[Book Thoughts] BRUISES ON A BUTTERFLY by Chad Lutzke

SYNOPSIS:

A young boy runs away from his abusive home to live in the fort he’s built in the middle of a Michigan cornfield. But when a cosmic discovery late one night warps reality into a mutating nightmare, it’s up to loyal friends to fix what they can… and bury what they can’t.

🦋Three Friends, One Secret, and a Heart-Wrenching Discovery: My Bookish Thoughts on BRUISES ON A BUTTERFLY by Chad Lutzke

Calling all fans of STAND BY ME and THE FLY! Prepare to be swept away by a powerful tale of friendship, loss, and the complexities of being a preteen boy. This book follows three inseparable teenagers who find solace and adventure in their hidden clubhouse in a cornfield. But their world is turned upside down by an unexpected event that forces them to confront uncomfortable truths and acknowledge dark secrets.

Chad’s masterful storytelling paints vivid portraits of each boy, their unique struggles, and the delicate dynamics of their friendship. He doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life, tackling sensitive topics with honesty and nuance. Be prepared to have your heart wrenched – but in the best way possible. This is a coming-of-age story that packs a punch, leaving you with a rollercoaster of emotions long after the final page.

If you’re looking for a quick read that delves into grief, trauma, and the enduring power of friendship, look no further. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates raw, emotional storytelling and characters you can’t help but root for. It’s a guaranteed “feels” trip, and you won’t regret taking the plunge. So grab your copy, settle in, and prepare to be surprised, challenged, and deeply moved.

This author really is one of the top authors in the indie world. Thank you for making me feel my feels Chad 😅🖤🦋

*Thank you to Chad and Cemetery Dance for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

**CW – if you want to know them, look them up or DM me.

***I’m currently not giving star ratings and just focusing on reviews.

Author: Chad Lutzke

106 pages, Physical Book and Kindle Unlimited

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Amazon

A Novella Review – THREE-SMILE MILE by Chad Lutzke

This is a cat and mouse crime thriller story about a diner cook who suddenly runs away with a married woman he just met while working. There are many obstacles and threats they have to face in order to get what they want or need.

PUB DATE: 1/27/2023

Ahhh Lutzke does such a great job at writing characters that I end up adoring. The main male character’s name is Cake which I love so much and his counterpart is Diane. Even in a short amount of pages, the characters have depth and some growth.

There is insta love which I typically don’t care for but it didn’t bother me hete. I was surprised at how much this is a love story and it was really refreshing. Plus some moments surprised me–yeeesss!!

There are some violent characters that are unpredictable and this perfectly adds tension to many different scenes. It gave me the same uncertain feeling as the series FARGO/TRUE DETECTIVE and I love that!

This is a story about love, adventure, knowing yourself and what you really want. In order to break free from your insecurities and chains of the mundane, sometimes you have to follow your gut and run away with that mysterious stranger sitting in a diner booth.

Happy Pub Day THREE-SMILE MILE!

CW – DM me if you want to know them.

4.25/5

*Thank you to the author for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Kindle E-Arc

Goodreads

Amazon

Author: Chad Lutzke