CW: Parent abandons children. ( )

I liked the set up for this book but it just bored me to tears.

I have been hoarding this book for myself, at school, knowing I would want the time to really take it in. It's been described at beautiful, and it is, but I was completely taken over by the story. I loved this book. It's going onto my top five list of this year. And there is a sequel! I am so excited!

Lucy's dad went crazy one night and the whole town knows. What they don't know is that Lucy's mother left on "vacation" and hasn't come back; leaving Lucy to take care of her nine year old sister. All she has going for her is a house that is paid for, due to her dead aunt, and a month of paid up bills. Some senior year, huh? Complicating matters even more, is her love for her best friend's twin brother, Digby, who already has a girlfriend.

Lucy is so strong, that she forgets when to ask for help. Her growth from a regular teen to a responsible adult is compelling, and unfortunately, something I think too many kids have to do, when their parents flake out on them. ( )

This was a cute novel about a girl having to take on adult responsibilities and take care of her younger sister. The key idea here is to remember you have family everywhere whether or not you know it. They may not be blood related but they will help you out when you need it. The story had a lot of heartache in it and I still wonder if either of her parents came back, but I do know that no matter what the main character would have made it through anything with the help of her friends and neighbors. ( )

4.5 stars.

Estelle Laure's debut, This Raging Light, is a fast paced young adult novel with a marvelous cast of appealing characters and an engaging storyline.

Lucille Bennett is surviving her family's implosion as best she can but with school about to start, she is definitely feeling the pressure. Desperate to ensure she and her younger sister, Wren, stay together, she has not told anyone but her best friend, Eden Jones, about her plight. The last of her money is gone, the bills are piling up and Lucille is running out of options when she lands a job at a local restaurant. When Eden can no longer babysit Wren, her twin brother (and Lucille's secret crush) Digby steps in to help, but complications ensue when he begins to fall for her as well.

Lucille has managed to keep it together pretty well in the months after her family fell apart. However, stress is definitely taking its toll on both her and Wren, but for her sister's sake, Lucille maintains tight control of her emotions. Although well out of her comfort zone initially, her new job turns into a surprising source of comfort as she lets go of worries during her shifts. But she trades one concern for another after a blow up with Eden puts them at odds. Lucille is grateful for Digby's offer to help her but she cannot help but feel guilty when they begin sneaking around behind his girlfriend's back.

Ahh, Digby. A genuinely nice guy who is torn between his commitment to his longtime girlfriend and his newly awakened feelings for Lucille. This situation is surprisingly sympathetic but this does not negate the fact that both he and Lucille were wrong to begin acting on their feelings before his other relationship is resolved. Despite his indecision, Digby is there for Lucille and this definitely counts in his favor.

Which brings us to Eden, Lucille's best friend forever who, for inexplicable reasons, abandons Lucille when she needs her most. Unsure exactly what caused the rift between them, Lucille nonetheless reaches out to her but sadly, Eden rebuffs her overtures. While her co-workers fill some the gaps left by Eden's absence, Lucille is not willing to lose her best friend too and she keeps trying to repair their tattered friendship. Eden's reasons for staying away are a little weak, but Lucille is more than willing to forgive and forget.

Despite its slightly unrealistic storyline, This Raging Light by Estelle Laure is a well-written young adult story that is remarkably free from angst. The characters are likable and sympathetic despite their flaws and the emotions they experience ring true. The plot is engrossing and although not everything is neatly wrapped up, the novel's conclusion is uplifting. All in all, an enjoyable debut that will appeal to readers of all ages. ( )