A Heart Lies Within Us
By Steven LeBree
(5/5 stars)
The life of Lucas Colby is never easy or simple. Shortly after the turn of the century, Lucas's parents travel from West Virginia to Ohio, where Lucas is born. His father spends most of his time drinking and working, so that Lucas is raised primarily by his religious mother. On Lucas's tenth birthday, his father is finally done in by the alcohol and a jealous rival. Years later, after Lucas is orphaned when his mother dies of cancer, Lucas takes revenge on his father's rival before hitting the rails.
After some time spent living as a hobo on the rails, Lucas finally winds up in New York City, where he becomes bartender/bouncer for a speakeasy run by a man named Charlie. It's there where Lucas's life takes dramatic turns as he takes up drinking like his father and eventually meets the love of his life.
There's just one problem as the love of his life happens to be in love with the spotlight. Though Lucas loves her as much as he can, he can't ever compete with her desire to be a famous. Heartbroken and alone, Lucas is saved by an old friend, becoming a journalist for a small paper, where his life takes another dramatic turn.
There are a few other dramatic turns in store for you, but I won't spoil those.
All these dramatic turns are what make the story a worthwhile and engaging read. I was fascinated by the Lucas character and couldn't wait to see what would happen next to him and if he could finally get his life in order. This makes the book a real page-turner.
While the story takes place largely from the 1910s to 1940s the subject of finding your one true love and holding onto it is universal enough that it still resonates with modern readers. As well, LaBree's writing is uncomplicated enough that it never becomes too cumbersome or "literary" for the average reader.
Overall, this is a great book you should add to your reading list.
(Note: this book is available exclusively on Amazon.)
That is all.