on March 28, 2017
Pages: 226
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Goodreads
New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett has written her most gripping and poignant tale yet. Provocatively heart-breaking, audaciously irreverent and romantically fulfilling, The Hard Truth About Sunshine exposes just how very thin the line is between a full life and an empty existence.
An angry, bitter amputee.
An optimist losing her eyesight.
A dying kid.
A suicidal thief.
Four people with nothing in common but their destination.Despite having narrowly escaped death’s clutches, Christopher Barlow is grateful for nothing. His capacity to love has been crushed. He hates everyone and everything, completely unable to see past the gray stain of misery that coats his perception of the world. It’s only after he involuntarily joins a band of depressed misfits who are struggling to overcome their own problems, does Christopher start to re-evaluate his lot in life.
What could they possibly learn from one another? How could they possibly help each other to heal? And the question that Christopher asks himself over and over again… can he learn to love again?
He’s about to find out as he embarks upon a cross country trip with a beautiful woman who is going blind, a boy with terminal cancer, and an abuse victim who can’t decide whether she wants to live or die.
They will encounter adventure, thrills, loss and love.
And within their travels they will learn the greatest lesson of all.
The hard truth about sunshine…Warning: This book deals with some tough issues including suicide and sexual abuse.
Enjoy a sneak peek into The Hard Truth about Sunshine below and Denise’s 5 STAR review! Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed paperback of The Hard Truth about Sunshine AND a $25 Amazon Gift Card! Good luck!
Holding each other, Jillian and I watch Old Faithful as it comes to full eruption. The steaming water, which I’d read was over two hundred degrees Fahrenheit, shoots almost a hundred feet into the air.
“Wow,” Connor says in amazement as he holds his iPhone out, taking pictures as it goes off. I’d also read that the eruption lasts anywhere from two to five minutes. I bet that kid will take about a thousand pictures in that time period.
“That is amazing,” Jillian murmurs.
“You can fucking say that again,” Barb says from my other side.
“That is amazing,” Jillian repeats at her with a waggle of her eyebrows.
Barb rolls her eyes, muttering, “Har-har.”
“Hey, let me get a picture of you two,” Connor says, and he can only be talking about Jillian and me. We look over our shoulders at him, and he grins. “Turn around and face me.”
Jillian doesn’t hesitate, turning her entire body and pulling me around with her as she loops a thumb in a belt loop at my hip. Connor backs up a few paces and holds his phone out to frame us with Old Faithful spouting up high behind us.
“Okay, smile,” Connor says goofily.
I don’t have to look at Jillian to know her smile will be bright and full of sunshine. My scar pinches as I do my best to match her. I even pull her in a little closer, and we tilt our heads in toward each other.
“Oh, that’s going to be an awesome photo,” Connor says as he snaps a few frames. “Now, Barb… you get in there.”
Barb jolts, spins to look at Connor, and says, “Fuck no. I hate having my picture taken.”
“Pl-e-e-e-a-s-e,” Connor whines with pitiful eyes. “I’m dying.”
Jillian and I snicker, and Barb snaps at him as she stalks to my side. “You little shit… that’s not always going to work with me.”
Connor smirks as he takes our picture. Barb doesn’t do anything but stand next to me stiffly. I think about putting my arm around her waist, but knowing Barb, she’d probably pull out a knife and cut it off, and well, body parts are a precious commodity to me.
“Okay, now we need a selfie with all of us,” Connor says cheerily.
“Jesus Christ,” Barb mutters as Connor trots up to us.
He hands me his phone. “You have the longest arms, so you take the photo.”
I don’t hesitate, because damn it… the kid is dying and why shouldn’t we take a selfie together to commemorate this trip?
You’ve come a long way in three days, Christopher, you sappy son of a bitch.
Connor turns his back to me, grabs Barb by the arm, and pulls her to his side. He tugs her until she crouches as he does the same. I turn the camera to selfie-mode and hold it out. Bending a little too, I put my head close to Jillian’s. In the camera’s frame, Connor’s face is just below Jillian’s and Barb’s is at my chest. Jillian and Connor are both grinning, and Connor’s holding his fingers up in a “peace” sign. Barb is scowling while boiling water shoots up behind us.
“For fuck’s sake, Barb,” I say in exasperation. “Can you at least smile just once?”
Her scowl turns darker.
“Pl-e-e-e-a-s-e,” Connor begs without losing his grin or peace sign as he looks at the camera. “I’m d-y-y-y-ing.”
Simultaneously, Barb and I both erupt into laughter. I hold down the shutter button to snap multiple pictures while Old Faithful goes off behind us and Barb has a smile on her face.
After I’m done, we turn to continue watching the ecological spectacle, being no less wowed by it as time goes on. When the spout of water finally declines and then disappears, we start walking back to the Suburban. Connor flips through his pictures as we move along with the crowd.
“This is a great one,” he says as he stops in place.
Jillian immediately goes to him, looking over his shoulder. I do the same. Barb just keeps walking.
And it is a great picture.
I can’t stop staring at Jillian as the late afternoon sun lights her blonde hair up in the photo. Those blue eyes I can only see half of are crystalline… sparkling with joy… real life gemstones. Full lips spread into a wide and natural smile. Her temple rests against mine, our heads tilted together.
My eyes slide over to me in the photo. For a moment, I’m taken aback.
I’m smiling as well.
Big.
Bold.
Full teeth.
Light in my eyes.
Happiness in my expression.
I don’t even recognize that guy.
The Hard Truth about Sunshine is powerful, poignant look about the human condition; a window inside of the four character’s souls. This book written in the male POV will touch you deeply as the author elicits a wide range of emotions from the reader. There is no doubt this story will reside in your heart long after you finish reading it.
The blurb for this book is a bit vague so in the interest of no spoilers or more accurately allowing the reader to experience the pretty of this journey, I am going to keep this review short… I know I can’t just write READ THIS BOOK but I wish I could.
I will start off by saying that this was not a sad book for me; though it had sad moments it was for me a story of taking what life gives you and moving forward. This story is at times painful, it is raw and layered with feelings but it is also hopeful and beautiful. The power of a smile, the power of friendship… it all bleeds off the pages. You can’t always fix a friend, but you can support and love them; that is the truth this book highlighted for me.
These four character’s lives intertwine with pure beauty as each brings something to the experience and each not only bonds but offers the others something. I know I know it is hard to imagine but it so works.
This book is filled with emotions as it takes the reader on a journey; one that will keep you glued to your kindle, as you smile, cry, laugh and in the end close the book with a full heart and smile on your face for this unique and powerful story.
Though some may consider it a spoiler, the romance masterfully woven inside of this beautiful tapestry ends happy. I closed this book with a smile from ear to ear as these two move forward with a new vision of happy.
Ms. Sawyer proves in spades in this book that she can write! This book is a bit different than what she has written prior but if you are a fan, I am sure you will enjoy it and if you have never read a book by this author this one is a great place to start!
As a complete aside, the cover very poignantly portrays the theme of this book!
And …and….make sure to read the dedication in this book and the author note at the back, it provides insight into not only the story but the author’s heart!
*Giveaway now over – congrats to Victoria*
Enter to win a signed copy of The Hard Truth about Sunshine and a $25 Amazon Gift Card (open U.S. ONLY)
All you have to do is (any of the following):
➡ share this post and giveaway on your social media account(s) (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc). Sample message below:
The Hard Truth about Sunshine is #ComingMarch28th #ExcerptAndGiveaway @shhmomsreading @bennettbooks
➡ Add The Hard Truth about Sunshine onto your GR TBR https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34180861-the-hard-truth-about-sunshine
➡ Stop by Sawyer Bennett’s FB page, give her a like and let her know Shh Moms Reading sent you and how much you are looking forward to reading The Hard Truth about Sunshine https://www.facebook.com/bennettbooks/
Latifa Morrisette
Added on Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34180861-the-hard-truth-about-sunshine
Latifa Morrisette
https://mobile.twitter.com/LatifaMorrisett/status/844573502585933824?p=v
Latifa Morrisette
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1811794309073158&id=100007278195164&refid=17&_ft_=top_level_post_id.1811794309073158%3Atl_objid.1811794309073158%3Athrowback_story_fbid.1811794309073158%3Athid.100007278195164%3A306061129499414%3A2%3A0%3A1491029999%3A6541713037623982535
Latifa Morrisette
Commented on her page
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1295688977174209&id=416024151807367
Latifa Morrisette
https://plus.google.com/+LatifaMorrisette/posts/NutEd3uxo7q
Latifa Morrisette
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/615656211530880125/
Latifa Morrisette
https://latifa6463.tumblr.com/post/158705571901/via-review-exclusive-and-giveaway-the-hard
Elli Gonazalez
https://mobile.twitter.com/elli_gonzalez3/status/844576691766939649
KellyMae Helfrich
FB https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1859558387620737&set=a.1403508323225748.1073741829.100006997812880&type=3&theater
Twitter https://twitter.com/kellymhelfrich/status/844576696514830336
Twitter https://twitter.com/kelly_knigge/status/844576463978409984
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BR8j4uOF1Nt/?taken-by=kellymaehelfrich
G+ https://plus.google.com/+KellyMaeHelfrich/posts/LCUF9b51sSB
Elli Gonazalez
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1800892953559440&id=100009162571596
Heather G
Added to my TBR, Following her FB page and shared on twitter 🙂
https://twitter.com/MonsterLily27/status/844582558050500608
Marcy Meyer
Already like Sawyer’s FB page, commented on her wall, added to my TBR on GR and shared on Google Plus.
https://plus.google.com/103896564285558114243/posts/gPorUf89o1J
Sue G.
https://www.facebook.com/sue.galuska/posts/1448342745197457?pnref=story
Sue G.
https://twitter.com/tsmb02/status/844584926423011336
Sue G.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/310537336792502092/
Sue G.
https://plus.google.com/117641038081658905989/posts/gsseS3Gb2AH
Sue G.
https://tsmb02.tumblr.com/post/158706838221/via-review-exclusive-and-giveaway-the-hard
Sue G.
I added it to Goodreads; I already liked Sawyer Bennett’s facebook page and I left a message. Thanks for the chance!
Cheryl H.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/cehartauthor/status/844588964543545344
Mick Murphy
Shared on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/micklovesbooks/posts/671460643037628
Twitter: https://twitter.com/micklovesbooks/status/844587183218536448
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+MickMurphy-micklovesbooks/posts/RSMaEAJeg8x
Tumblr: http://micklovesbooks.tumblr.com/post/158707063200/review-exclusive-and-giveaway-the-hard-truth
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/479281585330261995/
And said Hi to Sawyer on her Facebook under the name: Mick Murphy
Thank you for the chance!! LOVE Sawyer Bennett and cannot wait for The Hard Truth about Sunshine!!
Mick Murphy
And obviously already have it on my Goodreads list! (www.goodreads.com/micklovesbooks)
Juli Hall
Tweeted https://twitter.com/Auntjux4Juli/status/844598146978111488
Juli Hall
Shared on FB
https://www.facebook.com/juli.h.hall/posts/10207348574867216
Carol
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34180861-the-hard-truth-about-sunshine
Added to my goodreads!
Carol
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/Talula4279/status/844603132445446144
Dee Swan
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=393250491048339&id=100010901748667
Dee Swan
https://twitter.com/hdeeswan19/status/844603366831538178
Dee Swan
Added to GR and commented on Sawyer’s page! Thanks!
Dee Swan
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/467881848773840848/
Dee Swan
https://plus.google.com/u/1/107512901264304670254/posts/UaTFByh4TEz
Jaime
Shared on FB and did all of the above steps:
https://www.facebook.com/jaime.martenslong/posts/10211321493987415
Jaime
Shared on Twitter and did all of the above steps:
https://twitter.com/JaimeLong320/status/844657713254682629
Victoria
Shared on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MAMA2a_PRiNCE/status/844754215205453825
GooglePlus: https://plus.google.com/+VictoriaAlexander11/posts/NUsWfn3KQVr
Tumblr: https://mama2aprince.tumblr.com/post/158727747904/the-hard-truth-about-sunshine-is-comingmarch28th
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/404127766549138605/
momsread
Victoria you are our winner – an email will be sent to you shortly. thanks to everyone for sharing and commenting!
Sheila Lawrence
Added to Goodreads!
Sheila Lawrence
Left post on her author page FB wall!
Sheila Lawrence
https://www.facebook.com/sheila.c.lawrence.5/posts/1580990541918727
Diana Doan
Shared on FB: https://www.facebook.com/ddoan.526/posts/10102328642064684
Diana Doan
Shared on Twitter: https://twitter.com/aznangel_dd/status/844773388778291201
Diana Doan
Shared on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/388154061620685904/
Diana Doan
Shared on Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/108697483700723842969/posts/XbHsiybetiJ
Diana Doan
Shared on Tumblr: https://aznangeldd.tumblr.com/post/158730080203/the-hard-truth-about-sunshine-is-comingmarch28th
Diana Doan
Added it to my TBR list on GR, username: Diana Doan.
Diana Doan
Already liked Sawyer Bennett’s FB page. Left comment on her page. 🙂
Jaime
This sounds so so good!
https://twitter.com/JaimeLong320/status/844898715399794688
Jaime
Shared on FB:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10211326953723905&set=a.1074059386027.11764.1662464111&type=3&theater
Marcy Meyer
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/534661787000396760/
sam
https://twitter.com/kozbisa/status/845051862789378049
Sue G.
https://www.facebook.com/sue.galuska/posts/1449879041710494?pnref=story
Sue G.
https://twitter.com/tsmb02/status/845091407903834112
Sue G.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/310537336792538678/
Sue G.
https://plus.google.com/117641038081658905989/posts/RMYZduqf6HC
Sue G.
https://tsmb02.tumblr.com/post/158761162576/via-review-exclusive-and-giveaway-the-hard
Jaime
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10211335544298664&set=a.1074059386027.11764.1662464111&type=3&theater
Jaime
https://twitter.com/JaimeLong320/status/845260283916566529
Sue G.
https://www.facebook.com/sue.galuska/posts/1450369011661497?pnref=story
Sue G.
https://twitter.com/tsmb02/status/845284679553048576
Sue G.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/310537336792551140/
Sue G.
https://plus.google.com/117641038081658905989/posts/J1EtD3KpeLH
Sue G.
https://tsmb02.tumblr.com/post/158777705321/via-review-exclusive-and-giveaway-the-hard
Marcy Meyer
https://twitter.com/MarcyMeyer92/status/845306701385535489
Jaime
https://www.facebook.com/jaime.martenslong/posts/10211344596284958?pnref=story
Jaime
Retweeted my previous tweet:
https://twitter.com/JaimeLong320/status/845260283916566529
Sue G.
https://www.facebook.com/sue.galuska/posts/1451398364891895?pnref=story
Sue G.
https://twitter.com/tsmb02/status/845650347389566978
Sue G.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/310537336792578470/
Sue G.
https://plus.google.com/117641038081658905989/posts/HfhPkJpjUfT
Sue G.
https://tsmb02.tumblr.com/post/158814055531/via-review-exclusive-and-giveaway-the-hard
Marcy Meyer
https://www.facebook.com/marcy.meyer/posts/10209026077149698?pnref=story
Kim Perry
https://plus.google.com/108920968286423778953/posts/DRrNzWCGsMf
Kim Perry
https://twitter.com/kmperry13/status/845832836263358464
Kim Perry
https://www.facebook.com/kim.perry.98/posts/1426758374013202
Kim Perry
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/535646949417416542/
Jaime
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10211353448066247&set=a.1074059386027.11764.1662464111&type=3&theater
Jaime
https://twitter.com/JaimeLong320/status/845999143462035456
Marcy Meyer
https://www.facebook.com/marcy.meyer/posts/10209034967531952?pnref=story
Marcy Meyer
https://www.facebook.com/marcy.meyer/posts/10209041307050436?pnref=story
Marcy Meyer
https://twitter.com/MarcyMeyer92/status/846779556635856896