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~ Lena ~

At 17-years-old, I have everything going for me . . . until less than sixty seconds changes everything.

Nine months ago, I survived a school shooting, then buried twenty-two of my classmates, including the boy of my dreams. Now, I'm expected to return to school for Senior Year, but I can't. Not when the shooting was my fault. If I'd only done what the note said, none of this would've happened. In small town Virginia, the only things that matter are God and football, and no one in this town forgets anything.

That's when my dad ships me across the country to my grandparents to finish high school on the Oregon Coast. I'm happy about it, actually. No one's going to stare at me, silently blaming me for whoever they lost in the cafeteria that day. I can move on with life, go through the motions, get through the year, leave it all behind . . .

Until the town's golden boy, Declan Harp, saves me from myself and makes it his personal mission to restore my faith, and love me past my pain.

But, small towns are just that, no matter what coast they're on, and when my pain becomes public, it crumbles everything in me all over again. I can either stay in this darkness, holding on to the memory of those that died because of me, or forgive myself and learn how to live again.

Declan is determined not to give up on me, but I know I can't love him if all I do is exist.

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 12, 2020

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About the author

Courtney Lynn Rose

55 books402 followers
Courtney grew up in Baltimore and is pretty sure she threw her ability to give a f**k into the Inner Harbor long before high school. Like almost every writer on the planet, she started writing at a very young age. Her “way with words” led to her being the go-to person for writing funeral speeches for a long time.

For fourteen years she worked full-time as a paranormal investigator and demonologist until retiring in 2014. During that time, she had three children, earned a degree in Psychology, and eventually got back to writing.

Today she lives in Middle Tennessee with her children and boyfriend, and spends the majority of her time writing things that make people smile while cutting their emotions deep, running her own professional editing company, and enjoying life
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Repped by Ena Burnette at SBR Media.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
3,932 reviews414 followers
July 19, 2020
I’m loving this authors books and I didn’t think anything would beat my last read until I read this story.

My heart broke for Lena. How can a young girl go through so much- heartbreaking. Her father sends her to her grandparents in the hope she can graduate there and move on. There she meets Declan. He is also a very likeable character. He is the light in her darkness but can she let him help her through the darkness.

As there are triggers in this story it’s not for everyone. However it drew me in hook, line and sinker.

A heartbreaking and emotional read that gave me goosebumps while I was reading it.
Profile Image for Madeleine.
3,975 reviews10 followers
July 12, 2020
What a traumatic turn of events for Lena all because she turned down a date. One minute your world was wondering and the next, this decision will haunt Lena. I love, love, loved Declan, and ask the characters but, especially the love and respect Declan had for Lena and how he was determined to stick by her through thick and thin. This book was so beautiful and heartbreaking and the same. Can't wait to see what happens in #2.
Profile Image for Lynn Stifle.
3,579 reviews66 followers
July 13, 2020
This book was so emotional and just truly amazing. I absolutely couldn’t put it down I needed to turn the pages to see what would happen next. It’s a story that gives you all the feels and you won’t be disappointed in reading it. A definite must read.
1,230 reviews19 followers
July 15, 2020
Lovestrong by Courtney Lynn Rose was a powerful, emotional story about two young adults and their journey filled with compassion, love, faith, family and friends. The bonds these two share is one that will last forever, as God had a plan for both of them. Lena is a grieving 17 year old survivor trying to deal with guilt, hurt, pain and loss when a student/friend opened fire and killed her boyfriend, best friend and 21 others at school which changed her life forever. Unable to deal with the hate in her town or the guilt she is experiencing, she is sent to her grandparents in Oregon to heal and start fresh. When she meets golden boy Declan, the chemistry between these two is so strong, Declan is drawn to this troubled young woman and finds that he needs to be with her and help her when she needs him. Through Declan's patience, understanding and love he is able to help Lena get past all of the hurt and try to start living again as he introduces her to new friends as well as his family. But through all of this Lena still has survivors remorse she must get passed as she still blames her self for surviving but with Declan's love and the support of her best friends she is getting better, not even being bullied by Declan's sister will get her down anymore. . But events will change when she returns to her home town and faces her past and what happened on that day, now Lena withdraws once again, shutting everyone out as her demons resurface and she makes a rash decision involving Declan and her friends. Lena believes she is doing what is best for all of them especially giving up Declan as she can't stand the thought of losing another love. When she is forced to meet Declan face to face she will agree to try one more time as the love have have for each other has no bounds. When an accident happens to Declan as he is rushing to see Lena he will need all the love and support from Lena, his family and friends. Lena is not giving up hope, as she is praying to God to save Declan, a visit from a lost love helps. Lena face the truth that it is okay to love again and stop blaming herself for what happened, and that God has thrown her and Declan together for a reason as they were meant to be together forever. What an amazing story by Courtney Lynn Rose, hitting on a subject that unfortunately happens every day to someone in this country. Courtney has given her readers all of the hope and love that if one truly believes, God has a way of giving us the strength, love and courage as he will never give us more than we can handle. Only through a strong believe in faith, anything is possible. Thank you Courtney, for this heartwarming story that we can all use today! So looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for M Mendes Bookstagram.
708 reviews47 followers
July 14, 2020
As I sit her and write this review, I am trying to wipe my tears and clear my stuffy nose. Why am I cry you may ask. I am crying cause I just got done reading #Lovestrong. This book will definitely bring out a variety of emotions. From crying to laugh and everything in between. Lena suffered through a tragedy and was blamed for causing unforeseen events. She blames herself and is suffering from a tremendous amount of guilty. She didn’t want to feel and was isolating herself. Her Dad decides to have her go to her Grandparent’s house to stay with them and to graduate from high school there. Then in comes Declan. No matter how much she tried to distance herself it didn’t work and she falls in love with Declan. Lena has periods were she feels she is finally moving forward and periods where she feels unworthy and pushes everyone away. After a very big setback she decides that Declan would do better if she ending things with him and he can move forward with someone who is “whole”. Lena feels she is broken and doesn’t deserve love. This book touches on so many issues and ups and downs; highs and lows. Lena is suffering PTSD although it was not actually termed that in the book. Since the book doesn’t give what Lena is suffering a name just all the signs and symptoms you actually feel what a person who went through what Lena did as though you are there or is watching someone go through what she did. I feel as though this book does a very good job of making this all seem so real and believable which is how so many emotions are being experienced. This book is a MUST read. I think that very few if anyone can read this book without feeling what Lena, Declan, and their friends and family must go though as if this really did happen. I warn you there is triggers in this book and if you suffer or get triggered by PTSD that this might not be the book for you. I warn you to have Kleenex on hand when you did read #Lovestrong.
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
2,071 reviews35 followers
July 26, 2020
I had no idea what this book was about before reading it. I grabbed it up because I absolutely love Courtney's books. She hit this one out of the park. Right off the bat I cried. I am talking tears. Thank god I was reading on my phone because I would have soaked a paperback if I was reading that. She writes about a very touchy emotional subject with this book. The main hero in the book Lena is involved in something that no one should ever have to face. But the aftermath of what has happened is what gets to her more than anything. The what if's, the blame that it was her fault. This book touched every single emotion possible.
Lena is not during with things well so her father decides that it is time she go to live with her grandparents in hopes that she can get away and start over so to speak. Get away from the looks, the whispers the blame. Lena gets there and meets Declan. Declan doesn't know what is going on with her at all but feels a pull towards her and wants to help her. But is Lena going to take that leap again?
This was such a well written storyline. Courtney did such an amazing job writing this one. She pulled every emotion out of every character. She made sure to have the reader hooked with each character and to have them feeling exactly what the character is going through. I wanted to cry every time Lena went through something horrible. This poor girl went through something horrible. All she wanted to do was start over but wasn't sure how. But she fought to get there. I absolutely loved the chemistry between her and Declan and the path that theses two got to take to find their ending. This is an absolute must read from Courtney. I hope that she writes more in this series. I really want to know what happens with Jaz. Such amazing characters who all have a story to tell.
Profile Image for Marianne.
212 reviews11 followers
July 9, 2020
All because, she said no to a date!! How could life take such a drastic turn?? She wanted to apologize, she knew him her whole life. How could he do this? How could she survive? Being the survior is like dying with all the pain she feels everyday, with the blame that is put on her from everyone around her. She truly feels there is no point to her having happiness or enjoying life, when so many cannot, because of something that she did, until Declan. Declan, is an amazing young man from a different town who knows nothing of her past. He starts to breakdown her walls and she starts to feel again, even love, but what will it cost her if the truth is discovered, about her past. Declan, says, nothing will stop him from being with her, but how can she trust and believe that, when he doesn't know what she made happen, how many lives were changed forever, because of her!
Sometimes, there will be things, events you never get over and there will always be triggers that will effect you and bring you crumbling to your knees, will new friends and love be enough to save Lena..There are times, you need to go home to see that you don't belong there anymore and your future is somewhere else, but the events that happened shaped you into who you are.
This book is such a powerful read, it shows us how as long as you keep your faith and realize there truly is a purpose to all that has happened and let yourself heal with love, friendship and believing God has a plan, you will be alright as long as you keep letting love in!

'But sometimes, forever is just the moment we're in right this second.'
Profile Image for Marianne.
212 reviews11 followers
July 15, 2020
All because, she said no to a date!! How could life take such a drastic turn?? She wanted to apologize, she knew him her whole life. How could he do this? How could she survive? Being the survior is like dying with all the pain she feels everyday, with the blame that is put on her from everyone around her. She truly feels there is no point to her having happiness or enjoying life, when so many cannot, because of something that she did, until Declan. Declan, is an amazing young man from a different town who knows nothing of her past. He starts to breakdown her walls and she starts to feel again, even love, but what will it cost her if the truth is discovered, about her past. Declan, says, nothing will stop him from being with her, but how can she trust and believe that, when he doesn't know what she made happen, how many lives were changed forever, because of her!
Sometimes, there will be things, events you never get over and there will always be triggers that will effect you and bring you crumbling to your knees, will new friends and love be enough to save Lena..There are times, you need to go home to see that you don't belong there anymore and your future is somewhere else, but the events that happened shaped you into who you are.
This book is such a powerful read, it shows us how as long as you keep your faith and realize there truly is a purpose to all that has happened and let yourself heal with love, friendship and believing God has a plan, you will be alright as long as you keep letting love in!

'But sometimes, forever is just the moment we're in right this second.'
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Heidi.
1,432 reviews13 followers
July 22, 2020
OMG!!! Where do I start? This was such an outstanding book that will pull at your heartstrings. I will warn you, you will need tissues nearby. This is such a loving and beautiful book about love, forgiveness and healing. Courtney has done a fantastic job of writing Declan and Lena’s story. Declan is instantly drawn to Lena when he first sees her. He sees the hurt and pain in her eyes and just wants to make it better, even without knowing what put it there. Lena has spent almost the last year of her life in a fog. You will feel all the pain and heartache she feels. Declan and Lena’s love is so strong and pure, you have to read it to see how everything goes. You will be taken on one heck of an emotional rollercoaster ride, but it is so worth it. I laughed at some parts and totally ugly cried in even more parts. You need to read this and be taken on the journey This book takes you. I absolutely loved this story and the characters I met. I have a severe book hangover and will have one for a while.
Profile Image for Lori Stepanek.
34 reviews
July 21, 2020
What an emotional ride.....

This is a YA story, but don’t let that stop from reading this fantastic story about Lena & Declan (if that is not your normal genre). This story is jammed packed with emotions!
Lena turns down a date and in turn becomes a victim of a school shooting; losing many close friends and classmates. Many in the small town, blame her for this tragedy.
Lena is sent across the country to heal try and put her life back together; living with grandparents. While trying to move on, she meets Declan and sparks fly. Declan, his family and close circle of friends support her and assist her with her healing.
Courtney Lynn Rose does a phenomenal job with her writing style. Her writing allows the reader to feel all of her character’s emotions. The love between Lena and Declan is an almost tangible entity of its own!
Have tissues available while reading their story.
This is one story you don’t want to miss!!!
Courtney, please keep the stories coming!
Profile Image for Book Addict.
1,774 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2020
Powerful and emotional

This book was hard for me to read because of the memories this book brought back.
From the school shooting to the feeling of being empty, not sure how you are supposed to feel.
The constant feeling of setback upon hearing fireworks, loud bangs, cars back firing; it is enough to set anyone back in their progress.
The way she blamed herself for what happened actually tore me up because no one blamed her for what happened (except one person).
Declan is her rock and she needed that when she moved across the country to try and start her life again.
The new friends at her new school are ones that will stay forever.....along with Jaz are who are going to get her through everything.
This is another fantastic read by a great author.
Hope you enjoy this as much as I have.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Shani.
844 reviews35 followers
July 17, 2020
This was an emotional roller coaster of a ride that rips your heart out and puts it back together again.

Lena is a survivor. She’s lived through this horrific moment in life and lives with survivors' guilt. She internalizes the pain and suffering of her classmates and in turn into so much more pain and sorrow than is ever imaginable. She knows she has to let go a little and live her life. That’s why making a coastal change is going to be such a huge ordeal for her.

Declan is that good guy who strives to do good for those around him. For his family, his friends and he wants more out of life. More than just good grades and football. He knows that out there is someone he can bring in and set his soul on fire and bring him his own sense of peace. He patiently waits for the girl that’s just right for him. When he meets her, he knows it in his heart they’re both meant for greater things, together.

The whole book was completely and utterly well written. It was hard to not take on Lena’s pain too. Even though she’s a “fictional” character, there are truths behind her and the tragedies at hand. I felt her guilt and found hope in her journey with herself and Declan. Once again Courtney has managed to handle a very hard topic and bring awareness, hope, and love to it all.
Profile Image for Jackie Ziegler.
1,548 reviews7 followers
July 17, 2020
I don't even know where to begin with this review. I am not a huge fan of NA but Courtney nailed this one.. The emotional ride this story takes you on is beyond anything I could have imagined.

Lena has experienced one of the most horrible tragedies imaginable. Lunch time in high school cafeteria, student who is depressed and bullied goes on a shooting spree. 21 dead, 20 more wounded and she feels it is all her fault. For a chance to live again she goes to live with her grandparents, clear across the country.

Declan, the all american boy, great family, good in school, football star waiting to find the right girl to give his heart too. He meets Lena on the Fourth of July at the fireworks show where she has a panic attack and he helps her get through it. This girl has captured him and he wants to know more about her..

As they embark on a journey of young love, tragedy, and forming a bond that not many experience you can't help but root for these two make it.. Not everything is easy and their journey is just beginning but I am rooting for them.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,472 reviews9 followers
July 16, 2020
I had to think about what I wanted to write about this book. The emotions it envokes is soul deep. It is spectacular. It will make you think about your own life and what is most important to you. The main characters are Declan and Lena. They are complex and amazing. They draw you in and don't let you go. They make sure you are right there with them. At times your gut clenches as you read and others you need Kleenex because it is so touching and pulls at your heart. What are they willing to do for love? Can you have love when you are consumed by the past? No spoilers! You will need to read it to find the answers. It is a must have book! I am voluntarily leaving my review after reading an advance reader copy of the book.
Profile Image for Emma (emjbookshelf).
905 reviews20 followers
February 21, 2021
I was warned to keep my tissues handy for when I read this book and my inner voice scoffed because when people fell me that I usually don't cry - How wrong was I. I cried in quite a few parts in this book and my heart broke for Lena time and time again.

This isn't a typical book that I would normally read, not because of the storyline which features a tragedy that no school child should have to go through but because the town this book is set in, the population is heavy into GOD and I stay away from books that feature religion or GOD, however it is perfect for this book.

I won't give away the storyline however I would definitely recommend this book, Courtney is a fave author of mine and there has not been one book I haven't liked from her. Definitely a 1 click author for me.
Profile Image for Emma (emjbookshelf).
905 reviews20 followers
February 21, 2021
I was warned to keep my tissues handy for when I read this book and my inner voice scoffed because when people fell me that I usually don't cry - How wrong was I. I cried in quite a few parts in this book and my heart broke for Lena time and time again.

This isn't a typical book that I would normally read, not because of the storyline which features a tragedy that no school child should have to go through but because the town this book is set in, the population is heavy into GOD and I stay away from books that feature religion or GOD, however it is perfect for this book.

I won't give away the storyline however I would definitely recommend this book, Courtney is a fave author of mine and there has not been one book I haven't liked from her. Definitely a 1 click author for me.
Profile Image for Ashley Carr, LSoR.
4,715 reviews61 followers
July 15, 2020
Get your tissues ready because this is an emotionally charged book that will leave you in tears. This author brings you a story that touches on high school shootings in a riveting way that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. In an instant Lena’s life, along with the town’s, is irrevocably changed forever. Her father sent her to live with her grandparents and hopes that the distance will help her heal. Declan is at the new school Lena‘s grandparents send her to and comes to her aid while she is having a panic attack. The chemistry that blossoms between the two is beautiful to watch. I highly recommend this book!!
Profile Image for Sue Hancock.
114 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2021
Wow, YA isn't one of my usual reads so I wasn't sure about this one. I'm so glad I gave it a try though!

Please be aware some readers may have triggers with the storyline

An emotional roller-coaster of a book, starting with trying to cope with the aftermath of a school shooting, struggling to find a place in a new town and school, falling for a new boyfriend and having a new group of friends. A story of hope and learning to cope again with everyday life and all that brings.
Well written, exploring teenage emotions and dreams without writing them as too grown up to be true. I'd like to visit them again in ten years, see how they get on!!
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
2,918 reviews55 followers
March 2, 2021
I'm not sure where to even start with #lovestrong. It's  a truly beautiful story and at the same time, it's completely and utterly heartbreaking and tragic. It's also about strength, healing, love and overcoming. Lena suffers a  tremendous tragedy in her junior year of high school. Being left extremely traumatized and unable to move past it, her Dad thinks it's best to send her to Lakeview, Oregon to live with her Grandparents in the hopes that it'll help her. It's there she meets Declan, Candace and Jackson and the healing begins. My heart completely breaks for Lena and I'm completely astounded at how beautifully it's put back together again by the final page.
812 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2020
Courtney Lynn Rose continues her stunning journey in the writing world with Lovestrong. Lovestrong is just everything you want and need in a fantastic book. Once this story begins to unfold, it's fast and keeps your wanting to know more. This one is a real nail biter of a read...full of action, adventure, intrigue and secrets. Declan and Lena are just both amazing. Their characters were written and developed beautifully throught the book. I literally want to live in this world with them.

Lovestrong is not your typical romance book but you will absolutely love it.

I applaud Courtney Lynn Rose on this book. It truly is fantatsic and I cant wait to tell people to read it!

I voluntarily submitted an ARC review for this book.
Profile Image for Cynthia Carpenter.
1,551 reviews11 followers
July 18, 2020
Lena and Declan's story is not your typical romance book. It's takes you on a journey of one person life after a tragic loss, and what some has to go thur to find peace to move on from such tragedy.
This amazing read will have your heart in pieces, your emotions all over the place, and will make you smile little till the very end. Mrs.Rose definitely knows how to write an epic read that gives all the feels and so much more than what you would expect. 5 stars is definitely not enough of this read and I highly recommend it. It's not an easy read but an amazing one. Can a person survive a tremendous loss and learn to move on from all the pain and guilt? Read and find out the journey Lena and Declan take . Can't wait to read what she has next
Profile Image for Gretchen Calder.
447 reviews11 followers
July 13, 2020
This book was absolutely amazing. I will say be prepared to cry. While this is a book that brings tears it also brings hope and love. Lena who is dealing with how she feels after a school shooting which happened because she said no to a date and that he had been bullied. But Lena goes to live with her Grandparents to finish school when she meets Declan. He saves her while she is having a panic attack. They obviously have a connection. While he doesn’t know what happened to her he gives her all the time in the world to let him know. They have lots to overcome but with love anything is possible. This book is amazing and I can’t recommend enough
Profile Image for C Gray.
1,404 reviews15 followers
July 13, 2020
This story is ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL and deserves a ton more then 5 stars. I knew from the blurb this was going to be emotional and amazing but I never expected what we got.

In a matter of seconds, Lena’s life was completely transformed along with the rest of the town she lived in. He father sends her to live with her grandparents in hopes getting away would help her start to heal. What she wasn’t expecting was finding a group of fabulous people that would become more then just her friends. 🖤🖤
Profile Image for Michele.
1,472 reviews9 followers
July 18, 2020
This book is spectacular, simply because I can't think of another word that is better at this moment. It is an emotional read that grabs you right from the beginning! It never lets you go till the last word has been read. Even then you will find yourself thinking about this book. The descriptions of the story and feelings make the characters and the story leap off the pages. Your heart will be hurting for Lena. The emotions are that intense and then you will see just how much power love and compassion has in a life. That allows you the ability to move forward and see the light of doing that! Hands down a favorite book for me!!!
Profile Image for Michaela Zankl.
448 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2020
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. I went from crying to laughing and back to crying. Lena's story is incredible in ain't many ways from hurt to survival. This book touched so many different subjects from depression to PTSD but also gives you hope. Declan is an incredible character and his respect for Lena runs deep. Absolutely loved this book. Make sure you have a box of Kleenex ready because you will need it.
Profile Image for Staci Blandin.
357 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2020
I dont have the right words to express how phenomenal and emotional and perfect this story was. I legitimately couldn't put this book down I needed to know what was going to happen next. I wont spoil anything I just want to say read this book even if it's not your normal read. Give it a chance you will love it. Its worth it.
Profile Image for Bonnie .
217 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2020
Beautiful...

Heads up ladies , you will definitely need a lot of tissues..This book is so emotional uplifting, perfection with every page that you will read, it will have you feeling all the heartache and sorrows and just feel the pain that she is going through when one minute your happy and talking with your friends and enjoying life and in a blink of an eye it all changes so fast that you won't be able to understand why. Tragedy hits so close to home , it will leave you speechless and hoping beyond hope that a miracle might happen. Such a beautiful written love story that that works through the ups and downs , cannot wait to see what happens next.. This book was reviewed by a Book Loving Vixen
Profile Image for Carmen Torres.
870 reviews22 followers
October 17, 2020
Courtney Love Rose is a phenomenal author. She’s fairly new to me but I’m hooked. This story makes you cried for Lena and what she’s going through. Declan has made it his mission to restore her faith in human kind. However, the past has a way of coming back to bite you. Excellent characters and storyline.
Profile Image for ObsessiveReader.
1,145 reviews
August 7, 2021
This series is very different than previous ones of hers I have read. It kept me tearing up through the story.

Both Lena and Declan are pretty wholesome and love by their faith. Lena survives a school shooting that results in the death of her boyfriend and best friend. She suffers guilt for their deaths and punished herself. It takes Declan and his love to bring her back from the brink.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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