Clovis is a gentle, easy-to-read story about a person figuring out life and relationships. The author writes in a clear, honest way that makes you care about the characters and the small moments that shape them. I can only connect with books when they have believable characters. Like most of us, the characters in Clovis worry about making the wrong move, compare themselves to others, and learn slowly from small mistakes. The story moves at a calm pace that lets you sink into it. If you are someone who likes quiet, emotional stories and books about growing up and choices, then this may be a good pick for you. This is not a fast thriller, but instead, a thoughtful read.

Clovis was a very easy book to read. It took me back to my childhood of growing up in the 1990s in Arizona, which is close to NM. The hairstyles, the clothes, the games they played all brought back memories. This book grabbed my attention from the very first chapter. The back and forth between past and present helped paint the picture of Callie's life. Against all odds, she flourished in school and succeeded in college. A powerful story of a girl's determination to be a better person despite her family circumstances. This book is real and raw and delves into complex family relationships. It left me wanting to know more about Callie's future and where it will lead her.

Clovis is a gut-wrenching yet stunning coming-of-age tale that traces Callie’s journey through growing pains, heartbreak, and the messy beauty of adulthood, captured with raw, unfiltered honesty in how she carries herself. The characters in this novel are gloriously imperfect, yet their complexities weave seamlessly into a plot that circles back, threading past and present until every piece clicks into place. No threads are left dangling. This isn’t a story of romantic love, but a deeper kind—the love you find for yourself, your friends, and your family, and the unexpected gift of second chances when you’re convinced you’ve run out of them. Overall, this breathtaking read with stellar writing is a must read. It’s painful, heartwarming, and simply unforgettable. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone craving an emotional rollercoaster. As Bill perfectly put it, “we can’t know joy without pain.”

Clovis tells the painful, yet hopeful - and ultimately triumphant - story of family and friends learning to live and love despite numerous challenges. Although the book is long and detailed, the author’s writing is consistently strong, and my attention was held throughout. The characters are all well-developed and although Callie tells most of the story, each person gets their own chapter to enhance our understanding of their character even more. This book helped me develop more empathy for lives lived differently than mine.