Loving Lavender Finch

De: Kelly Bargabos

Narrado por: Kelly Bargabos

A story of secrets, shame, and the life-changing power of love, Loving Lavender Finch is a coming-of-age tale that explores the complexities of self-acceptance and the courage it takes to share the deepest parts of our soul with another. It isn’t the trauma that almost ruins Lavender, it is the shame she swallows when she keeps it a secret that threatens to choke the life out of her.

LAVENDER FINCH NEVER THOUGHT OF HERSELF AS A LIAR. To her former fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Gordon, she’s the reliable babysitter; to her devoted tribe of extended family, she’s the beloved daughter, niece, and cousin; and to her best friend Jana, the muse for fashion advice and gossip. But when trauma shows up by the name of Travis, she begins keeping secrets and telling lies so that no one finds out what happened to her. What she let happen to her.

The truth is, Lavender is terrified of being truly seen, and known, so she hides behind a wall of secrets and lies that she’s convinced will protect her but instead locks her in a lonely place surrounded by shame. As she pushes away all those closest to her, she unexpectedly falls in love with a boy in Cuba she’s never met and a grandmother who doesn’t remember who Lavender is, most of the time. When her lies begin unraveling in a very public way, will trusting people with her truth confirm her fears or make room for the love she always longed for?

©2025 Kelly Bargabos (P)2025 Kelly Bargabos

A Beautiful, Uplifting Coming of Age Journey

Loving Lavender Finch by Kelly Bargabos is a heartfelt gem of a coming‑of‑age story—tender, wise, and wonderfully alive with emotion. Bargabos has crafted a novel that feels both timeless and timely, capturing the messy, beautiful process of growing up with extraordinary compassion.

What makes this story shine is Lavender herself. She’s a character you root for from the very first page—curious, sensitive, determined, and learning to navigate the complexities of identity, family, and belonging. Bargabos writes her inner world with such authenticity that you can’t help but feel every moment right alongside her: the doubts, the dreams, the heartbreaks, and the small triumphs that shape who she’s becoming.

The writing is vivid and lyrical without ever losing its warmth or clarity. Scenes unfold with emotional truth, and the characters around Lavender—both supportive and challenging—are portrayed with the same nuance and humanity. Bargabos has a gift for exploring big themes through the smallest, most intimate details.

What truly stays with you is the book’s unwavering sense of hope. It reminds you that growing up is not about having everything figured out—it’s about discovering your courage, your voice, and the people who help you become your fullest self.

If you love coming‑of‑age novels that are tender, uplifting, and deeply character‑driven, Loving Lavender Finch is an absolute must‑read. It’s the kind of book that lingers long after you turn the final page.