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My Life as an Album #1
My Life As A Country Album
From award-winning author LJ Evans comes an emotional, small-town, first-love romance between a feisty, dive queen and her football god of a neighbor…
“You were my only wish. My only dream come true. But what if I couldn’t keep you?”
Dive queen Cam Swayne refuses to give up on her destiny. For as long as she can remember, her heart has belonged to the dreamy boy-next-door. But despite their lifelong friendship, the three years separating them is an insurmountable hurdle for a high-school romance.
Until one summer night, when everything changes and Jake finally sees her for the woman she’s become.
Can Cam’s sheer determination keep them together when college, illness, and fate come calling? Or will she be left to pick up the pieces without him?
Inspired by Taylor Swift’s “Begin Again,” My Life as a Country Album is the first heartfelt standalone novel in the My Life as an Album series. If you like unforgettable connections, emotional journeys, and beautiful prose, then you just might adore LJ Evans’ bittersweet, diary-style tale.
Warning: tears may fall…
Also available in the My Life as an Album series box set with exclusive content.
“You were my only wish. My only dream come true. But what if I couldn’t keep you?”
Dive queen Cam Swayne refuses to give up on her destiny. For as long as she can remember, her heart has belonged to the dreamy boy-next-door. But despite their lifelong friendship, the three years separating them is an insurmountable hurdle for a high-school romance.
Until one summer night, when everything changes and Jake finally sees her for the woman she’s become.
Can Cam’s sheer determination keep them together when college, illness, and fate come calling? Or will she be left to pick up the pieces without him?
Inspired by Taylor Swift’s “Begin Again,” My Life as a Country Album is the first heartfelt standalone novel in the My Life as an Album series. If you like unforgettable connections, emotional journeys, and beautiful prose, then you just might adore LJ Evans’ bittersweet, diary-style tale.
Warning: tears may fall…
Also available in the My Life as an Album series box set with exclusive content.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2017
About the author
L.J. Evans
27 books1,225 followersAward winning author, LJ Evans, lives in Northern California with her husband, child, and the three terrors called cats. She's been writing, almost as a compulsion, since she was a little girl and will often pull the car over to write when a song lyric strikes her. A former first-grade teacher, she now spends her days reading and writing, as well as binge-watching original shows like Ted Lasso, Wednesday, Veronica Mars and Stranger Things.
If you ask her the one thing she won’t do, it’s pretty much anything that involves dirt—sports, gardening, or otherwise. But she loves to write about all of those things, and her first published heroine was pretty much involved with dirt on a daily basis. Which is exactly what LJ loves about fiction novels—the characters can be everything you’re not and still make their way into your heart.
Find out more about LJ and her books at www.ljevansbooks.com
If you ask her the one thing she won’t do, it’s pretty much anything that involves dirt—sports, gardening, or otherwise. But she loves to write about all of those things, and her first published heroine was pretty much involved with dirt on a daily basis. Which is exactly what LJ loves about fiction novels—the characters can be everything you’re not and still make their way into your heart.
Find out more about LJ and her books at www.ljevansbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
October 24, 2022
"You kissed me, reaching down to the depths of my heart where you'd forever claimed every last tile on the walls of my soul."
^ Me, once I got to THAT chapter. You know the one.
I'm so grateful Jenn has been encouraging me to try this book for a solid year now, because it was just what I needed over the past week. You know those books that induce an ugly cry, the kind that cleanse your soul and allow you to feel healed once you can squint past your puffy eyes and function again? That is exactly the powerful level of healing that My Life As A Country Album provided for this reader. Bonus: the audiobook is exceptional, and this says a lot coming from a born and bred southern peach who is typically very picky about southern accents in narrators.
From the beginning, you know that something drastic will happen, but I'm just not sure I had a clue where this would go. That said, L.J. Evans is brilliant and takes the reader step by step through coming of age, young love, trials and tribulations, right on to happily ever after. This is definitely an angsty, all the feels type of novel, which I love, and I adored getting to know the side characters that will be featured in future novels as well. There's just this comforting, humble atmosphere to the series, and I am delighted to know that I get to dive back into this place many more times before the close of the series. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a heartwarming tearjerker with gritty, lovable characters.
^ Me, once I got to THAT chapter. You know the one.
I'm so grateful Jenn has been encouraging me to try this book for a solid year now, because it was just what I needed over the past week. You know those books that induce an ugly cry, the kind that cleanse your soul and allow you to feel healed once you can squint past your puffy eyes and function again? That is exactly the powerful level of healing that My Life As A Country Album provided for this reader. Bonus: the audiobook is exceptional, and this says a lot coming from a born and bred southern peach who is typically very picky about southern accents in narrators.
From the beginning, you know that something drastic will happen, but I'm just not sure I had a clue where this would go. That said, L.J. Evans is brilliant and takes the reader step by step through coming of age, young love, trials and tribulations, right on to happily ever after. This is definitely an angsty, all the feels type of novel, which I love, and I adored getting to know the side characters that will be featured in future novels as well. There's just this comforting, humble atmosphere to the series, and I am delighted to know that I get to dive back into this place many more times before the close of the series. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a heartwarming tearjerker with gritty, lovable characters.
August 12, 2021
"So…that’s what I did. I wrote this story for you. Yet another thing I’ve done in my life for you. She says it’s not for you whenever I tell her that. She says it’s for me. But I don’t see that. I want you to know out there wherever you are that this is still about you."
OK, so...it's Saturday night and I just finished this book. And I'm crying. I'm actually bawling. I'm wondering if it's ridiculous, and I realize that I don't care. I usually don’t read reviews before buying a book, but I wish someone had spoiled this one for me. I'm not sure I would have bought it if I knew what it was about.
It feels way too real for me.
I'm going to try and keep this as spoiler-free as possible, which is why I'm not adding a lot of quotes here, even though the start of the book contains the biggest spoiler. I will add some spoilers, but I will let you know when I do. Read at your own discretion, if you want to.
"All I know is that I love you. I’ve loved you my whole life. This is where I belong. This is home."
This story behind this book is Taylor Swift's "Mary's Song". If you haven't heard it, have a listen, even if you're not a TS fan. I think it gives you a better insight of what this is about.
The people in this story are Cam and Jake. The book goes all the way back to when they were children, until present day. They've been together forever. They've been friends forever, their parents are friends, they live next door to each other and share a treehouse. They share everything. They're mostly perfect together.
However, Jake is three years older than Cam, and three years can be a lifetime sometimes. Everything's relative, including your age.
So Cam is definitely in love with him, and Jake is being an idiot and dating girls his own age, without thinking of Cam "that way". She's the friend, and nothing else. Since the story is told diary-style, we only get Cam's point of view of everything, but I think this love was mutual from the get-go. It had been for a very long time, in the smallest of details.
When Jake becomes a Type 1 Diabetic, Cam is there, just like she was there for his football games, and just like she's been there all his life, every step of the way. There were times when I wanted to punch Jake in the face, because it was so obvious how she felt, and he was so clueless it infuriated me.
One night, that cluelessness is gone, and he finally understands what he has. OK, it takes more than just one night because he's still sort of an idiot, but they get there eventually. And yes, it's sweet, and it's heartwarming, and it's everything you'll ever want. Their time together is just incredible.
But life sucks, and has a way of not only stabbing you with a knife, but twisting it afterwards, you know?
Finally, there is a HEA. It may not be the one you're thinking, but it's there. And it's worth it. And look, I don't regret buying this book, even if my eyes are swollen tomorrow and I'll be thinking about it for a while.
"“I want you always to remember that I love you right now for who you are. For all you’ve been through. But I also want you to realize that I never, ever want to take Jake’s place. Your love for him is there. Will always be."
If there is something to be taken from this book, it's that life is short. Too short not to tell someone you love them, even if you know they won't say it back. Too short to spend one minute without the people you love, because they won't always be there. And life's not a book, so maybe not everyone gets their HEA in the end.
My favorite quote:
"And I know, somewhere out there in the stars in the Delphinus constellation, you are thinking that it’s good too, and that you are happy that I am happy. And for right now. That’s enough."
P.S. There is a novella that gives a bit more insight to the story after this book. It's called My Life With Cam and it's available if you buy the box set for this series.
OK, so...it's Saturday night and I just finished this book. And I'm crying. I'm actually bawling. I'm wondering if it's ridiculous, and I realize that I don't care. I usually don’t read reviews before buying a book, but I wish someone had spoiled this one for me. I'm not sure I would have bought it if I knew what it was about.
It feels way too real for me.
I'm going to try and keep this as spoiler-free as possible, which is why I'm not adding a lot of quotes here, even though the start of the book contains the biggest spoiler. I will add some spoilers, but I will let you know when I do. Read at your own discretion, if you want to.
"All I know is that I love you. I’ve loved you my whole life. This is where I belong. This is home."
This story behind this book is Taylor Swift's "Mary's Song". If you haven't heard it, have a listen, even if you're not a TS fan. I think it gives you a better insight of what this is about.
The people in this story are Cam and Jake. The book goes all the way back to when they were children, until present day. They've been together forever. They've been friends forever, their parents are friends, they live next door to each other and share a treehouse. They share everything. They're mostly perfect together.
However, Jake is three years older than Cam, and three years can be a lifetime sometimes. Everything's relative, including your age.
So Cam is definitely in love with him, and Jake is being an idiot and dating girls his own age, without thinking of Cam "that way". She's the friend, and nothing else. Since the story is told diary-style, we only get Cam's point of view of everything, but I think this love was mutual from the get-go. It had been for a very long time, in the smallest of details.
When Jake becomes a Type 1 Diabetic, Cam is there, just like she was there for his football games, and just like she's been there all his life, every step of the way. There were times when I wanted to punch Jake in the face, because it was so obvious how she felt, and he was so clueless it infuriated me.
One night, that cluelessness is gone, and he finally understands what he has. OK, it takes more than just one night because he's still sort of an idiot, but they get there eventually. And yes, it's sweet, and it's heartwarming, and it's everything you'll ever want. Their time together is just incredible.
But life sucks, and has a way of not only stabbing you with a knife, but twisting it afterwards, you know?
Finally, there is a HEA. It may not be the one you're thinking, but it's there. And it's worth it. And look, I don't regret buying this book, even if my eyes are swollen tomorrow and I'll be thinking about it for a while.
"“I want you always to remember that I love you right now for who you are. For all you’ve been through. But I also want you to realize that I never, ever want to take Jake’s place. Your love for him is there. Will always be."
If there is something to be taken from this book, it's that life is short. Too short not to tell someone you love them, even if you know they won't say it back. Too short to spend one minute without the people you love, because they won't always be there. And life's not a book, so maybe not everyone gets their HEA in the end.
My favorite quote:
"And I know, somewhere out there in the stars in the Delphinus constellation, you are thinking that it’s good too, and that you are happy that I am happy. And for right now. That’s enough."
P.S. There is a novella that gives a bit more insight to the story after this book. It's called My Life With Cam and it's available if you buy the box set for this series.
June 30, 2021
4.5 stars
*cue the sobs* Okay, so this one got me. I thought I was going to be okay. I read this was a tear jerker but I had been doing really good about not crying. Then I got to that part and bawled. Honestly, I didn't know that would happen and I still don't know how I feel about it. I'm glad I went into the book blind, but I felt some kind of way about the way everything went down.
I adored the young adult chapters and watching Cam and Jake fall in love. Cam as a kid was hilarious and this was great coming of age story. I honestly can't believe this is the authors debut novel beause she knocked it out of the park. It was my first LJ Evans book but won't be my last! I bought the audio bundle of all 4 books in this series so I'll be getting to those soon. Also need to add the narration is amazing!
If you're looking for a book about first loves and one that will give you all the feels check this out! I loved the TS lyrics at the start of each chapter so many of the characters were wonderful and memorable. Honestly, it might have been a 5 star for me if Highly recommend this one!
"You've always been more his than mine."
*cue the sobs* Okay, so this one got me. I thought I was going to be okay. I read this was a tear jerker but I had been doing really good about not crying. Then I got to that part and bawled. Honestly, I didn't know that would happen and I still don't know how I feel about it. I'm glad I went into the book blind, but I felt some kind of way about the way everything went down.
I adored the young adult chapters and watching Cam and Jake fall in love. Cam as a kid was hilarious and this was great coming of age story. I honestly can't believe this is the authors debut novel beause she knocked it out of the park. It was my first LJ Evans book but won't be my last! I bought the audio bundle of all 4 books in this series so I'll be getting to those soon. Also need to add the narration is amazing!
If you're looking for a book about first loves and one that will give you all the feels check this out! I loved the TS lyrics at the start of each chapter so many of the characters were wonderful and memorable. Honestly, it might have been a 5 star for me if Highly recommend this one!
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4.5 stars
Narrators: Sarah Puckett
Narration Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Romance (YA/NA)
Length: 10h 17m
May 12, 2021
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 4.25 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
edit days later: so apparently this was this author DEBUT novel and I honestly can’t believe it. this has been one of my favorite reads this year. wow.
okay listen, i’m not okay. I absolutely loved this. I pulled an all-nighter cause I just couldn’t stop reading!!!! first book by this author and I’m so gonna read the next ones!
if you like childhood best friends-to-lovers, neighbors/parents-are-best-friends, teen drama (not super angsty), small age gap (3 years), southern small town, tomboy h and football star H, Taylor Swift old songs and emotional stories, you are gonna LOVE this.
this is written like a letter from cam to jake telling their story since birth, basically. It was so sweet and I really feel like I lived THE high school summer love/heartbreak I never had.
I WOULD STOP HERE AND GO READ IT. THIS IS KIND OF SPOILER-Y AND CAN MAKE YOU EXPECT WHAT HAPPENS SO PLEASE STOP HERE OR JUST GO IN BLIND :) if you don’t mind being a bit spoiled then go ahead
I wasn’t expecting to like this one so much. I was totally giddy the first part. I was just so into it. Since the very beginning there are hints about what’s gonna happen, but like... I’m not a pessimist (not in books...well just sometimes) so I was a expecting a Hail Mary u know? I thought it was going to be like an anniversary letter gift or something. Color me surprised when we reached THAT scene. oh my god. i bawled. Not sure if I was just playing stupid or me being super emotional yesterday had something to do with the fact that I BAWLED like a baby. After that, I kinda expected it to be him. I actually thought they were gonna happen instead of Seth, but I remembered the age gap at that time.
I loved the side characters and how it was written. Okay, we NEED to talk about the writing cause this is my first one written like that and I LOVED IT, top notch *chef’s kiss* loved it. And how an old Taylor Swift song was incorporated every chapter and that chapter was based off of that song??? AMAZING. loved it. I listened to the playlist and just replayed the song that the chapter was called after during that chapter. And it was an experience. THE LAST ONE hit hard.
I’m happy for how it ended I really am, but I just couldn’t help but bawl every time I thought about everything. This one was a good one, it was exactly what I needed.
I was ready to give it 5 stars, this is the closest book that has come to 5 stars this year (I still haven’t give 5 star rating to a book this year), but I didn’t because:
- I Knew You Were Trouble chapter. Didn’t like it as much. It was too cliché for me. This book is pretty cliché but that was too much.
- Jake and Cam relationship at the end didn’t seem exactly healthy with all the codependency. I think it was purposefully written like that, but I didn’t like it too much.
- It rubbed me the wrong way when Cam said that she felt relieved she didn’t need to watch what she eat anymore. I can’t imagine what that was like, but idk... it felt wrong.
- The very end. I loved the wrap up, but I just needed a teeny-tiny bit more of closure. I know it was as much for jake as it was for cam, but I needed a proper end like a “thank you” or something. It has that but it’s too abrupt, idkkkk😩😩
I think I should lower the rating to 4.25 stars but I just really loved it, so I’ll just leave it like it is (I did change it lol). I highly recommend this book, I’m so SO excited to read this series, I just hope my heart is not dead with all the punches by the end of it.
edit days later: so apparently this was this author DEBUT novel and I honestly can’t believe it. this has been one of my favorite reads this year. wow.
okay listen, i’m not okay. I absolutely loved this. I pulled an all-nighter cause I just couldn’t stop reading!!!! first book by this author and I’m so gonna read the next ones!
if you like childhood best friends-to-lovers, neighbors/parents-are-best-friends, teen drama (not super angsty), small age gap (3 years), southern small town, tomboy h and football star H, Taylor Swift old songs and emotional stories, you are gonna LOVE this.
this is written like a letter from cam to jake telling their story since birth, basically. It was so sweet and I really feel like I lived THE high school summer love/heartbreak I never had.
I WOULD STOP HERE AND GO READ IT. THIS IS KIND OF SPOILER-Y AND CAN MAKE YOU EXPECT WHAT HAPPENS SO PLEASE STOP HERE OR JUST GO IN BLIND :) if you don’t mind being a bit spoiled then go ahead
I wasn’t expecting to like this one so much. I was totally giddy the first part. I was just so into it. Since the very beginning there are hints about what’s gonna happen, but like... I’m not a pessimist (not in books...well just sometimes) so I was a expecting a Hail Mary u know? I thought it was going to be like an anniversary letter gift or something. Color me surprised when we reached THAT scene. oh my god. i bawled. Not sure if I was just playing stupid or me being super emotional yesterday had something to do with the fact that I BAWLED like a baby. After that, I kinda expected it to be him. I actually thought they were gonna happen instead of Seth, but I remembered the age gap at that time.
I loved the side characters and how it was written. Okay, we NEED to talk about the writing cause this is my first one written like that and I LOVED IT, top notch *chef’s kiss* loved it. And how an old Taylor Swift song was incorporated every chapter and that chapter was based off of that song??? AMAZING. loved it. I listened to the playlist and just replayed the song that the chapter was called after during that chapter. And it was an experience. THE LAST ONE hit hard.
I’m happy for how it ended I really am, but I just couldn’t help but bawl every time I thought about everything. This one was a good one, it was exactly what I needed.
I was ready to give it 5 stars, this is the closest book that has come to 5 stars this year (I still haven’t give 5 star rating to a book this year), but I didn’t because:
- I Knew You Were Trouble chapter. Didn’t like it as much. It was too cliché for me. This book is pretty cliché but that was too much.
- Jake and Cam relationship at the end didn’t seem exactly healthy with all the codependency. I think it was purposefully written like that, but I didn’t like it too much.
- It rubbed me the wrong way when Cam said that she felt relieved she didn’t need to watch what she eat anymore. I can’t imagine what that was like, but idk... it felt wrong.
- The very end. I loved the wrap up, but I just needed a teeny-tiny bit more of closure. I know it was as much for jake as it was for cam, but I needed a proper end like a “thank you” or something. It has that but it’s too abrupt, idkkkk😩😩
I think I should lower the rating to 4.25 stars but I just really loved it, so I’ll just leave it like it is (I did change it lol). I highly recommend this book, I’m so SO excited to read this series, I just hope my heart is not dead with all the punches by the end of it.
March 24, 2021
I didn’t enjoy this
I would like to start out by saying that I started this knowing that the hero dies. That isn’t my issue. My issues is that the reason I read this is because I was in the mood for a truly devoted couple. A real love story. What I got was an author who wrote a girl who should have been kicka$$ but instead was just another doormat. This wasn’t some amazing hero, this wasn’t an amazing love story. This was a story with a hero who knew a girl was in love with him, and supposedly he with her. But he constantly shoved other girls in her face. Constantly. They even finally get together around 45/50% of the way through the book and he suddenly breaks up with her “for her own good” when he goes off to college. So what does he start immediacy doing? Going back to dating and screwing other girls at school (posting in socially media making it obvious etc). Then to make it over the top worse, what happens? He starts bringing home his friend with benefits when he visits home. He tries to say she’s she just a friend when the heroine calls her his girlfriend, but when she asks if they are sleeping together he admits they are. This all goes on for a couple of years. She dates a couple of guys, but of course is saving herself for him. So not only was he a manwho** before the story starts he is after they start their actual story as well. Who knows how many girls he screwed just during this book? Oh and author, if you are going to use a medical diagnosis as a reason for your character to sleep around do more research... This characterization offends me as a nurse, but also as someone who lost a sister in law to this exact issue. Most people manage their diabetes and long lives. Yes some do have kidney failure and pass away too young, but not typically like this. For my sister in law she was awful at managing her diabetes and suffered for it. Her kidneys began to fail at 32. She was on dialysis at 34 (and a kidney transplant list) and passed away at 38. Coincidentally she also married her childhood sweetheart. They met at 13/14 were together by 14/15 and had their daughter at 17/18. They were together until the day she died. Never once did it occur to her to distance herself from him, and just go out to screw a bunch of other people because she had diabetes and might die. Not only do teens not really think like that, the complications in this book are the zebra hoof beats, not a horse. Plus let’s add back in if he was truly doing it for her benefit, why not just fake date? Why did he need to play the field? Make up your mind whether he loves the girl or not. Just a bad handling all around. I have read some great tragic love stories even if they aren’t typically my jam, I can respect my them. Just not this one. So long story short? If you are thinking like I was that this will be a great love story, be warned it’s not. It’s just another story about a douche bag who claims to love a girl while sleeping with everyone he can (and she remains a virgin of course!) who just happens to die at the end.
I would like to start out by saying that I started this knowing that the hero dies. That isn’t my issue. My issues is that the reason I read this is because I was in the mood for a truly devoted couple. A real love story. What I got was an author who wrote a girl who should have been kicka$$ but instead was just another doormat. This wasn’t some amazing hero, this wasn’t an amazing love story. This was a story with a hero who knew a girl was in love with him, and supposedly he with her. But he constantly shoved other girls in her face. Constantly. They even finally get together around 45/50% of the way through the book and he suddenly breaks up with her “for her own good” when he goes off to college. So what does he start immediacy doing? Going back to dating and screwing other girls at school (posting in socially media making it obvious etc). Then to make it over the top worse, what happens? He starts bringing home his friend with benefits when he visits home. He tries to say she’s she just a friend when the heroine calls her his girlfriend, but when she asks if they are sleeping together he admits they are. This all goes on for a couple of years. She dates a couple of guys, but of course is saving herself for him. So not only was he a manwho** before the story starts he is after they start their actual story as well. Who knows how many girls he screwed just during this book? Oh and author, if you are going to use a medical diagnosis as a reason for your character to sleep around do more research... This characterization offends me as a nurse, but also as someone who lost a sister in law to this exact issue. Most people manage their diabetes and long lives. Yes some do have kidney failure and pass away too young, but not typically like this. For my sister in law she was awful at managing her diabetes and suffered for it. Her kidneys began to fail at 32. She was on dialysis at 34 (and a kidney transplant list) and passed away at 38. Coincidentally she also married her childhood sweetheart. They met at 13/14 were together by 14/15 and had their daughter at 17/18. They were together until the day she died. Never once did it occur to her to distance herself from him, and just go out to screw a bunch of other people because she had diabetes and might die. Not only do teens not really think like that, the complications in this book are the zebra hoof beats, not a horse. Plus let’s add back in if he was truly doing it for her benefit, why not just fake date? Why did he need to play the field? Make up your mind whether he loves the girl or not. Just a bad handling all around. I have read some great tragic love stories even if they aren’t typically my jam, I can respect my them. Just not this one. So long story short? If you are thinking like I was that this will be a great love story, be warned it’s not. It’s just another story about a douche bag who claims to love a girl while sleeping with everyone he can (and she remains a virgin of course!) who just happens to die at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2020
I feel like my heart is going to burst!
What a beautiful friends to lovers story, but so much more than that! Be still my quivering heart..I’m still not over this! This is only the second memoir type story I’ve ever read. Just a story about a boy, named Jake, and a girl, named Cami That were three years apart (with Jake being the oldest), but had been in each other’s lives since Cami was born basically. I loved how LJ took you through all their life’s stages. I especially loved the jealous 10-14 ish year old Cami that watched as her best friend grew muscles, a deep voice and attracted all the girls she couldn’t stand. Of course no one was ever good enough for her Jake. She had given her heart to him probably as young as she could remember even though, as most guys are totally clueless, and realities have to smack them in their nether regions. I knew going into this book that it was going to be a sad story. Jake had T-1 diabetes, and LJ didn’t shy away from the reality of what it’s like for someone that has that. I don’t want to give things away, but she broke my heart in pieces, but carefully provided the healing balm to soothe the pain at the end. You just have to read this! I will be thinking about Cami & Jake for days to come.
“You kissed me, reaching down to the depths of my heart where you’d forever claimed every last tile on the walls of my soul.”
Read this book!
What a beautiful friends to lovers story, but so much more than that! Be still my quivering heart..I’m still not over this! This is only the second memoir type story I’ve ever read. Just a story about a boy, named Jake, and a girl, named Cami That were three years apart (with Jake being the oldest), but had been in each other’s lives since Cami was born basically. I loved how LJ took you through all their life’s stages. I especially loved the jealous 10-14 ish year old Cami that watched as her best friend grew muscles, a deep voice and attracted all the girls she couldn’t stand. Of course no one was ever good enough for her Jake. She had given her heart to him probably as young as she could remember even though, as most guys are totally clueless, and realities have to smack them in their nether regions. I knew going into this book that it was going to be a sad story. Jake had T-1 diabetes, and LJ didn’t shy away from the reality of what it’s like for someone that has that. I don’t want to give things away, but she broke my heart in pieces, but carefully provided the healing balm to soothe the pain at the end. You just have to read this! I will be thinking about Cami & Jake for days to come.
“You kissed me, reaching down to the depths of my heart where you’d forever claimed every last tile on the walls of my soul.”
Read this book!
August 23, 2019
READ. THIS. BOOK.
I rarely cry. Books especially rarely make me cry. Sure, I might get a little emotional. I might wipe one lone tear from my eye. But I never cry. I never have an all-out ugly blubber-fest, but this book? This book did that very thing to me, and I will always remember it for that.
This book crushed my soul in the most beautiful way. These beautiful poetic words, expertly composed by the wonderful L.J. Evans, successfully created that pit of despair only brought on by loss, and she did this without manipulating the reader into feeling that way. It is genuine hurt, love, happiness, and everything in between. I am in awe. Honestly, and completely, in awe over this story. It will haunt me for a long time, and that's a good thing.
I rarely cry. Books especially rarely make me cry. Sure, I might get a little emotional. I might wipe one lone tear from my eye. But I never cry. I never have an all-out ugly blubber-fest, but this book? This book did that very thing to me, and I will always remember it for that.
This book crushed my soul in the most beautiful way. These beautiful poetic words, expertly composed by the wonderful L.J. Evans, successfully created that pit of despair only brought on by loss, and she did this without manipulating the reader into feeling that way. It is genuine hurt, love, happiness, and everything in between. I am in awe. Honestly, and completely, in awe over this story. It will haunt me for a long time, and that's a good thing.
January 25, 2018
* 5 You Belong with Me stars *
This book was a reminiscence of my younger days and it brings back memories of me singing along to Taylor Swift's songs - out of tune, might I add - , back before she turned into a pop culture sensation, back when she was just the girl next door country singer that all 15-year-olds could relate to.
Each chapter was written with one of Taylor's song as the title and also the inspiration, and here I was thinking to myself: "Finally! I'd be able tosee read Taylor's lyrics come to life!". However, what I initially thought to be a fluffy high school romance with a dose of angst and drama turned out to be so much more.
Oh boy.
In fact, it was so much more than I could handle that here I am, sitting in front of my laptop trying to type out a half decent review to do the book justice, knowing that my mere mortal words couldn't even come close to the perfection of this story, my words weren't enough to describe the beauty of the author's writing, or even on how the book has put me in an emotional stupor and left me finding ways to climb down the emotional roller coaster than Jake and Cam's story has put me through.
At 23, I knew I have outgrown my teenage phase as YA romances (especially with a high school setting) doesn't seem as appealing to me as before, but there's something magical about the words, the way the story was narrated that held me under its spell. LJ Evans perfectly captured the essence of youth and the journey of growing up, from thinking boys are gross to the tingling feeling that accompanies first crushes, from the first heartbreak to finding true love; From having your world torn apart in seconds and finding the way to rebuild all that you have lost. The author is a master of a storyteller.
My Life as a Country Album is more than meets the eye, it's the perfect coming of age story that teaches us about love and loss and most importantly, the beauty of life.
Be warned. Tissues are needed. And perhaps a long crying session after.
I was generously gifted a copy of this book by the author for a review. Thank you so much for the reviewing opportunity!
This book was a reminiscence of my younger days and it brings back memories of me singing along to Taylor Swift's songs - out of tune, might I add - , back before she turned into a pop culture sensation, back when she was just the girl next door country singer that all 15-year-olds could relate to.
Each chapter was written with one of Taylor's song as the title and also the inspiration, and here I was thinking to myself: "Finally! I'd be able to
Oh boy.
In fact, it was so much more than I could handle that here I am, sitting in front of my laptop trying to type out a half decent review to do the book justice, knowing that my mere mortal words couldn't even come close to the perfection of this story, my words weren't enough to describe the beauty of the author's writing, or even on how the book has put me in an emotional stupor and left me finding ways to climb down the emotional roller coaster than Jake and Cam's story has put me through.
At 23, I knew I have outgrown my teenage phase as YA romances (especially with a high school setting) doesn't seem as appealing to me as before, but there's something magical about the words, the way the story was narrated that held me under its spell. LJ Evans perfectly captured the essence of youth and the journey of growing up, from thinking boys are gross to the tingling feeling that accompanies first crushes, from the first heartbreak to finding true love; From having your world torn apart in seconds and finding the way to rebuild all that you have lost. The author is a master of a storyteller.
My Life as a Country Album is more than meets the eye, it's the perfect coming of age story that teaches us about love and loss and most importantly, the beauty of life.
Be warned. Tissues are needed. And perhaps a long crying session after.
I was generously gifted a copy of this book by the author for a review. Thank you so much for the reviewing opportunity!
January 24, 2018
OH MY GOODNESS. ALL the romance, ALL right here.
Remember how I said at the beginning of the month that I needed to make more time for romance books in my life? Well, this YA/new adult title (and for grown ups too!) just completely proved me right and WRECKED me. The author sent me a copy because I am hosting a release post for the sequel next Monday and I figured I’d give it a shot. Ha! I completely inhaled it and finished it this am after starting it at 8 pm last night - I LOVED it. It’s 100% southern, heartbreakingly romantic and just straight up SWEET. Like the sweetest tea sweet. If you can remember a high school or first love, THIS will bring it all back - ALL OF IT.
It’s PURE romance. Oh, and did I mention it’s inspired by Taylor Swift songs and her song titles are the chapter titles??? The songs were playing in my head the entire time I was reading. Stereotypes are sometimes a good thing, my friends.....because this one fit ALL of them for a sweet and tragic romance - my week was totally made•
Oh, and for a romance read alike, or comparison title, look up THE MAP THAT LEADS TO YOU ~ @kourtneysbookshelf lent me her copy of that book this summer and I felt the exact same way about it as I did this one 💕
•
The next book in the series releases on Jan 30 and is titled MY LIFE AS A POP ALBUM ~ stay tuned for that one! I have an ARC and am excited to dig in....until then, go grab this one - it’s FREE on Kindle Unlimited AND for everyone else right now! $10.99 paperback.
Books like this are why self-publishing is an amazing thing......LJ Evans is certainly a star 🌟 •
Buying this for my high school library where I am sure it will be a HIT!
(as I mentioned earlier, this copy was provided by the author for a photo - this did not in any way impact my opinion of the book)
Remember how I said at the beginning of the month that I needed to make more time for romance books in my life? Well, this YA/new adult title (and for grown ups too!) just completely proved me right and WRECKED me. The author sent me a copy because I am hosting a release post for the sequel next Monday and I figured I’d give it a shot. Ha! I completely inhaled it and finished it this am after starting it at 8 pm last night - I LOVED it. It’s 100% southern, heartbreakingly romantic and just straight up SWEET. Like the sweetest tea sweet. If you can remember a high school or first love, THIS will bring it all back - ALL OF IT.
It’s PURE romance. Oh, and did I mention it’s inspired by Taylor Swift songs and her song titles are the chapter titles??? The songs were playing in my head the entire time I was reading. Stereotypes are sometimes a good thing, my friends.....because this one fit ALL of them for a sweet and tragic romance - my week was totally made•
Oh, and for a romance read alike, or comparison title, look up THE MAP THAT LEADS TO YOU ~ @kourtneysbookshelf lent me her copy of that book this summer and I felt the exact same way about it as I did this one 💕
•
The next book in the series releases on Jan 30 and is titled MY LIFE AS A POP ALBUM ~ stay tuned for that one! I have an ARC and am excited to dig in....until then, go grab this one - it’s FREE on Kindle Unlimited AND for everyone else right now! $10.99 paperback.
Books like this are why self-publishing is an amazing thing......LJ Evans is certainly a star 🌟 •
Buying this for my high school library where I am sure it will be a HIT!
(as I mentioned earlier, this copy was provided by the author for a photo - this did not in any way impact my opinion of the book)
February 26, 2018
"You've always been more his than mine."
Omg, this book tore my heart out and stomped on it, but I loved it. I absolutely loved it.
There's a reason Indie authors deserve more attention, and this book is the perfect example why. I wouldn't have even heard of it if I didn't see it was free on my kindle. We all know I'm not the biggest fan of using my ereader, but something told me to download it and save it for later.
I gave it a shot this weekend, and stayed up WAY passed my bedtime for two nights reading it. (I would have read it in one sitting but I had to adult and play mother.)
It's romantic, but in an innocent first love sort of way. It is also very southern and sweet. Each chapter is named after a Taylor Swift song, but if you aren't a fan of hers, no worries. It didn't really affect the story whether or not I knew the songs.
My Life As a Country Album is moving, stirring my soul and leaving me in tears for the last 50 pages.
This book will stay with me for a long, long time, and I'm so glad I found it!
I can't wait for the sequel to arrive in the mail, along with the physical copy of this book that I ordered...yes, I loved this story so much I bought the book because having it on my kindle wasn't enough. 😘
Omg, this book tore my heart out and stomped on it, but I loved it. I absolutely loved it.
There's a reason Indie authors deserve more attention, and this book is the perfect example why. I wouldn't have even heard of it if I didn't see it was free on my kindle. We all know I'm not the biggest fan of using my ereader, but something told me to download it and save it for later.
I gave it a shot this weekend, and stayed up WAY passed my bedtime for two nights reading it. (I would have read it in one sitting but I had to adult and play mother.)
It's romantic, but in an innocent first love sort of way. It is also very southern and sweet. Each chapter is named after a Taylor Swift song, but if you aren't a fan of hers, no worries. It didn't really affect the story whether or not I knew the songs.
My Life As a Country Album is moving, stirring my soul and leaving me in tears for the last 50 pages.
This book will stay with me for a long, long time, and I'm so glad I found it!
I can't wait for the sequel to arrive in the mail, along with the physical copy of this book that I ordered...yes, I loved this story so much I bought the book because having it on my kindle wasn't enough. 😘
March 25, 2021
So I didn’t read any reviews prior to starting this one, and I’m wondering if I maybe should have.
I was absolutely loving this story - it’s written so beautifully and so different to anything I’ve read before - and then...well, if you’ve read this already then you know exactly what part I got to. I felt a mixture of sadness and anger, mainly because I was NOT prepared for what had just happened...but by this point I was so invested in the story that I carried on.
While the ending obviously wasn’t what I had hoped for, I’m glad that there was a “Happy Ever After” but I would’ve liked to have read an epilogue about their future without having to sign up to the authors newsletter.
I was absolutely loving this story - it’s written so beautifully and so different to anything I’ve read before - and then...well, if you’ve read this already then you know exactly what part I got to. I felt a mixture of sadness and anger, mainly because I was NOT prepared for what had just happened...but by this point I was so invested in the story that I carried on.
While the ending obviously wasn’t what I had hoped for, I’m glad that there was a “Happy Ever After” but I would’ve liked to have read an epilogue about their future without having to sign up to the authors newsletter.
February 16, 2021
Oh. My. Heart.
This was my first read by this author and oh my goodness! I’m kicking myself for not reading her sooner.
Jake & Cam’s story was so sweet and so beautiful and so emotional and I fell SO HARD for them.
This story starts out in the present, hooks you (big time), then goes back to the past, way back to the very beginning. Like....when-they-were-born-beginning.
The author did a fabulous job at walking me through their friendship, their bond, the struggles, the 3-year age gap, the attraction, the jealousy...everything two people who are best friends and live and grow up next to each other go through.
So. Many. Emotions.
Beautifully and romantically and perfectly written, this story captured my heart. When the author put the warning at the end of the blurb (Warning: tears may fall), she was not kidding! She made me cry at work.
Just when my heart was broken wide open and shattered into a million, tiny pieces and I didn’t think I’d survive this, the author so gently and lovingly put it back together by the end of the book.
I also fell for many of the secondary characters from this story and I’m happy to see that I will be able to read their stories as well. I immediately started book 2, and I’m positive I’ll dive right into book 3 when I’m done with that one.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was absolutely perfect. She was Cam.
This was my first read by this author and oh my goodness! I’m kicking myself for not reading her sooner.
Jake & Cam’s story was so sweet and so beautiful and so emotional and I fell SO HARD for them.
This story starts out in the present, hooks you (big time), then goes back to the past, way back to the very beginning. Like....when-they-were-born-beginning.
The author did a fabulous job at walking me through their friendship, their bond, the struggles, the 3-year age gap, the attraction, the jealousy...everything two people who are best friends and live and grow up next to each other go through.
So. Many. Emotions.
Beautifully and romantically and perfectly written, this story captured my heart. When the author put the warning at the end of the blurb (Warning: tears may fall), she was not kidding! She made me cry at work.
Just when my heart was broken wide open and shattered into a million, tiny pieces and I didn’t think I’d survive this, the author so gently and lovingly put it back together by the end of the book.
I also fell for many of the secondary characters from this story and I’m happy to see that I will be able to read their stories as well. I immediately started book 2, and I’m positive I’ll dive right into book 3 when I’m done with that one.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was absolutely perfect. She was Cam.
May 17, 2019
3.5 stars. I listened to the audible that I won on FB.
Great YA. The narrator had the perfect accent.
The story was told like an oral memoir. The ebook would probably be like a diary.
I would normally not pick up a YA-I'm way older than the young heroine, Cam (Camden)
and the hero, Jake.
Their everyday relationship from young children to their teens.
Jake was 3 years older than Cam-which was a lot when they were really young.
I remember being this awkward, but Cam had moments of really showing some strength.
I would not consider this a romance. I'm glad that I listened to this and really enjoyed the vivid pictures that I saw in my mind.
Cam could be a handful. I just felt like I was under a disillusion that Jake and Can would have a traditional relationship. The biggest thing, is that they were really lifelong friends.
Thanks again to LJ Evans for the audible copy.
I would love to read more from this author, especially contemporary romance or Rom Com .
Great YA. The narrator had the perfect accent.
The story was told like an oral memoir. The ebook would probably be like a diary.
I would normally not pick up a YA-I'm way older than the young heroine, Cam (Camden)
and the hero, Jake.
Their everyday relationship from young children to their teens.
Jake was 3 years older than Cam-which was a lot when they were really young.
I remember being this awkward, but Cam had moments of really showing some strength.
I would not consider this a romance. I'm glad that I listened to this and really enjoyed the vivid pictures that I saw in my mind.
Cam could be a handful. I just felt like I was under a disillusion that Jake and Can would have a traditional relationship. The biggest thing, is that they were really lifelong friends.
Thanks again to LJ Evans for the audible copy.
I would love to read more from this author, especially contemporary romance or Rom Com .
September 10, 2017
“You’ve always been more his than mine.”
Oh, where do I begin with my review? It's going to feel and probably read a lot like rambling because that's how my thought process is right now after just finishing My Life as a Country Album. I kind of had that foreshadowed 'oh no' vibe almost from the beginning and usually I would have put the book down, but these characters wouldn't let me.
It's a coming of age YA story about Cami and Jake and each chapter is linked to a Taylor Swift song that correlates to C/J's relationship throughout their lives as Cami is narrating. Literally from birth these two are together and I just love their friendship, it comes clear off the page and envelopes you. Oh, how I felt Cami's angst at wanting Jake, three years older than her, to want to see her as more than his best friend, to be the girl he was kissing. God, I was biting nails hoping that would happen. They felt destined all along. Their bond and connection is special on every level.
When he helped her out with her first period and my heart exploded with love.
Eventually, you’d have to really look at me. You were just used to not looking at me. I was always around, so it was just like your arm. You didn’t always notice it, but it was still there.
This book was so beautifully written, every detail laid out for me to see and feel, to witness love and loss, to go through that same heartache and I truly did. I was submerged in all that teen angst Cami was experiencing and oh, my heart broke alongside hers. I found myself wanting to rush every page, to get to the next, to find out what happened. It was so easy to resonate with this sweet girl as she told the life of her and Jake.
It had beautiful lines. It was kind of nice knowing there were people out there willing to look after me when you were looking the other way. I guess, if I really looked around there were a lot more people than even him that were willing to bat at my side. Truth was, I just never really wanted them there. I wanted my side empty until you chose to show up.
Jake giving Cami the necklace.
Cami taking Jake to college.
Oh, my tears were epic. Really, I fugly cried so many times.
I cried for a good 10% of the last end of the book.
And then I started to smile again.
I rarely give 5 stars. I wish I could give this 10 for the sheer fact of emotions it made me feel.
For a split second I wished we'd had Jake's POV, to see and feel what he thought about Cami, but then I realized it wasn't needed, we knew already, he was devoted and he loved her as much as the reader assumed. I guess I was just being greedy. I loved the premise of it being Cami writing down their life together.
Sometimes, a simple story of a boy and girl with a friendship that stems from birth locks into your soul and becomes one of those truly, unforgettable reads.
♡I will hold Cami and Jake forever♡
Oh, where do I begin with my review? It's going to feel and probably read a lot like rambling because that's how my thought process is right now after just finishing My Life as a Country Album. I kind of had that foreshadowed 'oh no' vibe almost from the beginning and usually I would have put the book down, but these characters wouldn't let me.
It's a coming of age YA story about Cami and Jake and each chapter is linked to a Taylor Swift song that correlates to C/J's relationship throughout their lives as Cami is narrating. Literally from birth these two are together and I just love their friendship, it comes clear off the page and envelopes you. Oh, how I felt Cami's angst at wanting Jake, three years older than her, to want to see her as more than his best friend, to be the girl he was kissing. God, I was biting nails hoping that would happen. They felt destined all along. Their bond and connection is special on every level.
When he helped her out with her first period and my heart exploded with love.
Eventually, you’d have to really look at me. You were just used to not looking at me. I was always around, so it was just like your arm. You didn’t always notice it, but it was still there.This book was so beautifully written, every detail laid out for me to see and feel, to witness love and loss, to go through that same heartache and I truly did. I was submerged in all that teen angst Cami was experiencing and oh, my heart broke alongside hers. I found myself wanting to rush every page, to get to the next, to find out what happened. It was so easy to resonate with this sweet girl as she told the life of her and Jake.
It had beautiful lines.
It was kind of nice knowing there were people out there willing to look after me when you were looking the other way. I guess, if I really looked around there were a lot more people than even him that were willing to bat at my side. Truth was, I just never really wanted them there. I wanted my side empty until you chose to show up. Jake giving Cami the necklace.
Cami taking Jake to college.
Oh, my tears were epic. Really, I fugly cried so many times.
I cried for a good 10% of the last end of the book.
And then I started to smile again.
I rarely give 5 stars. I wish I could give this 10 for the sheer fact of emotions it made me feel.
For a split second I wished we'd had Jake's POV, to see and feel what he thought about Cami, but then I realized it wasn't needed, we knew already, he was devoted and he loved her as much as the reader assumed. I guess I was just being greedy. I loved the premise of it being Cami writing down their life together.
Sometimes, a simple story of a boy and girl with a friendship that stems from birth locks into your soul and becomes one of those truly, unforgettable reads.
♡I will hold Cami and Jake forever♡
Want to read
January 22, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/22/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
2017 IAN Young Adult Outstanding Book of the Year
Tomboy Cam Swayne is determined that football hero Jake Phillips keep his eyes firmly on her. After all, she’s been his since before she was born.
Cam has grown up literally next to Jake. They live next door and share a tree house. They’ve played together on the street and at the lake since she could walk. Plus, they’ve saved each other in some pretty miraculous ways that even their parents find hard to believe. So, it’s only natural that when hormones kick in, Cam feels like Jake belongs only to her. And heaven help anyone that stands in Cam’s way.
What does get in the way? Just their three-year age difference while she’s in middle school, and he’s in high school. And his long line of “gaggling geese” that follow him like he’s a boyband superstar. And the illness Jake hides from everyone until his devotion to Cam makes it an impossibility.
Will Cam and Jake ever get their country love song happy ending?
Inspired by Taylor Swift songs, this is a story of aching love and loss and learning to live through life in all its pain and glory.
Blurb:
2017 IAN Young Adult Outstanding Book of the Year
Tomboy Cam Swayne is determined that football hero Jake Phillips keep his eyes firmly on her. After all, she’s been his since before she was born.
Cam has grown up literally next to Jake. They live next door and share a tree house. They’ve played together on the street and at the lake since she could walk. Plus, they’ve saved each other in some pretty miraculous ways that even their parents find hard to believe. So, it’s only natural that when hormones kick in, Cam feels like Jake belongs only to her. And heaven help anyone that stands in Cam’s way.
What does get in the way? Just their three-year age difference while she’s in middle school, and he’s in high school. And his long line of “gaggling geese” that follow him like he’s a boyband superstar. And the illness Jake hides from everyone until his devotion to Cam makes it an impossibility.
Will Cam and Jake ever get their country love song happy ending?
Inspired by Taylor Swift songs, this is a story of aching love and loss and learning to live through life in all its pain and glory.
March 30, 2018
Wow. I am still a bit of a mess over this one. I finished it at 2am and now, twelve hours later, I am still thinking about it with tears forming in my eyes.
This was an emotional journey told with absolute raw honesty. Being inside Cam's head I could relate to all that she went through, from a young kid to a mature woman, her struggles to fit in, to really be seen by the boy that was always at her side ... I felt like I knew her, was friends with her, or could even be her, LJ's writing was that good.
This coming-of-age story was a reminder of what it was like to be young, naive and angst-ridden, but it was more than that, too. It was a wonderfully written book that swept me away to another time and another place. Jake and Cami's relationship was one of a kind and truly remarkable. The story had all the elements you could ask for in a good book and I have no doubt this is just the beginning of a successful career for this author. I look forward to more of this series.
This was an emotional journey told with absolute raw honesty. Being inside Cam's head I could relate to all that she went through, from a young kid to a mature woman, her struggles to fit in, to really be seen by the boy that was always at her side ... I felt like I knew her, was friends with her, or could even be her, LJ's writing was that good.
This coming-of-age story was a reminder of what it was like to be young, naive and angst-ridden, but it was more than that, too. It was a wonderfully written book that swept me away to another time and another place. Jake and Cami's relationship was one of a kind and truly remarkable. The story had all the elements you could ask for in a good book and I have no doubt this is just the beginning of a successful career for this author. I look forward to more of this series.
February 2, 2018
I have to admit this was really cute. What originally caught my attention to this book was that the author used Taylor Swift songs as the chapter titles but I was not sure if I was going to enjoy the book itself but I was wrong.
I felt like in the beginning Cam was a bit much, however, as the story moved on it came together perfectly. The author did a beautiful job of telling Jake and Cam’s story from beginning to end. The story was brought to life so that the reader could really feel every emotion, oh and trust me it’s a roller coaster ride. I finished the last page with a huge smile on my face.
I felt like in the beginning Cam was a bit much, however, as the story moved on it came together perfectly. The author did a beautiful job of telling Jake and Cam’s story from beginning to end. The story was brought to life so that the reader could really feel every emotion, oh and trust me it’s a roller coaster ride. I finished the last page with a huge smile on my face.
January 27, 2018
I downloaded this book on my kindle because @theloudlibrarylady loved it and part of my New Years Resolution was to read more in this genre because I know it is my one weak area in reading. All opinions are my own. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 My Life As A Country Album by LJ Evans. Let me start by saying I dislike romance novels so to score a 5 for me in this genre says enough. This self published book has songs tied into it that relate to the story in the book and since I am a country music fan this made me feel better. I would not have classified this as a romance book but a book of love, loss, grief and rebuilding. As twenty year story of children three years apart that have no idea how to live without one another until fate hands them no other choice. Then support, love, understanding, and a great group of friends help rebuild Cami into a person she can be happy with again. Be ready to cry on more than one occasion and for oh so many reasons! Review also posted on Instagram @jasonnstacie, Library Thing, Go Read, Amazon, and my blog at readsbystacie.com
October 8, 2017
Ms. Evans took my breath away. She took my heart and soul and rearranged it with the lyrical fluidity of Jake and Cami's journey.
This is a story that will stay with you. It will grab your heart and captivate it not only whilst you are reading it...but afterwards, too. There are phrases that will stay with you especially if you are from the south or have ever lived in the south. She paints pictures that you'll see in your mind with her words. She appeals to the reader through all the five senses.
Some of my favorite passages:
"It was exhilarating to feel the air blowing around us bringing in the hint of flowers and grass and somehow the wilderness of nature."
"That chocolate cookie, grassy, boy smell of you that I'd been missing like the bear misses honey in the winter."
"The smells were fading faster than a summer sunset, but I was keeping them as close to me as I could."
I cannot wait for the My Life As A Pop Album.
This is a story that will stay with you. It will grab your heart and captivate it not only whilst you are reading it...but afterwards, too. There are phrases that will stay with you especially if you are from the south or have ever lived in the south. She paints pictures that you'll see in your mind with her words. She appeals to the reader through all the five senses.
Some of my favorite passages:
"It was exhilarating to feel the air blowing around us bringing in the hint of flowers and grass and somehow the wilderness of nature."
"That chocolate cookie, grassy, boy smell of you that I'd been missing like the bear misses honey in the winter."
"The smells were fading faster than a summer sunset, but I was keeping them as close to me as I could."
I cannot wait for the My Life As A Pop Album.
May 2, 2022
as a big swiftie i was sooo excited to read this book having heard great things about it, however all i really got from this book is that i need to get better at learning to dnf. i found the two mains so insufferable, jake felt really dense (ESPECIALLY about cami's feelings like she really was making it so obvious ??) and cami was too jake dependent which made her really annoying 😭😭 like you are 13 years old there is more to life than this boy . their childhood years took up most of the book which i hated, because it's literally just one sided pining and the narrative of it was so dry to read through, with going through the motions of how cami was feeling being so repetive. the only part of the book i enjoyed was actually the last 30% (hence the needing to get better at dnfing books), and even though i liked the side characters way more than the mains i don't think i'll be reading the next book (following jakes sister)
January 14, 2019
I don't even know where to begin with this review. I think Sarah did an amazing job narrating this story and bringing so much life and depth to these characters I was part of their story. She made the transition between the characters so easy to listen to and such a pleasure to listen to.
This story -- WOW!!!! These characters and their story were so well written. I knew my heart was about to be ripped apart and every chapter I stated had me wondering if this was it. Truly this story is one of the most beautiful love stories and while for sure it ripped out my heart and left me ugly crying LJ Evans found a way to put me back together. I found the author did an amazing job providing the back story and just the flow of the story was the right way to be done. She hooks you in and just won't let you go. This was my first book by this author and I am so excited to read more.
This story -- WOW!!!! These characters and their story were so well written. I knew my heart was about to be ripped apart and every chapter I stated had me wondering if this was it. Truly this story is one of the most beautiful love stories and while for sure it ripped out my heart and left me ugly crying LJ Evans found a way to put me back together. I found the author did an amazing job providing the back story and just the flow of the story was the right way to be done. She hooks you in and just won't let you go. This was my first book by this author and I am so excited to read more.
September 19, 2017
WOW!
You know when you are recommended a book and you can't wait to start it so you fly through it and then wish you hadn't read it because you want to go back and read it all again? That is exactly how I feel. L.J. has done a magnificent job with how she portrayed the story and all the feels that it gives you. I was pre-warned so I feel like you should know too that there are going to be tears, make sure you have lots of tissues and some ice cream on hand. I just don't even know how to adequately put into words how I feel about this book except to say that it is brilliant and I look forward to more by L.J. and soon.
You know when you are recommended a book and you can't wait to start it so you fly through it and then wish you hadn't read it because you want to go back and read it all again? That is exactly how I feel. L.J. has done a magnificent job with how she portrayed the story and all the feels that it gives you. I was pre-warned so I feel like you should know too that there are going to be tears, make sure you have lots of tissues and some ice cream on hand. I just don't even know how to adequately put into words how I feel about this book except to say that it is brilliant and I look forward to more by L.J. and soon.
March 9, 2022
This is one of the most uniquely written books I’ve ever read. I reminisced about my youth and boy crushes and first loves....all those feelings and thoughts during that time of my life. I thought about those living with chronic illness and it’s effect on all of those around that person. I thought about lives gone too soon and how people move on. I cried sad tears and cried happy tears. I felt the emotions of Cam and Jake. I smiled through my tears as I finished this book that left me in awe of LJ Evans and her ability to write such a beautiful love story with such a perfect soul touching HEA.
September 9, 2019
Poignant, gorgeously written and performed, a book which works in so many emotional levels without once falling into cliche or sentimentality, My life as a Country Album will stay with me for a long time. It is rare that I will ever read/listen to a story that guarantees my tears, but, for this book I made an exception and I am so glad I did.
I have to commend Sarah Puckett. Her narration is just wonderful. She captures the character of Cam as she talks to Jake. I felt his silent presence so totally and loved every minute of the unveiling of this story.
I have to commend Sarah Puckett. Her narration is just wonderful. She captures the character of Cam as she talks to Jake. I felt his silent presence so totally and loved every minute of the unveiling of this story.
April 10, 2024
My heart 🥺
March 7, 2022
It was so perfect, I can't put it into words. It became a favorite for sure. ❤️
January 5, 2020
First of all, I can’t believe how few ratings this book has. I don’t even know where to start with my thoughts right now so I guess I’ll ramble and hopefully that works!
Author Claire Kingsley made a post about how she and some friends put together a list of their favorite books of 2019 so I checked it out. I wasn’t overly interested in any of the books they suggested but I also clicked on the authors making the suggestions to see if they had written anything interesting. When I got to LJ Evans, I felt like I had won the reader lottery. The concept behind this series was so freaking thrilling to me! I am obsessed with music and have a YouTube playlist that is my life’s mixtape. Such a perfect fit for me!
I got 30% in and just couldn’t contain my excitement anymore. I started telling everyone about this brilliant series and I hadn’t even gotten halfway through the first book. When I looked at it on Goodreads, because I was nervous about promoting a book I hadn’t even gotten halfway through, I saw the insanely low amount of people who have rated this book. HOW?! It is SO good.
If you don’t like books that make you cry, this one probably wouldn’t be a good fit for you. I was bawling my eyes out and had to take a break. That said, you’re missing out because it’s truly a hidden gem. I can’t wait to dive into the next one!
Author Claire Kingsley made a post about how she and some friends put together a list of their favorite books of 2019 so I checked it out. I wasn’t overly interested in any of the books they suggested but I also clicked on the authors making the suggestions to see if they had written anything interesting. When I got to LJ Evans, I felt like I had won the reader lottery. The concept behind this series was so freaking thrilling to me! I am obsessed with music and have a YouTube playlist that is my life’s mixtape. Such a perfect fit for me!
I got 30% in and just couldn’t contain my excitement anymore. I started telling everyone about this brilliant series and I hadn’t even gotten halfway through the first book. When I looked at it on Goodreads, because I was nervous about promoting a book I hadn’t even gotten halfway through, I saw the insanely low amount of people who have rated this book. HOW?! It is SO good.
If you don’t like books that make you cry, this one probably wouldn’t be a good fit for you. I was bawling my eyes out and had to take a break. That said, you’re missing out because it’s truly a hidden gem. I can’t wait to dive into the next one!
November 23, 2018
Audio Review:
my life as a Country album (my life as a country album book one) will tug at the heart. A poignant and exquisite coming of age novel of achy love and loss and learning to live through life in all its pain and glory. Tears will fall & tissues highly needed every time you listen to this lyric allegory as you will relisten as to keep Cam & Jake in your heart always. Cam & Jake's love ballad is brimming with angst, agony, family, friendships, and love. I love that each Chapter begins with a song title that represents that chapter. The writing style is apple pie. A narative that is unparagoned & worthy of a writing reward as this novel goes above and beyond. No novel has ever came close to what I felt and still feel after listening to this beautiful ya love story.
Sarah Puckett is my absolute favourite female narrator. Her southern accent is smooth & sweet, with a perfect pace and tone. Her male voice is impeccable. The melody was flawless and the whole performance was perfect. This narrator brings all the angst and take to heart to life.
A audiobook that I highly recommend listening to this audiobook as it is more than just a listen.
I hope this authors other books are turned into audiobooks and narated by Sarah Puckett.
my life as a Country album (my life as a country album book one) will tug at the heart. A poignant and exquisite coming of age novel of achy love and loss and learning to live through life in all its pain and glory. Tears will fall & tissues highly needed every time you listen to this lyric allegory as you will relisten as to keep Cam & Jake in your heart always. Cam & Jake's love ballad is brimming with angst, agony, family, friendships, and love. I love that each Chapter begins with a song title that represents that chapter. The writing style is apple pie. A narative that is unparagoned & worthy of a writing reward as this novel goes above and beyond. No novel has ever came close to what I felt and still feel after listening to this beautiful ya love story.
Sarah Puckett is my absolute favourite female narrator. Her southern accent is smooth & sweet, with a perfect pace and tone. Her male voice is impeccable. The melody was flawless and the whole performance was perfect. This narrator brings all the angst and take to heart to life.
A audiobook that I highly recommend listening to this audiobook as it is more than just a listen.
I hope this authors other books are turned into audiobooks and narated by Sarah Puckett.
September 16, 2017
Wow. Just Wow.
I've had to sit a few days on my review because I seriously had a case of the book funks after finishing this. I got a recommendation/bullied into reading it from an author friend who said it was the best and most heart wrenching book she's read in a long while. Now I usually avoid these books, not just because I don't read much YA, but I kind of want my absolute clear HEA at the very end, you know? And who has times to shed buckets worth of tears.
But I went in. And I was consumed in Cami and Jake. Fuck. These two kids then teenagers then adults, I was driven to read their life story and it was so beautifully done, every word and scene.
The end result was I cried a fucking lot.
I won't give spoilers, but if you come across this review and you want a really memorable read with characters you will hold dear for the rest of ever, then please, please pick up My Life as a Country Album. It will break you into a million pieces and you'll be glad ( a week later ) that you read it.
I've had to sit a few days on my review because I seriously had a case of the book funks after finishing this. I got a recommendation/bullied into reading it from an author friend who said it was the best and most heart wrenching book she's read in a long while. Now I usually avoid these books, not just because I don't read much YA, but I kind of want my absolute clear HEA at the very end, you know? And who has times to shed buckets worth of tears.
But I went in. And I was consumed in Cami and Jake. Fuck. These two kids then teenagers then adults, I was driven to read their life story and it was so beautifully done, every word and scene.
The end result was I cried a fucking lot.
I won't give spoilers, but if you come across this review and you want a really memorable read with characters you will hold dear for the rest of ever, then please, please pick up My Life as a Country Album. It will break you into a million pieces and you'll be glad ( a week later ) that you read it.
January 26, 2022
Me encantó el libro.
Me recordó que la vida es para vivirla y no perder tiempo. Que la vida es jugártela por eso o esa persona que tanto quieres. También que no todo puede salir perfecto como queremos. Que puede salir bien como también puede salir mal. Pero que siempre después de lo malo todo va a cambiar para algo mejor. Como dice el dicho, luego de la tormenta siempre sale el sol. Y así es, puede haber altos como también bajos. Y esa es la vida. Eso fue lo que me enseñó el libro. Que la vida está hecha de lo bueno como también de lo malo. Y que sin lo malo, lo bueno no existe.
Debería ser filosofa, verdad?! Pero sí, me encantó el libro. Aunque me dolió mucho en muchos momentos, lo pude disfrutar y enamorarme de los personajes. Muy romántico y muy hermoso la historia de Cam y Jake. Son almas gemelas :,)
Después, me encantó la forma en que está escrito el libro. La autora lo supo hacer. Amo la comunidad del pueblo, amo a todos los personajes, AMO A LA MADRE DE CAMDYN. QUE SEÑORA.
Desde el principio todo parecía muy nostálgico, como si Cam le estuviese escribiendo una carta a Jake recordando toda su historia... Desde el principio tuve el pensamiento sobre lo qué pasaría y a medida que leía se reafirmaba mi teoría 🥲 Pero anyways me hizo sentir todas las emociones juntas. (LLORAR- ODIAR-AMAR-ETC)
Lo único que me hubiera gustado más, son mas diálogos entre Cam y Jake. Siento que que un poco me faltó conocer a Jake. Como su sentido del humor, etc. Tipo escucharlo a él hablar. xd ajajajaja
Otra cosa muy importante: SI NO ME REGALA UNA ESTRELLA, NO LO ACEPTO. fin.
Y para terminar quiero dejarles unas quotes que remarqué. Son muchas las que tengo, pero les voy a dejar mis favoritas: ❤️
"A broken heart held together by wings. Beautiful and delicate. It made me think of the time in this same treehouse that I'd told you, you were breaking my heart. You'd heard me. I knew you had, but this was your way of telling me that I had wings to fly above it all. "
"I swear I'll be with you someday, because I loved you from the very first day. "
"You were struggling. Drowning. And, all I wanted to do was to help you. I wanted to be the dolphin bringing you to the surface. To make sure you were safe. "
" You've always been more his than mine. "
" Because you were always an idiot when it came to girls."
(tengo muchas más, pero voy a spolear y no quiero :)
Me recordó que la vida es para vivirla y no perder tiempo. Que la vida es jugártela por eso o esa persona que tanto quieres. También que no todo puede salir perfecto como queremos. Que puede salir bien como también puede salir mal. Pero que siempre después de lo malo todo va a cambiar para algo mejor. Como dice el dicho, luego de la tormenta siempre sale el sol. Y así es, puede haber altos como también bajos. Y esa es la vida. Eso fue lo que me enseñó el libro. Que la vida está hecha de lo bueno como también de lo malo. Y que sin lo malo, lo bueno no existe.
Debería ser filosofa, verdad?! Pero sí, me encantó el libro. Aunque me dolió mucho en muchos momentos, lo pude disfrutar y enamorarme de los personajes. Muy romántico y muy hermoso la historia de Cam y Jake. Son almas gemelas :,)
Después, me encantó la forma en que está escrito el libro. La autora lo supo hacer. Amo la comunidad del pueblo, amo a todos los personajes, AMO A LA MADRE DE CAMDYN. QUE SEÑORA.
Desde el principio todo parecía muy nostálgico, como si Cam le estuviese escribiendo una carta a Jake recordando toda su historia... Desde el principio tuve el pensamiento sobre lo qué pasaría y a medida que leía se reafirmaba mi teoría 🥲 Pero anyways me hizo sentir todas las emociones juntas. (LLORAR- ODIAR-AMAR-ETC)
Lo único que me hubiera gustado más, son mas diálogos entre Cam y Jake. Siento que que un poco me faltó conocer a Jake. Como su sentido del humor, etc. Tipo escucharlo a él hablar. xd ajajajaja
Otra cosa muy importante: SI NO ME REGALA UNA ESTRELLA, NO LO ACEPTO. fin.
Y para terminar quiero dejarles unas quotes que remarqué. Son muchas las que tengo, pero les voy a dejar mis favoritas: ❤️
"A broken heart held together by wings. Beautiful and delicate. It made me think of the time in this same treehouse that I'd told you, you were breaking my heart. You'd heard me. I knew you had, but this was your way of telling me that I had wings to fly above it all. "
"I swear I'll be with you someday, because I loved you from the very first day. "
"You were struggling. Drowning. And, all I wanted to do was to help you. I wanted to be the dolphin bringing you to the surface. To make sure you were safe. "
" You've always been more his than mine. "
" Because you were always an idiot when it came to girls."
(tengo muchas más, pero voy a spolear y no quiero :)
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