T.L.Smith does it again, what you ask? She has blown me away. I love love love her books and this one is right up there. This story is about an unshakeable love. A love that is strong, and love that always hangs on no matter where life takes you. These 2 characters are so flawed, but together they are perfect. This story has a little bit of everything and will leave you gasping for more. This story is told in alternating views.

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In her debut novel Lotus, author Kay W. Smith weaves a captivating tale that follows the story of Lotus Price, a newlywed whose life is turned upside down by an unexpected pregnancy and a chance meeting with a past love, both which causes her to question the choices and decisions that she has made in the direction of her life.

Set in Chicago, and told in the first person narrative by Lotus, the reader is easily drawn into her story as she finds herself at an unexpected crossroads in her life. What should have been a wonderful start to her life married to her best friend Nick takes a sudden turn when she becomes pregnant six months into their marriage, and the unexpected crossing of paths with her first love, Dr. Gabriel Lincoln, brings complications and an unraveling to her life, that causes Lotus to question the choices, decisions, and what ifs from the past, against the desires of the present.

You can't help but feel empathy and compassion as Lotus struggles with daily life challenges, her inner demons, and complications from the affairs of the heart. The author weaves a well written and compelling story that flows smoothly from the present to flashbacks from the past, with a complex and multi-layered cast of characters, to a realistic and poignant storyline about a person re-examining her life choices and second chances, that is easily relatable and engages the reader to ponder the choices and direction of their own lives.

In reading Lotus, anyone can step into Lotus' shoes when it comes to their first love, especially when it comes to taking a walk down memory lane which brings with it the questioning of life choices, the wondering of what ifs, and the imagined possible opportunities of second chances.

Lotus is a riveting and realistic portrayal of the complications of life and love. This book was so hard to put down. There is a wonderful mixture of drama, emotion, and humor interwoven throughout the story, you can't help but get caught up in the in depth and complex dynamics of Lotus, Nick, and Gabe's story as it unfolds. This is a wonderful must read story that will simply leave you wanting more.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

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