Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

Book review #58
Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler
Rating: Five stars
Summary:

Things in Delilah Hannaford's life have a tendency to fall apart.

She used to be a good student, but she can't seem to keep it together anymore. Her "boyfriend" isn't much of a boyfriend. And her mother refuses to discuss the fight that divided their family eight years ago. Falling apart, it seems, is a Hannaford tradition.
Over a summer of new friendships, unexpected romance, and moments that test the complex bonds between mothers and daughters, Delilah must face her family's painful past. Can even her most shattered relationships be pieced together again?
 
I honestly have no idea where to begin. Twenty Boy Summer was one of my all time favorite books, so I was nervous that Fixing Delilah wouldn't be as good. Boy was I wrong. Fixing Delilah left me speechless, it's definitely going onto my favorite books list. Better yet I can confirm that Sarah Ockler is without a doubt an amazing author. She has a way to put all my favorite things into one book. Fixing Delilah had everything from romance, mystery, to family relationships.Ockler really knows how to balance everything creating the perfect blend.
 
Delilah has had a very rough year and to top it all off she's being forced to spend the summer in her old hometown to help plan for her grandmother's funeral. After both her grandparents died and with her aunt dead, she was only one of the three Hannafords left. Right after her grandfather died, her mother packed up and moved to Red Falls. Delilah never knew why she had to leave her hometown behind. Eight years later she's back and she's determined to uncover the truth. 

The characters were perfect. If wanted to pick characters to read about it I would chose this cast. There's Emily who is the nice outgoing good friend that Delilah's never had. Then there's the Hannaford sisters. Family is really important to me. I know all about crazy family secrets and sister rivalries. It was so refreshing to see family play such an important part in the book. I loved see how the siblings interacted with each other. Of course Patrick was my absolute favorite. Delilah and Patrick grew up together and now eight years later they realized they have feelings for each other. Childhood best friends turned lovers are just my type of romance :) It was so pure and real. Lastly there was Delilah herself. She has a had a tough time lately, transforming from a  good girl into who knows what. Her friendships are falling apart, her love life isn't any better, and to top it all off the family mystery is driving her crazy. But the moment she steps back into Red Falls everything changes...
 
Sarah Ockler sure does know how to write a love scene! The chemistry and interactions between the two can be compared to scenes written by Simone Elkeles and Jennifer Echols. It made those who haven't experienced those feelings longing to fall in love. Not only does she know how to write a love scene, but her writing over all is impeccable. There were so many memorable quotes and verses. The lines flew effortless almost off the page. I was so engrossed in what was going on, I had forgotten everything I had to do that day. Fixing Delilah became the number one thing on my mind.
 
I almost forgot about the setting of the book. Red Falls is even better than a summery beach town. It's small and a place I would love to spend my summer at. The descriptions were so vivid, I felt like I knew my way around town.
 
For those of you exciting for Fixing Delilah to be released, get even more excited! It definitely won't disappoint. Fans of Twenty Boy Summer are guaranteed to fall in love. Realism, coming of age, romance, and the added family tension makes this one unforgettable read. I'm anxiously awaiting for the release date as well, so I can get a copy of my own.

16 comments:

Kelley Vitollo said...

*sigh* Man I want this book. I LoVED Twenty Boy Summer. I think you're the one who recced it to me! She's a brilliant writer who definitely knows how to stire emotions. I will be picking this up the second its released!

Mariana S said...

I love the way she writes, I really liked Twenty Boy Summer and I definetely want to read this one. Great Review!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sara! Wow, thanks so much for the great review. I'm glad you loved Delilah and the whole crazy Hannaford family! :-)

Sincerely,
Sarah Ockler

mary kate said...

I haven't read Twenty Boy Summer but I heard great things about it. This looks amazing! I can't wait to read it! Awesome Review!

Mariam Maarouf said...

OMG WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN??

Ahem. Toning it down.

Super awesome review, left me wanting to read it, even tho the summary didn't REALLY attract me.

Melissa (i swim for oceans) said...

I am so so excited for this book, Sara, and your review just makes me even more so! Brilliant review :)

Dwayne said...

Lovely review! One of my blockmates is a Hannaford, actually. Lol:)

Brittany said...

Glad you liked this, I will certainly have to check this out, and Twenty Boy Summer! Thanks for the review.

Anonymous said...

Great review, Sara! I want to read Fixing Delilah SOOOOOOOOO badly, and I also want to read Twenty Boy summer. Both I hear are amazing!

Rowena said...

Yay! I'm glad to see that you really enjoyed this one. I read Twenty Boy Summer not too long ago and this has been on my radar ever since. I'm glad to see that this book is just as great. Thanks for the review.

Anonymous said...

Awesome review! I am so looking forward to reading this book. Glad you loved it. :)

Anonymous said...

Great review. I haven't read my copy of Twenty Boy Summer yet. I should put it higher up the pile so I can move on to Fixing Delilah.

alisonwonderland said...

Great review! I picked up Twenty Boy Summer from the library today, and I'm looking forward to reading it this weekend for the read-a-thon.

Dazzling Mage said...

I haven't read any of Ockler's books yet, but I love the synopsis for this book! Awesome review. =)

Bere said...

Oh goodness! Brilliant review, as always, Sara! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed this one. And it makes me all the more excited to get a copy. I loved Twenty Boy Summer too. Can't wait for Fixing Delilah. Thanks so much, Sara! =)

Loraine said...

Great review! Here's mine if you don't mind: http://lorxiebookreviews.blogspot.com/2013/02/fixing-delilah-by-sarah-ockler.html

Thanks AND have a nice day! =D