Title: Larkin’s Letters and Ryan’s Letters
Author: Jax Jillian
Genre: Chick Lit, Romance
Re-Release Date: December 1, 2015
Tour Host: DRC Promotions
About The Books
"I left you something on the nightstand," she said.
"You did? What is it?"
"Just turn over and look," she pleaded.
He turned over to look, hesitantly, not wanting to look away from her. She always seemed to disappear every time he looked away. A manila envelope lay atop the white rustic nightstand and the word "Ryan" that was penned across the front was beckoning him. He glared at the envelope for just a moment before turning back to her. But she was gone.
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 leaves behind. Ryan worked hard to become one of Hollywood's most sought-after actors, but no matter how busy or 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 that he wouldn't let her die alone. But we learn that not all of our promises are within our control.
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Praise For Larkin’s Letters
This exquisitely written debut novel is one you should not pass up Drue Hoffman, DRC Promotions Just click it … that’s all I can say. Thank you Jax for sending this book; I can never repay you for something you gave me but had no idea you were giving. Amy, Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets I am speechless, utterly speechless. This book was phenomenal, and probably one of the best of this genre I have read in a long time. Kayla West, Amazon Reviewer Each letter is more beautiful and insightful as the next and will shatter you in a million beautiful different ways. Books Are Love After I read this amazing story it made me realize, how lucky we are to find our true love, our best friend and the person we can't breathe without. A loving memory stays with you forever. Books And Beyond Fifty Shades The beauty of this kind of books is that we as readers—at least me—find a common denominator with the plot and bring their own wishes to hold those last letters or being able to have that brief, yet amazing love affair with the love of your life before they left. Author Claudia Burgoa
Review: Larkin's Letters
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!
Paperback Giveaway For Larkin’s Letters
My dearest Larkin. Help me. I'm drowning. It has been almost eight months since the love of his life, Larkin, passed, and Ryan Boone has
tried to make good on his promise to her to keep living. The letters she left behind had helped him tremendously, but all of a sudden, he felt like he was drowning and only she could save him. The only way he could think to reach out to her was to write her letters, just like she did to him. He never thought that she would actually get them;
after all, she was gone. But when he sees her sitting on their private dune reading his letter, his grief would never be the same. Ryan's Letters, the sequel to Jax Jillian's first novel, Larkin's Letters, takes readers on a journey with Ryan Boone as he struggles to completely come to terms with his wife's death. That struggle becomes even harder when Larkin's ghost comes to visit him each time he writes to her. But when Lux, a beautiful new doctor, moves in next door and befriends Ryan, he must choose between Larkin's visits and a potential new love.
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Praise For Ryan’s Letters
In 2 books this amazing author has captured and portrayed the ultimate love story, one that is for a lifetime and beyond even when that lifetime is short. Drue Hoffman, DRC Promotions Very emotional and moving story that will stay with me that deserves more than 5 stars Lorena Garcia, Brittany's Book Blog I have no adequate words to describe this story, other than to say it is beautifully written and one that will stay with me for a long time. Nicole, My Book Filled Life This book is a must read and even a reread. The first book Larkin's letters torn my heart out. This book builds your spirit. Korena Kerner, Goodreads Review This book broke my heart wide open then slowly put it back together again. The author uses words in a manner that engages the readers emotions so intensely that you should have kleenex close by. Teri Lloyd, Sportochick’s Musings
Review: Ryan's Letters
Ryan's Letters is the much anticipated follow up novel for Larkin's Letters. A story that is totally devastating, it guts you into a crumbling heap on the floor. Ryan's Letters shows how dealing with the loss of a loved ones continues to be a mighty struggle each and every day. Throughout both books, the water or ocean symbolizes peace for both Ryan and Larkin. It is totally what he leans on after her death.
"I am at peace on the water. I spread your ashes over the water. It's where you are, so it's where I want to be."
Ryan continues to visit the same spot where he last saw her last and at the same exact times, the dunes outside of their house. This sacred spot. Ryan begins to write Larkin letters, expressing his feelings about her death and how he is dealing with it. This brings such comfort for him each and every day.
"I miss you. I find myself looking for you in every shadow, in every raindrop, in every ray of sun. I look for your smile among the clouds, and I look for your eyes amongst to stars."
However, he holds on to the letters she wrote him, reading them each day...hoping to bring her back to him, even after death...keeping her close.
"I am at peace on the water. I spread your ashes over the water. It's where you are, so it's where I want to be."
Ryan continues to visit the same spot where he last saw her last and at the same exact times, the dunes outside of their house. This sacred spot. Ryan begins to write Larkin letters, expressing his feelings about her death and how he is dealing with it. This brings such comfort for him each and every day.
"I miss you. I find myself looking for you in every shadow, in every raindrop, in every ray of sun. I look for your smile among the clouds, and I look for your eyes amongst to stars."
However, he holds on to the letters she wrote him, reading them each day...hoping to bring her back to him, even after death...keeping her close.
I'm going to keep this review short and sweet. I loved this book immensely. The topic dealt with in this book is hard no matter what. I believe that as you deal with death you hold on to everything, every letter, every piece of clothing, every blanket, every touch...EVERYTHING. Fear of letting go and not remembering the good times take over. In Ryan's Letters, he begins to let go. While letting go, he also finds a silver lining. There is someone else there who is dealing with the same thing. Lux...she is dealing with the same thing Ryan is and is needing him. Let others help you. Never deal with death alone. This book brings life realizations and lessons everyone needs to learn. No one can take your memories away. No one can take the happy times away. You will always have them...even after death. Embrace those thoughts, feelings, happy times. Those things will help you through the bad days.
Have tissues ready for this one. Although I thought I had made it through, I failed. Once the tears started falling, they didn't stop until completion. Jax Jillian, well done. You once again gripped my heart and squeezed. I said this after Larkin's Letters, if you don't cry when reading this book, then you have no humanity...no heart...no love...no compassion for life. I loved this one just as much as Larkin's.
*****
5 Stars
~Lynn
Paperback Giveaway For Ryan’s Letters
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Ryan's Letters
by Jax Jillian
Giveaway ends December 05, 2015.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
About The Author
Jax Jillian was born in Albuquerque, NM but before she turned a year old, her parents moved east to Harrisburg, PA where she was raised. After graduating high school in 1995, Jax attended La Salle University (1999, B.A., Communication), Temple University (2001, M.Ed, Sport & Recreation Administration), and Central Pennsylvania College (2005, A.A.S, Physical Therapist Assistant).
She settled in Philadelphia, PA with her husband and son before she became a writer. Jax found a passion for motion pictures at a young age when she remembers “getting lost” in films, and that passion ultimately led her down the path to writing. she loves “getting lost” in her writing and particularly loves writing heartfelt love stories with a touch of tragedy which she believes is the key to truly reaching readers.
Jax is the author of Larkin’s Letters and Ryan’s Letters, two contemporary romance novels that have seen early success from reviewers, with both averaging 4.8/5 stars on Amazon and Goodreads. She is currently writing her third novel and aspires to write a screenplay one day.
When not writing, she works full time as a physical therapist assistant and as a mom to her three-year-old son.
Connect With Jax
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