Tuesday Reviews: Lotus by Jennifer Hartmann

To the rest of the world, he was the little boy who went missing on the Fourth of July.

To me, he was everything.

My heart hasn't been the same since he disappeared, but I've learned to build my life around that missing piece.

Twenty-two years later, the last thing I expect is for that missing piece to come back.

His name is Oliver Lynch, and this is his story.

This is our story.

Lotus absolutely wrecked me—in the best way possible. This is one of those books that crawls under your skin and stays there long after you turn the last page. Emotional, heavy, hopeful, heartbreaking… honestly, it’s everything. The last time a book stole my soul like this was Still Beating, which honestly says everything you need to know going in.

The story tackles trauma and healing with so much care and depth. It’s painful to read at times, but never in a way that feels unnecessary or exploitative. The emotions feel raw and real, and the author doesn’t rush the healing or sugarcoat the damage. Every feeling lands exactly as it should.

The characters are beautifully written—flawed, gentle, broken, and strong all at once. Their connection isn’t just romantic, it’s emotional and soul-deep. You can feel their bond building, and it made every small moment hit just as hard as the big ones. I cried, I paused, and I just sat there staring at the page more times than I can count.

This book is heavy, but it’s also full of tenderness and hope. It’s about survival, love, and learning how to live again after the unimaginable. If you’re in the right headspace and ready for an emotional ride, Lotus is unforgettable. Five stars, no hesitation.