Almost There by Laurel Garver

Goodreads Summary

Paris, the City of Lights. To seventeen-year-old Dani Deane, it's the Promised Land. There, her widowed mother’s depression will vanish and she will no longer fear losing her only parent, her arty New York life, or her devoted boyfriend.

But shortly before their Paris getaway, Dani’s tyrannical grandfather falls ill, pulling them to rural Pennsylvania to deal with his hoarder horror of a house. Among the piles, Dani finds disturbing truths that could make Mum completely unravel. Desperate to protect her from pain and escape to Paris, Dani hatches a plan with the flirtatious neighbor boy that only threatens the relationships she most wants to save. 

Why would God block all paths to Paris? Could real hope for healing be as close as a box tucked in the rafters?

My Thoughts

Get ready... I'm about to get kind of cheesy...

This book was so refreshing to read!  I have read so many really intense books, fantasy and scifi, super action packed and dramatic books... this was just what I needed.

Not that Almost There didn't have its serious, dramatic moments.  It did.  But, I guess there was just something about the writing that made it so refreshing to me.  I think I just really needed to read something different from what I have been reading lately.  I've been in a bit of a slump and this book was just what I needed.

I didn't know that there is a prequel to Almost There until after I finished reading it.  I was able to jump right into the story even without reading the first one though.  As far as the characters go, I really liked Dani and felt her pain, confusion, and need to help so much!  My heart ached for Dani's mom but I don't think I have great feelings toward her grandfather at all.  Her boyfriend, Theo, was sweet (most of the time) and I loved her friend, Heather!

There were references to God and church but none of it was shoved in your face (for those who don't like to read "religious" books) or anything like that.  It was just a wonderfully written book that came just when I needed it!  Thank you, Laurel Garver, for sending this book to me!

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.