✨ 𝟠 𝕃𝕚𝕥 𝕄𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤 ✨

|| 𝘼 𝙎𝙠𝙮 𝙁𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 by Lorna Lewis ||

Pub Date: June 1, 2025

Narrators: Carmen Jewel Jones and Jeanette Illidge
Genre: Contemporary Drama/Thriller, Audiobook

Thank you @brilliancepublishing for the gifted ALC. Here are 8 lit moments from this gripping listen:

1. 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁—𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆?
- Nova’s return after fifteen years in captivity is the emotional core of the novel. Her quiet strength, confusion, and longing to reconnect with a life that moved on without her made her journey unforgettable.

2. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗸𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗱?
- The tension surrounding Quinton and Leah’s secret marriage and when Nova would figure it out.

3. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗮, 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲?
- Nova’s reintegration into her family and society was a powerful exploration of resilience. The novel also delved into how trauma reshapes identity not just for the survivor, but also for everyone around them.

4. 𝗪𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁?
- The bond between Nova and her daughter Skye was especially moving. Watching them navigate their new relationship added layers of tenderness and heartbreak.

5. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮?
- The story unfolded gradually, with emotional revelations and character shifts that kept the tension mounting. The pacing was suspenseful and reflective.

6. 𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿(𝘀) 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀?
- Yes, they brought distinct emotional tones to Nova and Leah. Their performances added depth and clarity to the characters’ inner lives.

7. 𝗪𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄, 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲, 𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲?
- Absolutely. The dual narration helped distinguish perspectives, and the emotional cues in the narration made transitions feel seamless.

8. 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗼?
- Perfect for fans of layered family dramas, emotional thrillers, and stories about survival, secrets, and second chances.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)

🏷 #ASkyFullOfLove #LornaLewis #BrillianceAudio #AudiobookReview #ContemporaryFiction #FamilyDrama #EmotionalThriller #BooksWithSecrets #SurvivorStories #ResilienceAndLove #Bookstagram #8LitMoments #NarratorSpotlight #DualNarration #BookishDrama #ReadersOfInstagram

The plot for this book looked so good, a woman abducted for 15 years coming back to her life. However, the execution let me down. There was not enough depth on the characters, her process coming back to her life was like she never went away. It takes me longer to adjust to my life after a vacation. She had no consequences after 15 years being violently kept captive, starved and isolated. She was giving advice and lectures to people right away. People were involved on their own drama in complete disregard of her. The book focused on her marriage so much that the abduction was irrelevant, she could as well have been away on vacation and nothing would have been different. The audiobook was like 12 hours long and with 3 hours left I surprised to be almost over and was still waiting for the climax.

I really enjoyed SFOL, but had a tug of war conflict of emotions with it.

Nova has been held captive for 15 years. 15 years trapped, away from her family, fighting for her life. She has just been found and reconnected with her family, which includes her mother, teenage daughter who she last saw when she was only 2, her sister, Leah, and husband, Quintin, who are now married. Yep, they found solace in each other.

This was a great story, original and full of heart, family connections and forgiveness. Unlucky for me, I’m a petty grudge holder so it was hard for me to like it as much as I could’ve.

This book had me wondering, is there ever a time period that passes that’s acceptable to marry your sibling’s spouse? Both sisters had endured tough times, but why was it easy to sympathize with one and not the other?

The story was a bit predictable. My unforgiving heart made me want things to work out in a completely different way. I knew that it with the theme of forgiveness things would wrap up peachy keen, but I felt like the breakdown in relationship was far too quick and easy to move on from.

It’s upsetting me and my homegirls that Leah didn’t get drug and dog walked. I wanted Nova to pack up and get the hell out of dodge leaving those traitors behind. That should’ve happened before the healing began, but I guess these characters were more mature than I am.

I loved seeing Nova work through her fears while acclimating to society, family and community when everything was so different and so much had changed. I wish the entire story was devoted to Nova because I hated Leah and felt no empathy for her, or Quinton.

I highly recommend this read; it is angsty, agonizing, infuriating and would be PERFECT for discussion. I feel fans of Rhonda McKnight’s books would love it!!

The narrators truly complemented the story! I always love hearing new voices bringing stories to life!!

Great read! First read from this author. This book makes me want to read more from this author. Kept my attention and interest until the end.

Leah is awful; who marries their sister’s husband? Nova deserves better than the people she is surrounded by. I’m not a religious person so I didn’t really care for all the discussion about God.

This is an interesting story about Nova, who is kidnapped and held captive for a decade and a half, taken at the time when she was a young wife and mother. How she survived that experience is conveyed movingly, and her joy at being reunited with her close knit family is relatable.

Unfortunately, in the interim, Nova's younger sister Leah has fallen in love with her husband and been happily married to him for the last 3 years. As a result, she has also been raising Nova's daughter as her own step daughter.

How will Nova adjust to these changes - especially since they threaten her closest relationships?

This story has a strong Christian element and is set in a small black community in the South. The characters are well rendered, and you can't help feeling for their dilemmas. Despite some repetitive elements, this is an enjoyable read and gets 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Lorna Lewis, Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for the ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

WOW — a full five stars for this one.

This book truly took my breath away. It’s a heartbreakingly beautiful story that tackles the aftermath of abduction — not the event itself, but what comes next, in the quiet and complicated moments of trying to heal. Lorna Lewis writes with such care and compassion, capturing the emotional layers of trauma, survival, and the messy, nonlinear path toward recovery.

I also deeply appreciated the authentic BIPOC representation throughout the story. Seeing diverse characters at the centre of such a powerful narrative added depth and resonance, and felt both refreshing and important.

If you're looking for an emotional, thought-provoking read that stays with you long after the last page, this one is not to be missed.

Now available where books are sold as well as Kindle Unlimited

okay this was a messy one! oweeee! I was not a fan of Quinton and Leah at all. I just thought he could've handled it a little better than he did. Leah too...you throwing fits when you aint the one who went through all your sister went through. I felt so bad for Nova but im happy she still got her happy ending ❤️ The narrators did good too. ☺️

This was a well written and very well narrated audiobook that was enjoyable from start to finish. This one is difficult not to review without spoilers other than what is already given in the synopsis!

It’s very much like a family drama type of genre more than it focuses on the psychological thriller of the actual events of Novas captivity although this is referenced throughout the storyline it is more from the perspective of the affects on the character Nova he she copes when she is home and how her family also manages with her coming home. Add into the mix they have all lived their lives including her daughter who was just 2 years old when Nova was taken so the majority of growing up has been done with her dad and other members of the family.

By the end of the story we are left with love, hope, inspiration and understanding of family pulling together through the darkest of times to support each other!

There are a few twists and turns that keep the interest and all the characters are definitely brought to life through the beautiful narrated voices of Carmen Jewel Jones and Jeanette Illidge who both do a great job for these characters!

With thanks and gratitude to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this ELC in return for this review 🙏🏽🎧📚❤️

This was an interesting premise to delve into what happens after a woman is found after being presumed dead for 15 years. I listened to this on audio and love that there was dual narration as the chapters switch between the two sister’s point of view. The family dynamics were messy to say the least. It was hard to feel empathetic to some of Nova's family when she’d endured such tremendous loss over the 15 years she was held captive. Thank you to Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.

While the synopsis was promising, the execution of the story fell short. The narrative didn’t flow well and the dialogue felt stilted. Additionally, the multiple side stories and secrets detracted from the main plot, resulting in a disjointed narrative.
It seemed to downplay Nova’s trauma while focusing more on Leah’s emotions while Quentin came across as apathetic. I found it difficult to relate to or sympathize with anyone but Nova and Lance.
The family dynamics were dysfunctional, characterized by several strained relationships.
I struggled to connect with the story on any level.
Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity to listen to this complimentary advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Baby!!! This book took me through every emotion. I still don’t like Leah. A manipulative, jealous, envious sister “falls” in love with her sisters husband while is missing presumed dead. Cause huh??? They Lorna Lewis had me ready to choke out a fictional character. I loved it. Loved it. This is a great read. I wish it had another title but overall 5 star read. I also was able to listen to the audiobook thanks to #NetGalley and I received the book as an Amazon First Reads choice. I look forward to more from this author.

The narrators for this book was chefs kiss as well. They were perfect in tone and the emotions that carry from each characters. Their voice was distinctive enough so that I was able to tell the difference as well.

Thanks to NetGalley for an audio arc. I really enjoyed the narrator and the story both. Such a touching and heartwarming story. Would definitely recommend.

How does someone return to their old life after years in captivity? They come back as a completely different person who needs to learn how to incorporate their new self into their family and society. Nova was married with a two-year-old daughter when she was kidnapped and held captive for 15 years. I can’t imagine going through something like this. Nova has to deal with the guilt and joy of survival, while also dealing with the trauma of the experience.

This book was well-written and the narrator did a great job with the emotion and feel for the story. I highly recommend the audiobook if you get the chance. This is a great family drama.

Thank you, NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing/Audio. for allowing me to read this book. I am writing this review based on my own opinion.

A fully develop drama based on a trauma, family, committment and healing. Nova was kidnapped and kept hostage for 15 long years. During her captivity, her thoughts and memories of her family kept her going. Once she was finally rescued, she realized that her life would never be the same. Secrets were being kept from her, she barely knew her family, and everything in the outside world was new and different. It would take everything she had and everyone she knew to help her acclimate to this new life. The story is told in alternating chapters between Lean and Nova, sisters who have a bond. Nova's mom and her childhood BFF Lance were great supporting characters. This story was compelling, insofar as it highlighted the personal issues and traumatic experiences each family member was dealing with and how they all joined together, and made them the people they were and how they behaved towards each other as a result of those experiences. It also showed the power of healing and of communication which is the most important aspect of any relationships, especially when there is undoubted baggage involved and how, when that breaks down things can rapidly spiral out of control. Thank you, NetGalley, the publisher and Lake Union Publishing 3.5 rounded up

Multi-generational family fiction at its best. Nova is a married with a baby when she is kidnapped. Fifteen years later she is free and comes home to a whole new reality.

I loved this! 5 stars

Many thanks to Net Galley and Brilliance Publishing for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This audiobook had a lot of potential, and there were definitely parts I enjoyed. The overall story was sweet, with some heartfelt moments and a nice message about love and growth. The narrator did a good job bringing emotion to the performance, which helped keep me engaged.

That said, it didn’t fully land for me. Some of the plot felt a bit slow or predictable, and I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I hoped I would. It wasn’t bad by any means, just not as memorable as I wanted it to be. I had a lot of specific issues with the way her family moved on without her and expected her to be the bigger person.

A pleasant listen overall, but not one that really stuck with me

I loved this! I practically read it in one sitting. Although I didn’t care for 2 of the characters, it didn’t take away my desire to see this story through. I’m only giving it 4 stars because it’s so obviously unbelievable at times, but a great read nonetheless.