This Raging Light

Title: This Raging Light
Author: Estelle Laure
Type: Paperback (ARC)
Read: 1st January 2016
Rating: 4/5
Published: 7th January 2016 by Orchard Books

How is it that you suddenly notice a person? How is it that one day Digby was my best friend's admittedly cute twin brother, and then the next he stole air, gave jitters, twisted my insides up?

Lucille has bigger problems than falling for her best friend's unavailable brother. Her mom has gone, leaving her to look after her sister, Wren. With bills mounting up and appearances to keep, Lucille is raging against her life but holding it together - just.
A stunning debut to devour in one sitting, Laure captures completely the agony and ecstasy of first love.

I recieved an arc copy of this book from Maximumpopbooks as a thank you for taking part in their first ever secret santa. Although the ISBN on the book is for the hardback version, I recieved it in paperback form and the cover is not the same as this. I actually prefer the arc copy. The title reflects back in the light and its just stunning.

I picked this up as my first read of 2016, as i wanted to read this before its due date of 07/01. It's an easy book and can be read in a day. The book is of Lucille & Wren, sisters who are left alone by their mother and have to learn to live on their own. It doesn't seem too bad except Wren is only 9 years old and Lucille is barley 17. They have only one hundred dollars to get by, to pay the bills and live as normal. Lucille does a lot of growing up fast when she tries to keep everything together to make sure Wren isn't taken away.

The book is good. I enjoyed reading about Lucille and Wren, i enjoyed their sisterly togetherness. I loved that no matter how hard it was, they stuck by each other. Lucilles best friend Eden, tries to help as much as possible, but I think she grew jealous and therefore selfish of Lucille. Eden is a twin and knows Lucille is in love with her brother Digby. A romance does ensue but i think although its what Lucille wanted, it probably came at a difficult time and confused both parties a lot.

Lucille takes on a job as well as looking after her sister, going to school and dealing with the house. And we get glimpses into little graces that are mysteriously given to the two sisters. Cupboards full of food, a garden given a make over, of which neither girl knows who is behind it. At the end we find out and its great how they have angels watching them.

We never know where their mum is, just that she's not here where she should be. We find out more about their dad, and why most people in the town ignore the two girls. It's a tough life for both and i really felt for Wren, who went from being a happy 8/9 year old to suddenly realising that her parents didnt' care and she had to put on a brave face whilst trying to avoid all the questions. Its gotta be hard. 
Its a wonderful book.

Go get it From: Amazon UK | Book Depository | Waterstones | Wordery
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