Lovely and the Lost

I’m not gonna lie, I saw this was from Jennifer Lynn Barnes, read the description, and I was immediately hooked. Search and rescue dogs? Check. Family secrets? Check. A thrilling read? Check, check, and check.I absolutely loved every minute of this book, but considering that Jennifer Lynn Barnes also wrote The Inheritance Games, I shouldn’t have been surprised.So, plot, characters, and writing. For one, with the plot, I saw a lot of reviews complaining about the open ending. I didn’t find it that open in my opinion. I think it left just enough to let you know that people’s stories don’t end just because an event does. It’s more realistic that way and I seriously don’t understand why people get so mad about it. Besides that complaint from other people (not from me), every bit of the plot was exciting in this book.As far as the characters go, if you love love love Jameson from The Inheritance Games, you’ll absolutely adore Jude. Same character type and everything. Kira was obviously very reserved and different as a person because of her trauma, but I liked her depth. I wish we would’ve gotten a little more backstory about what happened to her in the woods and why it happened, but that’s okay. And the dogs? Probably the best characters in the whole book.Lastly, with the writing, if you liked any of Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ previous books, you’ll love this one. I seriously enjoyed this book so much.Overall, this was a book that I couldn’t put down and literally kept me on my toes. One hundred percent worth it to read (unless you don’t like somewhat open endings). Definitely a top read for this year.Favorite quote: “The things that haunt us, they make us human.”

This book follows the story of a young girl, formerly "lost" in the woods putting her instincts and dog training to use to find another missing child. Learning the secrets of her family and the missing child's family, the main character finds strength and friendship on the search to save another.

I liked the story. I liked the characters, they were easy to get to know and understand but this book definitely felt very “raised by wolves”. I made me really miss Bryn and it doesn’t feel finished. I’ve only read RBW and L&L by Jennifer, but both left me with a feel of the books being incomplete. I’m just left wanting more, and feeling slightly unsatisfied. I think her endings are a little rushed, I need a bit more closure. I want more answers. I don’t need everything wrapped up in a little bow, but if the author doesn’t plan on writing any more books then for the love of god please complete the ending and stop making the readers want more.Once again, a good book just frustrating.

I really enjoyed The Lovely and the Lost, all the characters were really vibrant and unique.Kira was found lost in the woods when she was a little girl. No one knew how long she had been on her own in the woods. Cady Bennett, the woman who had found her, adopted Kira and raised her with Jude, her son. Together Jude, Kira, and Free (their closest friend) train with their dogs to become search and rescuers. Now teenagers, they go on their first mission. It is hardest on Kira, who sees parallels between herself and the missing girl. Secrets start popping up and exploding, things are getting dangerous, and Kira is more determined than ever to find the lost child and bring her home.The story was heartwarming, adventurous, and had many laugh out loud moments. The end left a hint of an mystery uncovered, so a sequel would be greatly appreciated! Well done!

I was kept on the edge of my seat for the whole book! The author did a great job with character and story development. I especially loved the human/dog connection that this book centered around, and the healing that can occur through that relationship. The power of the mind to fight for survival was also a favorite theme. Highly recommend!

A surprise for a teenage grand daughter who loves to read.

I have not read this book in full yet. I bought it for my daughter. I'm not reviewing the literature, I'm reviewing the quality of the book itself. It's kind of garbage. The cover is cheap, the pages are beige and remind of the old manilla papers we used to buy for her kindergarten drawings. I was very disappointed in the quality of this book as it was purchased as a gift and it is NOT impressive at all.

I don't think there is a better YA writer out there for developing compelling and entirely authentic teen characters.

I loved it. It's really well written and had you on the edge to see what would happen next.The ending definitely leaves you with a lot of questions regarding what happens next. Hoping there will be a squeal.