I’m like that I read a book because the cover caught my attention…

I didn’t know that there would be a whole lot of religious things going on in this novel. (They are Mormons.) So, when I found that out, I was a bit apprehensive of how this would affect me reading the story because I’m not one. But hey, this definitely didn’t affect my liking of the story. In fact, it was a good thing; it added a different element in the story that we don’t usually get in other YA novels.

I totally loved the characters in this book.  They are well developed.  I especially loved Leigh. She has a strong spirit and after being sick she doesn’t want to depend much on other people. She wanted to be independent and do things she usually does before. And it’s just so funny how she seemed oblivious that boys are not just being friendly but that they do actually like her. 

Plus, the romance thing... I have a liking to relationships that start out as a friendship thing; one that grows gradually.  

And, having a brother myself, I enjoyed Leigh and Jaron’s moments together. I admired their closeness. 

This is a story about moving forward and finding independence, about love, faith, family, friendship, and a whole lot more. It is inspirational, sweet, romantic, and fun to read.

•  Wonderwall - Oasis
•  "Because maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me. And after all, you're my wonderwall"
• Nothing Like You and I - The Perishers
  "We spent some time together walking
  Spent some time just talking about who we were"
  Stronger - Britney Spears
  "Stronger than yesterday. Now there's nothing but my way. My loneliness ain't killing me no more, I'm stronger."
  Here in My Life - Hillsong United
  "You are my freedom, Jesus You're the reason, I'm kneeling again at Your throne. Where will I be without You here in my life?