Sassy Southern Book Affair: Blog Tour & Review for Larkin's Letters by Jax Jillian

Book Title - Larkin’s Letters

Author - Jax Jillian

Publisher - Tate Publishing

Genre - Contemporary Romance

As Ryan Boone struggles to come to grips with not being able to keep a promise he made to his dying wife, Larkin's Letters propels readers into the mind of Ryan as he struggles with frequent visits from her ghost and a series of letters she left behind.

Ryan has worked hard to become one of Hollywood's most sought-after actors, but no matter how famous he became, he always remained loyal to his childhood best friend, Larkin James. When Larkin is diagnosed with leukemia, Ryan sacrifices his career to be by her side and in turn realizes how much he had always loved her. Throughout Larkin's sickness, Ryan promised her he would never let her die alone. But we learn that not all of our promises are always within our control.

Reviewed by Lynn
*****

I'm not even quite sure where to begin with this book. I know I can say this without a doubt, if you don't cry when reading this book then you have absolutely no humanity. This book really hit home with me because I had a good friend who passed away from cancer shortly after I finished reading this book. It was so very difficult to put myself in his wife's place, having to mourn, and finding a way to move forward in life without him. Granted, they had two kids together so she really didn't have any other choice. She had to keep going and being strong for her boys. However, no matter how strong you are, you always need those around you to lift you up when you stumble and fall.

Ryan Boone has worked incredibly hard to become a successful actor. He has made a name for himself in the film industry and is currently one of the most sought after actors. He has everything he could have ever wanted; wealth, success, fame, women- you name it. Though their lives are worlds apart, he has never once forgotten his best friend, his lullabye; his Larkin.

Larkin is a nurse at a hospital, but her true passion has always been writing. Her husband, Chris, doesn't understand her dreams of becoming a published author and sees it more as a hobby than anything. The only one who understands her and supports her is Ryan. Late at night when Ryan can't sleep, he will call Larkin and she will read the manuscript she has been working on until he is able to sleep. He could be on the other side of the world, but it doesn't matter. No matter what, Larkin is always there to answer the phone. They're bond is like no other. It is unbreakable. They are, and always will be there for each other.

"Do you think time can be timeless? Probably anyone you ask would say no. I would have said the same thing. But these past couple of months, I have tried my hardest to turn that answer to the question into a yes. After all, love can be loveless. Sensibility can be senseless. Morality can be virtueless. So then, why not? Why can't time be timeless? It's a long shot, I know. I guess that is why we have memories. Our memories are what makes time timeless, don't you think? Time is something, I think, everyone takes for granted. It is a gift, a privilege. Time is something we should mature and care for like it is a child. Time isn't just how it is defined above. It is also, most importantly, the best medicine we could ever have. And as you continue to read these letters, and from here on after, I want you to remember one thing: TIME HEALS WHAT REASON CANNOT."

When Larkin finds out that she has been diagnosed with leukemia, she knows that her life will never be the same. Some things happen for a reason, and maybe there is a light at the end of this grim tunnel. Her relationship with Ryan grows stronger as she becomes weaker. He becomes her strength when she can't stand. He gives her reason to fight this horrifying battle because she knows she won't ever have to fight alone.

"If I am not so lucky as to beat this, if I don't live, promise me that you'll live on for me. Promise me you will live the most incredible life, meet the most incredible people, see the most incredible places, and make the most incredible movies. And lastly, promise me you will stop all this nonsenical dating that you do and fall in love with someone that you can't imagine living without her. Life is not incomplete without love. Find it, catch it, hold onto it, and never let it go."

This story is written through Ryan's eyes as he discovers letters that Larkin had written to him during their time together. Through these letters, we are able to go back in time and see things from Larkin's point of view from the time she was diagnosed, leading until she took her last breath. Throughout the letters Larkin focuses on several things: time, love, courage and life. Through it all, Larkin remains a strong tower and lets go of something that is so very dear to her only to find it to come back…stronger and more unconditional. “Our bond is bottomless, timeless, and effortless.” They say that when you stare into the eyes of death, you finally learn to appreciate and respect the life you have been given. Larkin made me see that. Our time here on Earth is a gift that should never be taken for granted. Our tomorrows are never guaranteed, so live today like it is your last.

"All I ask is that you give me today so I can prove to you that I'm your tomorrow."

This superbly written debut novel is one you should not pass up, even with the sadness it makes you feel, that connection. You just can't help feeling what Larkin and Ryan felt for each other and the feelings they have at what is happening to them, this novel overflows with emotions and that is why it has earned a 5 Star rating from me, when a book can make me feel all the emotions as the characters do, it deserves 5 Stars!

Took my breath away many times over and over...gave this to you for Christmas you put it in your office on the wall....I felt like the world had given me a gift.....wanted so long....

Jax Jillian introduces her first novel, Larkin’s Letters, which was inspired by her love for modern day love stories. A graduate of La Salle University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, she also received an Associate’s Degree for Physical Therapy Assistant from Central Pennsylvania College. She currently works as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Philadelphia, PA, where she lives with her husband and baby son.

CONNECT WITH JAX

Email jaxjillian@gmail.com

Blog http://jaxjill.wordpress.com/

Twitter @jaxjillian

Website http://jaxjillian.tateauthor.com/

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/JaxJillian

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7089784.Jax_Jillian