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Red Dirt #2

My Lucky Days

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He was an up-and-coming country singer.
She was the last girl you'd ever see in a bar.
But one night, under those neon lights,
Lucky and Katie found each other.

Beginnings are always exciting.
Always fun. Always hopeful.

Katie was in her last year of college.
Lucky was still playing local stages.
She fell for his voice. She fell for his words.
They fell in love.
It was beautiful.

But time changed their world.
She was alone. He was on the road.
Life happened.
And that love was torn apart.

Endings are always painful.
Always heart wrenching.
But not always final.

One day, Lucky came back to Katie.
And this is their story.

Author Note: My Lucky Days is a Standalone Novel with sets of original song lyrics that read as poetry. New Adult & College / Contemporary Romance / Coming of Age / Second Chance Love Story.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 20, 2016

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About the author

S.D. Hendrickson

5 books860 followers
SD Hendrickson received a Bachelor's of Science in Journalism from Oklahoma State University.T he Mason List was her first novel and it was a 2015 Goodreads Choice Award Semi-Finalist for Best Debut Author.

S.D. Hendrickson lives in Tulsa with her husband and their two schnauzers. She loves chocolate, romance books, Oklahoma State Cowboys, music, Lost, chocolate, beaches, coffee, cooking, beautiful sunsets, Friends, chocolate, sad puppy stories, dreaming of Australia, guacamole, quotes, Netflixs bing watching, Dawson’s Creek, chocolate, hot tubs, exotic animal rescues, going on vacation, Friday Night Lights, writing, and of course, chocolate.

Visit www.sdhendrickson.com for more information on upcoming projects.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
Profile Image for Aestas Book Blog.
1,059 reviews75.2k followers
September 22, 2016
::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED :::


Lucky was either going to be the love of my life or break me into a million pieces that could never be repaired. Or maybe both.

As a huge fan of second chance romances, I knew I had to read this book from the moment I heard about it! It's the story of a country singer who falls in love with a college student on the brink of his big break into fame. The timing couldn't have been worse as he knew he'd be gone for most of the time touring, but he couldn't stop himself from giving his whole heart to her. Time, distance, and tragedy ultimately tore them apart, but their time together was unforgettable and so when fate drew them back to each other, this time he was determined to hold onto her forever.

I've loved SD Hendrickson's writing ever since I first read The Mason List (my review) in early 2015. That book is still one of my all-time stay-with-you-after-you've-finished-reading top favorites, and then when I read her second standalone Waiting For Wyatt (my review) earlier this year, I fell in love again and knew I'd found a favorite author. There's just something about her writing and characters that speaks to my heart.

When you begin this book, you're thrown right into the emotional intensity of Lucky and Katie's reunion. In the prologue, you learn that the he's a famous star, that they clearly were once romantically involved, that they share a painful history, and that he's now moving back home after years away. So where does that leave them? What had broken them apart? How did they meet? Would they get back together? I had so many questions and eagerly dove in.
“I know it’s been a while.” His brown eyes held mine for a moment, flickering something I couldn’t read. He motioned toward the edge of the bed next to me. “Can I sit? I thought maybe we could talk.”

As he gazed down at me, I felt that tug inside my heart. I nodded slowly, allowing him to take one more step back into my life. I hadn’t seen him in years. Well, I’d seen him, splashed across my television and on magazines. But not in person. Not close enough to physically touch.

Starting from chapter one, we're brought right back to the night they first met, and then taken forward in time through their first dates and first months together as they fell in love with each other. But their newfound romance couldn't have come at at a worse time. With his shining talent and passion for singing, along with the once-in-a-lifetime touring opportunities that came his way, he was hovering on the edge of stardom and his music career kept him away from her for much of their time together. He was quite upfront with her though about what a life with him would be like and equally clear about how much he wanted to try to make things work.
“We’re going on the road after the first of the year. It’s bigger and more organized than what I’ve been doing. My first break, I guess. But that’s the truth. I don’t know what my future holds.”

He picked up my hand, linking our fingers together. “But Katie, despite all of that, I want to try this with you. And I understand if you’re not willing. My juggling everything will get frustrating. I won’t be here all the time. All I can do is promise to be here when I can. I’ll always be honest and never cheat. And you will have to trust me. I know that part might be the hardest [especially] with what I do. But if you think you can, and you don’t mind me being gone, maybe we could give this a shot.”

She had his heart, but the world had his dreams, and though they tried so hard to make things work, ultimately something had to give. When a heart-breaking tragedy tore through their lives, they finally were ripped apart. But their feelings for each other never went away. And when life finally brought him back to her -- along with an unexpected surprise -- he knew he wasn't going to mess up his second chance with the only girl who he'd ever loved.

I absolutely loved the way he tried so hard to win her back. The one thing that was undeniable was that right from the first date, he genuinely cared for on a very deep level. He was truly one of the 'good guys' -- swoony, charming, and loyal. What he felt for her wasn't lust or infatuation or any fleeting feeling. It was real lifelong love, and even if the road ahead of them was going to be bumpy, he was determined that they'd find their happily ever after.
He moved my hand, placing it lightly against his chest. The warmth of his skin seeped through his shirt. “I told you a long time ago. No one would ever be in here but you. No matter what happened out there after I left. I still mean that.”

Just because I know many of you will be wondering about this -- there's no cheating and no triangle in the story at all. They're separated for about 8-9 years. It's all told from her POV in first-person perspective and other than the prologue, the story is told in a linear progression (so no switching back and forth between past and present). The prologue is their now, the bulk of the book is their past until it catches up to their present and then it moves forward until the end of the book. And this is a complete standalone.

Oh and the ending was BEAUTIFUL!!! All the heart-warming feels you could hope for. It brought happy tears to my eyes with the knowledge that in this moment, they'd truly found their way back to where they were supposed to be. Fans of swoony rock stars, slow burning romances, and second chance love stories should definitely try this book!

Rating: 4+ stars. Standalone NA romance.

Buy MY LUCKY DAYS (Kindle)
Buy MY LUCKY DAYS (Paperback)


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Profile Image for Sophie "Beware Of The Reader".
1,397 reviews379 followers
April 12, 2017
4,5 country stars

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First, my book’s favorite quote.
”God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. The courage to change the things I can. And the wisdom to know the difference. While living one day at a time and enjoy one moment at a time. And accepting hardships as the pathway to peace.” The Serenity Prayer

It’s not that I’m an extremely religious person even if I do have beliefs but I find this quote so full of wisdom. It fits both main characters to a T. Lucky because he’s been abandoned as a child and had to fight not to be overwhelmed by resentment and bitterness over something he could not control. Katie because she’s also been abandoned even if figuratively by her parents and had to make peace with it. And it epitomizes them perfectly because something really heartbreaking, tear jerking happened they could not change or prevent and had to come to terms with.

I liked this story in the first 60% as it was cute, sometimes bittersweet, sometimes funny and sometimes “Haaaw chuck” but it did not blast my world. Honestly I felt slightly left down by SD Hendrickson as I worshipped her two other books and I had very high expectations.
But I positively ADORED this story in the last 40% as something dramatic happened and I could not stop crying because, well… you’ll have to read it. If you’re my friend you should know by now that I do love a good ugly crying and I got my fix for the week!

This is your “classic” story of a rising country singer meeting the girl next door and they fall in love but with some tricks in the hat to turn it from a cute story you’ve read thousand times into an SD Hendrickson novel: insightful, sensitive, cute and heart stealing.

Katie meets Lucky at a bar when she is dressed as a cat or rather Catwoman as Lucky likes to retell. She’s followed her BFF Payton but she’s more the girl you find on the outskirts of crowd, reliable and sensible.
”If fairytales were real, I would never be cast as the princess. Nor would I be the ugly stepsister, the ghastly villain, or dressed like someone who stole the heart of the hero and led him down a road of seductive debauchery. That wasn’t me either. Normally, I would be Extra #5, walking across the street in the background while the camera panned to the handsome guy as he dipped the beautiful girl into some epic kiss. I would be nameless and forgotten by those who watched in the audience.”

If Katie likes to blend in Lucky can light a whole town up. He has charisma, he is talented, he glows.
Opposite attracts and they soon begin to date even knowing Lucky was close to his big break in music and would be often away.

He likes to travel, to sing before a crowd. She likes to stay at the same place as she moved so much as a child and she wants to be invisible. Katie can’t understand what a guy like him finds in a girl like her. But Lucky knows she is perfect for him.
”Sometimes it feels like I have to be different people. The guy you see on stage. A different guy to fans or girls I date. Someone else with my family. It’s not like any of those are fake. They are just different from each other. Different parts of me. But it doesn’t feel like I can be all of them at once. Or mix them together. The night I met you was the first time I really felt like I was all of them at once. I could be myself with you.”

I positively loved Lucky as he is loyal, caring and would do everything for his adoptive family. Oh and he was also HOT! He was utterly devoted to Katie and would have stopped everything if she had only asked. They shared a love so deep Katie would never ask Lucky to give up his dream. Both had the best intention but you know what they say about best intentions…

Lucky’s family and Katie’s friends helped make this story feel so true and real. When I read about all their interactions I had the same feeling you experience on Christmas days when you’re all cozy with your family, cocooned in the warmth of your home.

I smiled, I swooned, I laughed and I cried buckets. It’s not my favorite by this author but it certainly is another success.
Profile Image for Shannon.
448 reviews149 followers
September 20, 2016
“Run away with me, Katie.”


I need to start by saying that this review is going to be short and sweet. There have been times in the past where I have plenty to say and ramble on and on for pages on end. While at times that's fine, here I want you to simply take my word for it and experience this story. There's no way my little sentences could prove the love between Katie and Lucky, so I'm just going to give a few brief thoughts.

In the past year, I've become big into highlighting while I'm reading. Even if it's not a book I'll review, sometimes you just like to pick your favourite quotes, maybe your favourite part in a story or something that really resonated with you on a deeper level. Every person has their own reasons, and mine include some of each. I recently read a book and highlighted all of one quote. I was a little nervous because of that, but nonetheless, moved on. Then I get to My Lucky Days and I swear to you I have one third of the damn thing highlighted! This thing is genius. GENIUS I TELL YOU! It's so fantastic and magical and sweet and uuugghhhhhhhh. It has all of the feels. I will fore warn you though, be careful reading this book if you're PMSing. It could be dangerous and wreak havoc in your emotions. #IHeardThisFromAFriend #DefinitelyNotMe #ICried

“Do you regret me?”
“No.” I touched the scruff on his cheek. “I had fun with you, Lucky.”
The pain inside was so strong I could barely breathe the words. Those moments with him had been beautiful. I would never forget my days with Lucky.
Because those were truly my lucky days.


There's such a wide array of emotions that the reader gets to experience. From not only those warm belly flutters to falling in love, the pain of losing someone and not being able to control it, to others leaving your life. Your heart being stomped on and crushed, being left behind, confusion, trying to do what's best, all of it and plenty more. There was a certain twist that I will be 100% upfront with in saying that I don't like it, ever. But the way it was written here, I was actually okay with it because the emotion backed up the entirety of it. Then when another twist came and another right after, I was absolutely beside myself with angst. My heart was breaking. I wasn't just sobbing, I was wailing like a child. I simultaneously needed to keep reading and stop to catch my breath. It's hard. It hurts. It's real and even if I don't like the situation, my entire being was devastated for Lucky and Katie.

"When this whole adventure started with Lucky, I felt like I was living in a fairytale. And it was true. I was living in a whimsical world with someone I loved—just not the right fairytale. Instead of being the princess in the story, I was Wendy, wishing for Peter to stay with her. But as everyone knows, someone who has the ability to fly shouldn’t be chained to the ground."


Every girl deserves a guy like Lucky in their life. Whether it's for a small amount of time or forever, I can't stress enough how incredible this relationship was and how much he brought out of Katie. Her confidence, her self esteem, her self worth, all of it. And yet she was never lacking in self esteem or self worth before hand! Lucky is the type of guy who makes you feel special even in old ratty sweats and messy hair. He'll call you just to hear your voice, write songs about his feelings, is up front and incredibly caring and if needed, I bet he would walk to the ends of the earth for Katie. I don't use this word often, but Lucky was perfection. The love between him and Katie felt nothing less than 100% authentic, like watching a real life love story unfold in front of your eyes. It was magic to watch and brings back all the butterflies and nerves that come along with a new relationship blossoming.

A glimpse of your smile
Won’t be enough.
’Cause my heart keeps telling me,
I need more of this stuff.


The authenticity was by far one of my favourite elements in the entire novel. These two seemed like real people with real lives, real problems and who struggle to make it work through distance and travel. Their dates felt like real dates, no instalove, no jumping to bed immediately because they simply can't live without the other, just a pure and simple connection. I really enjoyed watching this bond grow between them as their relationship then progressed and love blossomed. I believed every second of these two being together to be honest and genuine. It's a pretty challenging order for an author to make the readers feel this way, but without a doubt I can say that SD Hendrickson succeeded.

“Don’t be afraid of me or what’s going on between us. Maybe it’s fast. But if you spend your whole life worrying, then you will forget to live. Don’t get caught up in the maybes.”
“The maybes?”
“Maybe this is forever. Maybe it’s for now. Maybe we will have sex. Maybe we won’t. It doesn’t matter because we are having fun right now. I like you. And I like spending time with you.” His arms circled around me, holding me close again. “And right now, I like dancing with you. That’s all that matters.”


There is no way you could deny falling in love with a guy like Lucky, if there was ever one in your life. I fell for the one on paper damn it and I didn't want to let him go!

Deeply and madly. I love you in a way that can’t be captured in music. And I will probably spend the rest of my life trying. ’Cause you’re the only girl I ever want to be in here.”
He took my hand, placing it on his bare chest to where his heart was beating rapidly under his skin. “I think there was only one slot in here. And it was meant for you.”


If Stacy ever decides to put story writing on the back burner, she needs to become a song writer, IMMEDIATELY! There's many songs throughout the story that Lucky writes and they are more than phenomenal. I wish so badly that they were real and I could listen to them. They're absolutely spectacular as not only songs, but with meaning behind the lyrics and the emotion they portrayed in each given scene.

Don’t forget this world is temporary,
And each day that ends is one less you see.
Make sure you share a little happiness,
With everyone as you pass by.
And read your Bible each night,
Even if you don’t understand why.
And make sure you love someone,
With everything you got inside.
And if life leads to heartache,
Don’t ever be afraid to cry.


Stacy also used an original concept which I loved throughout her story. Each chapter had a different country song 'theme' or dedication, a song that goes along with that specific chapter. Not only was this really cool, but the song selection to each specific moment was perfection. I'm a huge country music fan so seeing these was not only a slight clue as to what was the come in the next few pages, but give you a tune or idea to hold onto while reading. I thought it was incredibly clever and loved the idea.

With all of this being said, you're probably thinking 'Shannon, it sounds like you LOVED this book, why only a 4 star rating?' My answer? The ending. It kills me to say this, absolutely kills me. My Lucky Days was going to be in my Top 5 reads of the year until the last 15% or so. There's one small conversation/moment that not only bothered me, but was like an entire bucket of ice water being dumped on my head. It's quite safe to say I hated it. And it's not even like I can say the conclusion, but I can't say a whole lot without spoiling something. It was more so the way these two got back together (after an 8 year time jump might I add), that left me so unsettled. I wanted these two to fight to get back together because of their love, not because of the situation they found themselves in. With how the conclusion was written, being brutally honest here, it cheapened some of their love story for me. Took away some of those feelings and everything I believed. I felt a little lied to and a lot hurt. I not only stopped reading for a little while but messaged one of my reading friends so she could calm me down. I was livid with this. Who knows, some of it could've been from the imaginary hormones, but I was so incredibly upset by how and why they got back together. To me it felt like all of the pain and heartache they went through was just coincidently swept under the rug and all of their problems just poofed. I considered long and hard about dropping this rating from 5 stars to either 3.5 or maybe 4, because now all I think about when I remember this story is how angry I am at the ending, and that's the last thing I ever thought was possibly going to happen. I know I'm just rambling at this point and it doesn't even make a lot of sense without spoilers, but if you decide to read the book (which I still strongly recommend), you'll know what I'm talking about.

Well, so much for a short review but just know this - you need to read SD Hendrickson's books. I've since gotten her first two and am so excited to start them. She's a master story teller with immersive stories and loveable characters. You'll get an in depth plot with plenty of emotion and I promise you won't want this book to end. I want to live in a world where stories like these exist, and maybe one day I'll find and have my own Lucky Days. <3

“You were never just a small piece of my life. From the moment we met, you became my whole world. And even when you were not in that world, I still loved you.”


*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Michelle.
2,102 reviews1,337 followers
September 20, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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S.D. Hendrickson has once again beautifully crafted a heart-tugging emotional second chance novel. With her raw and heartfelt prose, Hendrickson orchestrates a symphony of drama, passion, heart, forgiveness, truth, and undying love.

 photo c597221934a5ba5398e694fe1518ec_zps1xesa3i0.gif “Her hands, my shirt, The way she held on tight. Her breath, my neck, When she whispered all right. And under those neon lights, I knew she wanted more. So I grabbed her hand, And pulled her out the door.”

My Lucky Days is a story that capture the epitome and matters of the heart. In this sweet and yet emotional tale of first love and broken hearts, Hendrickson allows readers to feel and listen to that one song that never ends…the rhythms of Lucky’s heart.

#MyLuckyDays

Young love is the quintessential theme of most country love songs. The feeling of looking into someone’s eyes and knowing that this person is the one. It is the song that never ends. It’s the chorus that is on repeat. But what happens when the lyrics of the song are changed and the song loses its meaning? Can two people who were madly in love rediscover the lyrics of their heart? And get back those lucky days?

 photo c597221934a5ba5398e694fe1518ec_zps1xesa3i0.gif “A thousand minutes may pass. And a hundred thoughts may come. But all of those disappear. When I’m sitting in the sun. Staring into your green eyes. Watching them change with your smile.”

When Katie first met Lucky, every country love song could relate to their love. Every note, tune, and beat was strumming along to the melody of their love but what happens when fame, distance, and loss became an issue? Can Katie find her way back to Lucky? And can Lucky make Katie see that no matter what had happened between them... that this tangible bond and connection is something that cannot be extinguished? Will these two rediscover what it means to be lucky in love?

#MyLuckyDays1

 photo c597221934a5ba5398e694fe1518ec_zps1xesa3i0.gif “And I wanted this with him. But part of me was scared. A relationship with a person like Lucky would not be easy. It would be difficult and at the same time, almost like a real-life fairytale. The ordinary girl swept up in the beautiful chaos of a sweet country singer.”

Who would've thought this city girl from San Francisco would be loving a country second chance romance? I guess I can thank S.D. Hendrickson for that as she wrote a story that was just more. So how can a love story be more? It’s simple when your love is that melody. That lyric. That song. That song that makes you feel alive, that song that makes you happy, that song that makes you believe in the moments. And S.D. Hendrickson did that as she wrote a love song with her original and heartfelt lyrics of words. So if you are ready to listen, feel, and dance to a country love story where white picket fences and forever exist then this book is definitely for you. I think it's fitting to end this review with a Lucky song. You know that song Colbie Calliat and Jason Mraz sang: “I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend.Lucky to have been where I have been.Lucky to be coming home again.” All there is left to say go meet Lucky and his girl, Katie and be swept away in this heartfelt, charming, and beautiful raw love story of second chances and new beginnings.


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 photo MICHELLE1_zps3515xymk.jpg S.D. Hendrickson

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Profile Image for Hanne.
657 reviews71 followers
December 12, 2017
This book is an amazing second chance story with some twists and turns. I already felt the love between Lucky and Katie in the prologue and they weren’t together then, so I wondered what happened between them that caused them to break up. The first half of this book is about how Lucky and Katie met, fell in love and broke up. Their love was strong and solid. They never stopped loving each other when they were apart. Lucky wanted to do anything to get another chance with Katie and he will fight for her. Katie was hesitant to give Lucky another chance, because she was devastated after their break up and she didn’t want to get hurt again. I loved Katie and Lucky as a couple. They belong together, always did. They support each other and believe in each other.
Profile Image for TereseDK.
474 reviews14 followers
December 10, 2016
3-3.5 stars

Very sweet second chance romance without any major conflict or angst. Both MCs were cute and likeable. The reunion was very sweet and clean with hardly any drama. The so-called twist, however, was underwhelming and the resolution of that was, funnily enough, also very clean and sweet.

This could have been very boring, but I still found myself enjoying it more than I expected. Aside from some editing issues the writing had a nice flow to it, but this is definitely my least favorite of this author's work.

As I said, I enjoyed myself but I will not remember a thing about My Lucky Days in a week's time.

First person h's POV with a sweet HEA.


Profile Image for Ellie.
541 reviews148 followers
Read
December 18, 2019
So, after dumping the h to go live his dream, the H has been living the high life and plugging anything with a hole - for 9 years. He suddenly turns back up just after breaking up with his flavour of the month and the h gets this gem -

'He moved my hand, placing it lightly against his chest. The warmth of his skin seeped through his shirt. "I told you a long time ago. No one would ever be in here but you. No matter what happened out there after I left. I still mean that...'"

😂😂😂😑

Fuck. Off.
🖕🖕🖕
Profile Image for Paula .
704 reviews232 followers
November 14, 2016

4 stars!


Oh, I absolutely adored this book!

This is a beautiful second chance at love story with tons of feels. I even pulled out the tissues a time or two. And I'm not a big crier. I loved how the romance burns slow and steady - it's wonderfully done.

I'm really into old country, some new country and indie blue grass (Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, Alison Krauss <3), so naturally I loved that our hero, Lucky (swoon!), was an up and coming country artist (swoon again!). I had the song "The Lucky One" by Alison Krauss stuck in my head the entire time I read this book.

I really think the author did a great job with this story. I'm happy to report there is no OW/OM drama. Sometimes that just gets old reading that type of drama in romance stories. Which seems to be more and more these days.

Ya'll read this book. It's so good! :)
Profile Image for Butthisbook.
495 reviews18 followers
September 20, 2016
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“We are the Center of the Universe and nothing else matters. All the chaos out there is gone. It’s just you and me.”

Since reading The Mason List, S.D. Hendrickson has taken my heart hostage and it’s safe to say that she still has it. My Lucky Days was such a sweet story, from the creative way each chapter was named after a country song to the original song lyrics, which might I add was very imaginative and made the story and characters feel so real. My Lucky Days has managed to take my breath away. Hendrickson captured the beautiful and the hard side of young first love and the heart clenching of second chance romance.

If you’re looking for a heart-felt story about two people that find each other, lose each other and find their way back to one another, this here, is the story.

S.D. Hendrickson should be on everyone’s TBR list.



“Don’t forget this world is temporary. So love someone with all you got.”


**ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
**photos provided from a free stock image site**
Profile Image for Patrixia Lansangan.
386 reviews12 followers
May 23, 2017
This story was one of a kind. It was one of those wrong timing, wrong moment kind of love stories.

Time heals all wounds and sometimes it breaks you apart and it will bring you back together :)

Katie and Lucky was extraordinary and they are so mature to handle their situations from when they were so young.

If this is real life, this is how people who separated for good reasons will actually act. They were mature and they are perfect together :)

I love the song lyrics Lucky writes as well :)
Profile Image for Alexis.
748 reviews89 followers
September 18, 2016
My Lucky Days captures young love at its finest. It’s a story that will make even the most non-country music fan (me), fall in love with the beautiful lyrics sprinkled throughout the book. To me, this was a beautifully written second-chance love story that will have you falling in love with this couple twice.

Katie meets Lucky by sheer coincidence while she is out at a bar one night with some girlfriends. From there, the two of them start to form a relationship while Lucky starts becoming more and more popular on the country music scene. As their relationship blossoms, these two find themselves falling deeper for each other. Unfortunately, all things don’t end up perfectly (sorta like a country song) and things go a bit awry. Fast forward to years later…can these two rekindle what they had years before?

“Maybe it's fast. But if you spend your whole life worrying, then you will forget to live. Don't get caught up in the maybes.”

I’m not going to lie, this book made me look like quite a hot mess after I finished it. SD Hendrickson’s writing makes you feel every emotion that the characters are going through. The song lyrics throughout the book added such depth to Katie and Lucky’s relationship and how the story progressed.

There are stories that you can pinpoint exactly what is going to happen next and with My Lucky Days I didn’t have that. I was a thrown for a loop (a very good one) near the end of the story that literally had me crying…good tears, I swear. I think it’s what made the story come together. The epilogue was perfect and showed how the two characters were able to progress years later.

If you are a sucker for second-chance romances and a very well-written book, definitely check out My Lucky Days.
Profile Image for Veronika's ReaderFeeder.
488 reviews47 followers
September 20, 2016
4.5- Lucky- Stars

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*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Every book written by SD Hendricson has a special atmosphere, which makes me feel these books are screaming for a movie screen. These are the kind of stories I can imagine that I sit down at home with the family and we could together take part in the emotional journey of the characters, and maybe after everyone went to sleep, I’d put the film back and secretly re-watch it, and this time I’d freely let my tears fall.

Like all of the amazing books of the author, My Lucky Days was also a slow-building, beautiful story where the sweet and adorable moments beautifully collided with the heart crushing ones. There were so many emotions: grief and happiness, life-long loves and second chances. It was a really stunning story with amazing characters, beautiful thoughts and unique, mesmerizing song lyrics.

The main character of the story is Katie, who had to move from one place to another in her whole life because of her parents’ job, but then she finally finds her home during her college years in a small town in Oklahoma. She meets Landon "Lucky" Evans in this little town. He is a young, aspiring country singer, and he has the talent to find his way into everyone's heart with just one kind smile. Katie and Lucky meet at a local bar where Lucky is performing at Halloween night. The spark between them is immediately there and Lucky's charm sweeps Katie off of her feet, but Lucky doesn't know yet that archiving his dreams is not far at all. The question is: Could the sudden blooming of Lucky's career stand in a way of the overwhelming love what develops between him and Katie?

I truly loved it! I was pulled into the world of the country music and I was enchanted by the unique atmosphere of the book. I felt like I was living the character’s dreams with them, I felt that their happy moments-, their tears-, their pasts-, their scars-, and their grief were also mine. I loved how the music gave a deeper layer to the story. SD Hendricson was able to create beautiful harmonies from the chaos of the music notes only by using her mesmerizing words. I loved the characters so much, especially Lucky of course. He swept me off my feet with his honest, wonderful heart, but I truly loved all of the characters. For me the ending of the book felt a little rushed but in spite of it, this beautiful second chance story stole my heart. <3

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Profile Image for Elle G. Reads.
1,674 reviews888 followers
September 24, 2016
Release Date: September 20, 2016
Genre: New Adult Romance (Rockstar + Second Chances)

:: 5 Pretty Little Stars ::

This is a beautifully SWEET second chance romance novel. It’s also a rockstar (or country musician) romance that will absolutely make your heart SOAR. Woah. This book really touched my heart. It’s beautifully written, very sweet, and totally compelling from start to finish. I loved the idea of reading about the up and coming country star (which is why I initially picked up this book in the first place) but I wasn’t sure how the story was going to actually play out. That made me a little hesitant at first but WOW. Hendrickson slayed it! She turned a mundane genre into an epic love story that melts hearts. I am so glad I had the chance to read this one and will certainly be purchasing her other novels based solely on the feels that this one gave me. With that being said, I absolutely recommend this one to fellow readers. It’s really a beautiful story.

Lucky and Katie meet by chance in a bar when Lucky is getting ready to perform. Initially sparks fly but neither one of them can imagine the epic love that will consume these souls the minute their eyes meet. Of course, neither one of them think a relationship will blossom out of their meeting but it’s pretty clear early on (in both readers and the character’s eyes) that these two are soulmates. But once Lucky’s dreams come true of ACTUALLY performing live with other big star country singers the two are in for a fight. Because being with a rockstar is never easy and Katie finds this out all to quickly…

Told in the past and future with beautiful song lyrics in between that will bring tears to your eyes, My Lucky Days is sure to consume readers all the way through. Some points in the story will utterly break your heart while other parts will make your heart sour and beat a million miles an hour. This my friends, is how all romance novels should be and I honestly cannot wait to pick up more of the authors work. Give this one a chance. I promise, you will fall for it!
Profile Image for Terri (N.J.).
836 reviews44 followers
January 7, 2017
I struggled with this one. It was a nice story and I was enjoying it for the most part but I found myself skimming a lot especially the second half.
Profile Image for Anne OK.
3,711 reviews529 followers
February 22, 2017
FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED - 9/23/16


S.D. Hendrickson brought this story to life on the pages. Set in the college town of Stillwater, Oklahoma, I truly connected and became a part of this story when it prompted so many personal feelings and familiarity for me. Not only is Stillwater the home of my beloved Oklahoma State Cowboys, but Oklahoma is my home state and when Lucky performs in Tulsa, it’s a nod to where I live and breathe each day. It was such fun to revisit special landmarks with both Lucky and Katie.

I dare you not to fall in love with both Landon Evans and Katie Jenson and their emotionally gripping story of friendship, love, loss, and forgiveness. Embodied within this second chance romance storyline you’ll find a treasure trove of pure delights and “feels” that will satisfy any reader’s desires. It will most assuredly tug at your heartstrings. How Landon Evans becomes "Lucky" created a need for Kleenex and a step away from the computer for a moment of composure.

While Lucky tries to make his dreams of a country music career come true with the full support of his family, Katie is searching for permanence and roots in her life after having grown up moving from place to place without much parental support in the process. While written in Katie’s POV, there’s still plenty of creative insight into Lucky’s emotions as well. Front and center are the dazzling original lyrics for Lucky’s music which were a direct hit to my heart. His songs alone make this a MUST READ!

From their first encounter, these two absolutely belonged together. You could feel the beginning of something wonderful. It was like a magic moment. Since it was on Halloween night -- could have been a magic potion. Complete opposites in so many ways, but as their friendship grew into a deeper connection it was evident they were true soul mates. There are so many parts to these two young people’s lives that will captivate your attention. A balance of both smiles, laughs, oohs and aahs, along with the frowns, gasps, hurt, sadness and tears offers readers a full look into this couple’s relationship through the years.

When that big dose of ugly “angst” raises its head triggering an eight-year separation between Lucky and Katie, the story takes a dive into some tempestuous and trying times. Written so that surprising details are revealed at the precise moment allows the author to catch readers off-guard with a few twists and turns. Count on a broken heart before the author pieces it back together with a perfect blend of adorable, sweet, tender and spicy. When all is said and done, you’ll get a double dose of that loving feeling when Lucky and Katie are once again reunited.

For me, each of Hendrickson’s three books has certainly proven to be such wonderful and unique reading treats. There’s a refreshing quality in the tone of her writing that is engaging, witty, and endearing just like her characters. She fast became an auto-click author. Every book leaves me hypnotized and pleading for more. She continues to amaze me with each book she publishes and I can't wait to see what she writes next!

A beautiful and conclusive Epilogue ensuring our couple their well-earned happily-ever-after left my heart and soul very happy.

Outstanding and well done! I highly recommend grabbing yourself a copy and diving into a terrific standalone story!


Disclosure: I had the honor and pleasure of beta reading for S.D. Hendrickson on what I’m claiming personally as some of “my lucky days.”


Profile Image for Christine (Shh Moms Reading).
1,373 reviews569 followers
September 20, 2016
I have loved this author since her first book The Mason Jar. My Lucky Days is second chance love story which is my absolute FAVE type of read. To top it all off, our hero is a country singer and the author has crafted beautiful original lyrics that have added such depth to this already emotional journey of Katie and her Lucky. I absolutely LOVE LOVE when an author can give readers original lyrics for their characters because it just adds another layer to the story, allowing readers to feel the music in their hearts and minds, to know that every song just builds upon the love that the characters feel for each other and even more so to understand the depths of Lucky's heart through his music. *le sigh*

So what's this book about?

Landon Evans (aka Lucky) first meets Katie at a local bar. She is a college student while he is an up and coming singer performing his music. I loved their first meeting because right off the bat you know that this man is genuine, honest and so sincere. Even more that Lucky, I loved his family and experiencing with Katie what true family and laughter is like after her having a barely there family life.

Their relationship starts off slowly yet surely - there is an instant connection and bond and you know that with the lyrics that Lucky sends to Katie that this man will be big one day. And he makes it big...and that connection is tested and then severed with distance and fame and everything that comes in between. With every journey there are bumps in the road and not everything is perfect, and I will say that the bumps in this story devastated me because I wasn't sure that this couple would ever find their way back to one another.

I love reading romance because I love watching people fall in love...and even more than that, I love when people fall in love again after being separated for a bit and remembering how much that first love meant to them, how that person is still embedded in their heart. My Lucky Days will appeal to readers who not only love this troupe but who are looking for different, who don't mind heartbreaking stories that will build up their hearts again to the point that they are bursting with emotion and love. Readers will love My Lucky Days because Lucky is one of the most heartfelt, true and endearing book boyfriends you will meet and he will steal your heart with his genuine and real love for his Katie.

S.D. Hendrickson is a favorite author of mine, she writes stories from the heart, and I look forward to more from her. Pick this book up - you will find a sweet book boyfriend to add to your list of heartthrobs ;)
Profile Image for Mari.
2,126 reviews5 followers
September 20, 2016
A music themed story with a second chance romance element? I gravitated to that idea right away. I thoroughly enjoy books that incorporate music onto them especially with own lyrics and such. I may not be a huge country fan but the fan that Lucky writes his own songs is a huge plus and it seems he would be the kind of artist I'd like. It's quite clever the country song title for the chapters, I listened to them while reading this and that definitely enhanced my experience.

" Don't be afraid of me or what's going on between us. Maybe it's fast. But if you spend your whole life worrying, then you will forget to live. Don't get caught up in the maybes."

When Katie met Lucky it was something new but feel right. They had a steady thing going, it was pretty sweet to watch. They had a hopeful and excited start, the banter and how they are together. It all seemed too good all at once but it was felt deep. But as an up and coming singer things slowly became different for Lucky, a musician's lifestyle is difficult and on the go. Life happens and you can't predict it sometimes. Maybe it just wasn't the right time for them.

I liked that Lucky and Katie's story was not so simple but it was meaningful. It grabbed me from the start. I rooted for them and I adored them together and my heart broke for them. It started it felt feel like it was an everyday possible kind of love story feel. Lucky is definitely swoon worthy, his kind, sweet, genuine and down to earth charm way about him. Plus I can imagine what he'd sound like, his feelings expressed in song. Katie had an unusual childhood and that still has an effect of her. I liked her though a loyal friend and has her vulnerabilities. I can get her hesitation to start again. Given another chance can they overcome the hurts and years apart? Their journey is far from over though despite the bumps and roadblocks along the way.

I don't think I haven't not loved any of Stacey's previous I've read. This one didn't disappoint as well and added to my favorites of hers. Her writing style draws me in, each one full of emotion. I feel connected to the characters and their stories. Katie and Lucky's story was heartfelt, even if it's told in Katie's POV you still feel Lucky throughout the book. My Lucky Days is a sweet, raw and honest love story that will leave you with feels and smile.

" A love bigger than heartache, deeper than an ocean, stronger than rope and brighter than a firecracker."




*** ARC received in exchange for an honest review ***
Profile Image for Janja.
862 reviews14 followers
February 26, 2017
S.D.Hendrickson is unique writer. All of her stories are heartbreaking with lump in the throat while reading it. My Lucky Days is no exception.
Lucky and Katie are two pieces in one heart but their young and pure love is too much for them at one time. Essentially this is a second chance love story and i enjoy reading it,what I realy loved are all the songs writen for Katie.
Profile Image for Blue.
905 reviews94 followers
September 23, 2016
The story is as the blurb describes but maaaaaan, I expected a better execution.



Really. I was excited to dive into this one since it sounded pretty good. But what really ruined this novel for me was that a good 60-70% of the novel is spent in the bloody past! Let me tell youuuuuuu. From the prologue, the chemistry and hinted history between the pair was already off the charts. I could feel their lingering love for each other oozing from that chapter, so much so, that I felt like a good chunk of the novel could have been scrapped. So yes, for next 197 or so pages we're given full history and the build up of romance between the pair and eventually their downfall, which was very predictable as to what led to it. And then a very rushed present-day wtf did I read HEA. I would have definitely enjoyed this novel more if the story was more focused on after the downfall- how Katie coped and the present, them rediscovering each other (NOT NAKED-WISE). UGHHHH.

Also, half of Lucky's reasoning of why he wanted Katie back in his life was like WTF are you for real? Are you a few brain cells short LOL. get out of town ya mole.


To be honest, if the blurb/plot changed to be about Katie and Lucky making their relationship work with his advancing career and the past was shifted to present time, I wouldn't have minded as much. But when the blurb baits me into thinking this novel is more centred on the second-chance romance and not have a good 197 pages about their bloody past, that could have been hella condensed, then yeah, gonna be a pretty disappointing read on my part.

Profile Image for Bia.
46 reviews3 followers
June 13, 2018
***** 4 STARS *****

How can I start this review? Humm… I fell in love with S.D. Hendrickson writing since I read The Mason List. Her writing has this ‘je ne se qua’ that’s so different. I can’t even explain what it is. So when I saw the announcement for her new book, I knew it was a must read.

Katie is a regular college girl, the one who’s not used on having the spotlight on herself. Her roommate convinces her on going to a Halloween party, dressed as a sexy cat by the way. But there, since it’s not 'her scene', she goes to the bar area. And it’s there that this cocky boy buys her a drink.

It’s the same boy that’s playing tonight. And while he plays, he captivates. She’s drown into him, into his music. So, after the show, he asks her to do something crazy: go have dinner with him. And on this moment forward, their lives would never be the same.



Lucky is a rising country star and one day he’ll be famous, she knows it. But Katie’s childhood was complicate, having her parents move a lot, that she now wants stability, for that place where she can really call ‘home’. She knows he won’t be around that much but she takes a risk. Lucky may be worth it after all.

It’s a romance at its finest. A story about finding love and sacrifices. And the best part of it all? THE SONGS! How can I even start describing the songs? As poetry they’re amazing, so imagine if they were really given a melody? In my head they did, and Lucky sounded something like Hoozier.

The only downside I have for this book is the last part. I think it was kinda rushed. If someone came to me with ‘that proposal’ and everything moved as fast as it did, I think I would go crazy. I remember thinking it didn’t have enough pages for everything fall into place but either way it did. It was just fast for me.

Even with this I would recommend it to everyone that loves a truly beautiful romance filled with emotion. And poetry, can’t forget about it. So take a chance with it. You may be like Katie and end up with something out of this world.

**ARC provided in exchange of an honest review**
Profile Image for Brianna.
1,817 reviews364 followers
September 24, 2016
S.D. Hendrickson has done it for the 3rd time in a row. This has made it onto my all time favorite books. I already want to reread this book and I never reread books. That should say something. Seriously, if you haven't read any of her 3, you need to. She is a VERY talented writer and her books are gut-wrenching, emotional, and absolutely beautiful. I cannot stress my love for her books enough and they definitely don't get the love and attention they deserve. Add this one to your TBR and her other 2, The Mason List and Waiting for Wyatt if you haven't read those!
Profile Image for Heather Kallam.
186 reviews6 followers
September 21, 2016
I just adored this book. I believe SD Hendrickson is going to become an instant one-click author for me.
Now, excuse me while I go blast some country music...
Profile Image for Shelly hammett.
184 reviews93 followers
August 1, 2019
Lucky and Katie.No two people could be any different,but yet they fell in love
It was sweet and at times devastating
September 21, 2016
My first book by Stacy was The Mason List. It was one of my top favorites last year. This book was my second of hers and I know for sure it's going in my top favorites this year.

This book was perfection! The first book of Stacy's that I read was The Mason List last year and that book made it to my top favorites for 2015. That book made me feel all the feels and I knew that this one would do the same after I read the synopsis. And I am glad to say that I was right and I know this one will also be one of my many favorites this year!

I shed quite a few tears during this book, both happy and sad tears. What seemed to get to me the most was the lyrics included in the story. Whether it was happy or sad emotions, every song included made me feel something and I wish that these would get made into actual songs.

I've read quite a few books that involve musicians but this is probably one of the firsts where the musician is a country artist and that made me like him even more. Making him one of my favorites :) I dare you guys to not fall for Lucky, but once you start reading he will just make his way into your heart and so will Katie. So much happened during their lives, from their first meeting and the years to come.
If you guys want to read a really well written book, with lots of emotions and awesome characters, please pick this one up!

Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for  Linathebookaddict  .
1,455 reviews392 followers
September 20, 2016
This author always delivers heart felt stories with realistic characters that speak to the reader's heart. This second chance romance broke my heart and then put it back together.
This is the story of Lucky and Katie and how they found their way back to each other.
The book is long but the writing is so captivating that I devoured it one day. Relatable characters and a a story that will remain with me.
If you are looking for something well written, then this is for you. I highly recommend it.
5 Lucky Stars
Profile Image for Blue.
1,525 reviews23 followers
Shelved as 'not-for-me-previewed'
August 3, 2018
DNF @ 19%, it was just too cutesy and cheesy for me.
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