Blue Sky by Melissa Lemon

WHAT IT'S ABOUT:
Sunny is bereaving the sudden death of her parents. Lewis is a homeless runaway seeking shelter in Sunny's basement from an early winter storm. When they unexpectedly meet, Sunny wants nothing more than to kill him. After a bizarre hostage situation and a poker game, Sunny realizes that Lewis isn't out to hurt her. Their initial distaste turns to friendship and love, but Sunny isn't keen on starting a relationship with a man she knows so little about. Lewis is loyal, and his patience paramount. Sunny is hesitant but her love runs deep and true. They are separated unwillingly, and must struggle and face overwhelming odds to find each other again.

MY TAKE:
I really liked Lewis. I kept wondering when we'd find out what would drive a young man like him from home and to the streets. My heart went out to him when I finally found out. The issue of being homeless in the winter is brought very much to life.

It made me even more irritated with Sunny for her hot and cold treatment of him. While her erratic behavior--considering what she'd just been through and what an emotional mess she was--could be excused somewhat, it still totally messed with poor Lewis's head. Her behavior was also consistent with the way I see real girls treat real guys all the time, cluelessly sending mixed signals.

I thought Lewis's brother Jack was hilarious. I would love to see Melissa write another novel that takes on his story.

Melissa has had many imaginary friends (and enemies) since she was a child. Her vivid imagination had her writing stories and jotting down book ideas for years until she finally sat down and finished a novel. She is married to an awesome man and the proud mother of three children. Music is also an important part of her life and she shares time with her music students teaching them piano, cello or guitar. Melissa is a graduate of the University of Utah and currently resides in the Salt Lake area.