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This Life of Mine
Kenzie Brooks’ world appears filled to the brink with everything life has to offer. At first glance, there is nothing her attractive runner’s physique and witty determination can’t handle.
Only those closest to Kenzie see through these enviable outer layers as she juggles the ups and downs of co-parenting and a demanding career. If it weren’t for the unbreakable bond with her sister, Natalie, she would never have made it through the early loss of their young mother, followed later by a surprise pregnancy.
Now it is Kenzie’s turn to bolster her sister’s strength as Natalie confronts the greatest obstacle in her marriage yet. And just when wavering emotions begin to settle, a man enters Kenzie’s life who makes her question everything.
This Life of Mine explores the intertwining relationships of unconditional friendship, family, and romantic love — reminding us of their infinite power through life’s uncontrollable eruptions.
Only those closest to Kenzie see through these enviable outer layers as she juggles the ups and downs of co-parenting and a demanding career. If it weren’t for the unbreakable bond with her sister, Natalie, she would never have made it through the early loss of their young mother, followed later by a surprise pregnancy.
Now it is Kenzie’s turn to bolster her sister’s strength as Natalie confronts the greatest obstacle in her marriage yet. And just when wavering emotions begin to settle, a man enters Kenzie’s life who makes her question everything.
This Life of Mine explores the intertwining relationships of unconditional friendship, family, and romantic love — reminding us of their infinite power through life’s uncontrollable eruptions.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 17, 2023
Read it and Weep 😭
This book is not my usual genre; I tried it based on the recommendation of a close friend who had a copy. Since it’s not my typical read, it’s challenging to review. But I can’t in good conscience move on without leaving some well-deserved praise ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the first novel of author Emily Nix, as I was truly sobbing by the end of this story. Any writing eliciting such an emotional response is surely worthy of accolades. In fact, I struggled to finish, due to the buckets of tears blurring my eyesight. Grab a mop ya’ll, Clean up on aisle Kenzie!
I read 50+ novels each year, but this has only happened to me a couple other times in my life. Since I read a borrowed copy, I just purchased several to give out as gifts to friends.
Whether you like present-day drama superstar Colleen Hoover, enjoy good ol’ reliables such as Nicholas Sparks, or want to try something outside your usual (like I did) -- give “This Life of Mine” a whirl, and for the love of everything holy, HOLD ON TO YOUR HANKIES! 😭🤧
This book is not my usual genre; I tried it based on the recommendation of a close friend who had a copy. Since it’s not my typical read, it’s challenging to review. But I can’t in good conscience move on without leaving some well-deserved praise ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the first novel of author Emily Nix, as I was truly sobbing by the end of this story. Any writing eliciting such an emotional response is surely worthy of accolades. In fact, I struggled to finish, due to the buckets of tears blurring my eyesight. Grab a mop ya’ll, Clean up on aisle Kenzie!
I read 50+ novels each year, but this has only happened to me a couple other times in my life. Since I read a borrowed copy, I just purchased several to give out as gifts to friends.
Whether you like present-day drama superstar Colleen Hoover, enjoy good ol’ reliables such as Nicholas Sparks, or want to try something outside your usual (like I did) -- give “This Life of Mine” a whirl, and for the love of everything holy, HOLD ON TO YOUR HANKIES! 😭🤧
July 8, 2023
Format: ARC Paperback
A domestic fiction novel delving deep into relationships of family, friendship, and romantic love reminding us of their unconditional support through life’s unexpected moments.
Kenzie’s world seems great. Only those closest see through the surface as she juggles the ups and downs of co-parenting and a demanding career. She has a strong bond with her sister, Natalie, who helped her through the early loss of their young mother and later a surprise pregnancy. Now it’s Kenzie’s turn to be her sister’s strength as she faces the greatest challenge in her marriage. And just as unsteady emotions start settling, Kenzie meets a man who makes her question it all.
This was a rollercoaster of emotions. Excited, Worried, Happy, Hopeful, Disappointed, Curious, Frustrated. I’m not sure how you managed to write a book Emily that I could relate to on so many different life obstacles. I think I’ve had too much experience 🤦🏼♀️😜
Life has taught me there’s so much out of our control. Sometimes we get dealt hard, frustrating situations we don’t understand and it really really sucks. We also get happy moments even if at times we have to search for the little joyful moments because they all add up!
And I’m telling you - this book is the “real deal.” I felt it exceptionally depicted the conflicting emotions life throws our way and how we navigate through. Even if you haven’t had the exact experiences personally, I believe you’re still going to feel connected! It’s like having a seat on their couch cheering them on as they celebrate the happy occasions and sob with them when they get knocked down. This book got my heart!
It’s raw, relatable, powerful, heartbreaking, beautiful, bingeable, and the writing flowed. Clearly, not an “easy read” because the topics are heavy - check for trigger warnings if you need to, DM me, or the author.
Thank you @mama.writes for including me on your team & gifting a copy of your book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
A domestic fiction novel delving deep into relationships of family, friendship, and romantic love reminding us of their unconditional support through life’s unexpected moments.
Kenzie’s world seems great. Only those closest see through the surface as she juggles the ups and downs of co-parenting and a demanding career. She has a strong bond with her sister, Natalie, who helped her through the early loss of their young mother and later a surprise pregnancy. Now it’s Kenzie’s turn to be her sister’s strength as she faces the greatest challenge in her marriage. And just as unsteady emotions start settling, Kenzie meets a man who makes her question it all.
This was a rollercoaster of emotions. Excited, Worried, Happy, Hopeful, Disappointed, Curious, Frustrated. I’m not sure how you managed to write a book Emily that I could relate to on so many different life obstacles. I think I’ve had too much experience 🤦🏼♀️😜
Life has taught me there’s so much out of our control. Sometimes we get dealt hard, frustrating situations we don’t understand and it really really sucks. We also get happy moments even if at times we have to search for the little joyful moments because they all add up!
And I’m telling you - this book is the “real deal.” I felt it exceptionally depicted the conflicting emotions life throws our way and how we navigate through. Even if you haven’t had the exact experiences personally, I believe you’re still going to feel connected! It’s like having a seat on their couch cheering them on as they celebrate the happy occasions and sob with them when they get knocked down. This book got my heart!
It’s raw, relatable, powerful, heartbreaking, beautiful, bingeable, and the writing flowed. Clearly, not an “easy read” because the topics are heavy - check for trigger warnings if you need to, DM me, or the author.
Thank you @mama.writes for including me on your team & gifting a copy of your book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
July 18, 2023
This was such an enjoyable read—Charming yet relatable characters, captivating storyline with a unique plot and just enough spice to keep a girl coming back for another chapter! I found myself excited to pick it up each night, unable to put it down and go to bed at the last quarter! I’m not a super fast reader, and usually read 15 minutes here or there, finishing books in multiple weeks. I finished this one in less than a week, despite it being longer than many I’ve recently read. It was refreshing to see non-traditional families, even a healthy divorced family—as a stepmom myself, I really appreciate that! Overall, the book left me with a full heart, appreciating the love around me, seeing the possibilities and beauty in everyday life.
January 6, 2025
Still debating a rating on this but still book was amazing.
Not many books make me cry but I had to stop reading at one point because I couldn’t see. This book hit me to my core. I can only imagine others with similar experiences, who can actually relate to the stories in this book, will feel that too.
I am in awe of Emily for creating this beautiful piece of work and I am so thankful to have been included in her ARC team!
Not many books make me cry but I had to stop reading at one point because I couldn’t see. This book hit me to my core. I can only imagine others with similar experiences, who can actually relate to the stories in this book, will feel that too.
I am in awe of Emily for creating this beautiful piece of work and I am so thankful to have been included in her ARC team!
July 11, 2023
Loved this one!! Such an emotional story about love and family! These characters stuck with me for months. Add to your TBR!
June 24, 2023
Wow , this was the first book to make me cry in quite some time . This story resonated so powerfully with me. The characters and their experiences were so raw and extremely relatable on many different levels . I don’t want to give too much a way , but this author’s debut novel is an absolute must read .
July 21, 2023
Original review Feb 2023:
Without giving away much from the story, here are my thoughts:
Kenzie is providing the opportunity of a lifetime but when an unexpected hurdle is thrown her way, she must decide how to proceed.
The connection and loss between sisters Kenzie and Natalie was felt on every page and at every turn. The pain and devastation Natalie and Brice experienced was so real. The love between Kenzie and Hampton so raw and beautiful. The life changing decisions devastating, heartbreaking and utterly selfless.
I laughed & I cried (a lot!), I was hopeful and defeated and I although I can’t relate to Kenzie’s life story personally, it felt so real to me. Like I was an outsider looking in. Or maybe a lifelong friend, like Alice.
So Emily, @mama.writes , I wish you nothing but success with your writing and having this story published! I can’t wait to see what cover you chose and thank you again for allowing me to read This Life Of Mine! (Lemme know when it’s on Goodreads and Amazon 😉)
Review June 2023:
There isn’t much I can say that hasn’t already been said about this book, so I’ll leave it at this: read this book!
Congratulations Emily, I’m so proud of you and honored beyond words to have been part of your street team! I'm glad that your book baby is finally available for all to read!
PS - This book is emotional and contains topics that may be difficult for some.
Without giving away much from the story, here are my thoughts:
Kenzie is providing the opportunity of a lifetime but when an unexpected hurdle is thrown her way, she must decide how to proceed.
The connection and loss between sisters Kenzie and Natalie was felt on every page and at every turn. The pain and devastation Natalie and Brice experienced was so real. The love between Kenzie and Hampton so raw and beautiful. The life changing decisions devastating, heartbreaking and utterly selfless.
I laughed & I cried (a lot!), I was hopeful and defeated and I although I can’t relate to Kenzie’s life story personally, it felt so real to me. Like I was an outsider looking in. Or maybe a lifelong friend, like Alice.
So Emily, @mama.writes , I wish you nothing but success with your writing and having this story published! I can’t wait to see what cover you chose and thank you again for allowing me to read This Life Of Mine! (Lemme know when it’s on Goodreads and Amazon 😉)
Review June 2023:
There isn’t much I can say that hasn’t already been said about this book, so I’ll leave it at this: read this book!
Congratulations Emily, I’m so proud of you and honored beyond words to have been part of your street team! I'm glad that your book baby is finally available for all to read!
PS - This book is emotional and contains topics that may be difficult for some.
May 9, 2025
This is Emily debut novel and it was a doozy! I don't normally read this genre as it can be a bit slow paced and flat. However, this novel was phenomenal! The beginning set up the rest of the book to make us so invested. This book shattered my heart. I was tearing up to crying, to sobbing while reading. I loved every moment of it. This novel is a beautiful look at how relationships shape us and our lives to be so full whether it's our kids, family, friends and/or significant others. 100% recommend!
July 13, 2023
Now I get why this is labelled domestic fiction. The plot and emotions flowed so freely and beautifully here. This was such agonizingly beautiful and heavy read. The characters here were well developed and added so much depth to the story. I loved how the writing was simple but it conveyed so many complex issues and emotions. This one is a wonderfully ugly cry if you need one. Called it at about halfway through the book and it was crippling. But the author and our main female lead showed the rest of us how to live and love and I appreciate them all for that. Thank you Kenzie for being one of the strongest and awe-inspiring woman ever and thank you Hampton for being such a hero. You are one of the stars of this book.
July 7, 2023
[3.75/5⭐️]This Life of Mine is a debut novel emphasizing such a strong bond between two sisters and the sacrificial love that came with it. I loved the selflessness of Kenzie’s love for Natalie and the lengths she was eager and willing to go to to support her through her journey with infertility and eventually surrogacy. This story contains a number of sensitive topics that were handled with care. I loved how accepting and supportive Hampton was of Kenzie through every stage of their relationship and his communication skills.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy and opportunity to celebrate her debut!
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy and opportunity to celebrate her debut!
July 6, 2023
Wow!
I don’t say this lightly…this book was one of the most powerful and beautiful reads about the love of family that I have read in a long time!
I loved every emotion this book brought to the surface!
Kenzie and Natalie have each faced hurdles and obstacles in their lives and through it all, they have always been each other’s strength and comfort. Sisterhood is a deep connection!
When fate twists their world upside down, both sisters must decide what they are willing to risk for one another and each other’s happiness.
This Life Of Mine explores love of family and newly discovered romantic love and passion. I laughed at the jokes and banter, I cheered for joy and happiness, I cried at the raw power of human connection and experience.
I don’t say this lightly…this book was one of the most powerful and beautiful reads about the love of family that I have read in a long time!
I loved every emotion this book brought to the surface!
Kenzie and Natalie have each faced hurdles and obstacles in their lives and through it all, they have always been each other’s strength and comfort. Sisterhood is a deep connection!
When fate twists their world upside down, both sisters must decide what they are willing to risk for one another and each other’s happiness.
This Life Of Mine explores love of family and newly discovered romantic love and passion. I laughed at the jokes and banter, I cheered for joy and happiness, I cried at the raw power of human connection and experience.
July 8, 2023
Just couldn't connect with the FMC. Reminded me of a Katherine Center book with lots of detail and the premise was interesting but Kenzie, the FMC, reads like she has some major damage and I just kind of hate how selfish she is.
Many people will love this book.
Many people will love this book.
November 10, 2023
I could not put this book down once I started! Great flow and easy read, but I did not find it predictable either which I love. I laughed and cried. All the emotions! 100% recommend this to any friend.
June 18, 2023
Any book that tears me up is a 5 out of 5. Even the next day!
July 31, 2023
What a beautiful story this is. It was a warm hug and a broken heart ♥️😭
August 8, 2023
This is Emily's first book ever written and she did amazing!! Love the characters and story. Highly recommend!!
August 14, 2023
My heart is throbbing as I wrap this book. It’s beautiful. It’s fun. It’s charming. It’s heartbreaking. It’s a little of everything. Well done Emily. Well done.
September 28, 2023
I went into this book blind, I regret it because had I known what was going to happen I would have avoided this book so hard.
July 6, 2023
Just wow! This was such a powerful and emotional debut novel by @mama.writes. I laughed and I cried. I shouldn’t just say I cried, I was sobbing at points where I couldn’t even see the words on the page. There was so much hope and joy and heartbreak throughout. The best way to describe this was real and relatable. I loved all of the characters and the relationships and special bonds between them. I was sucked into the story and didn’t want to put the book down!
July 6, 2023
This book was an emotional journey. I fell in love with the sisterly bond between Natalie and Kenzie immediately. It’s always good to read of a strong, familial bond. I was also invested immediately in Kenzie and Hampton’s relationship. They seemed to go about it in a way that was realistic and logical yet they also listened closely to their hearts. I haven’t read a lot of books where healthy co-parenting is represented and that was refreshing as well.
This book really had me feeling all the fees. From joy to anxiety to happiness to deep saddens, it’s a story that grabs you doesn’t let you lose interest. If you feel like reading something that is real and raw, I highly recommend this book!
This book really had me feeling all the fees. From joy to anxiety to happiness to deep saddens, it’s a story that grabs you doesn’t let you lose interest. If you feel like reading something that is real and raw, I highly recommend this book!
August 11, 2023
Kenzie has a great life. She is close to her sister, has the perfect best friend and running buddy Alice, has an amazing daughter Charlotte and an excellent relationship and shared custody arrangement with her daughter's father. Then things begin to change when Kenzie makes a huge decision to support her sister and meets a man who is unlike anyone she has met before 😉
The book starts out so warm and cozy and felt like a big hug to me. The characters are relatable and I wanted to be all of their best friends. I was jealous of Kenzie and her sister's relationship and I love the sweetness of Kenzie and her daughter so much. Then the book takes a turn and gets so much deeper. This book covers some sensitive and very real topics. It's so relatable by a wide range of people and the emotions in it are so raw. I am definitely not a big crier in books but in this one I cried. And I cried. And I cried again. Kenzie and Hampton are so perfect together and I loved every bit of their relationship. Emily's writing is so beautiful that I was pulled so deeply into this story and never wanted to get out.
The book starts out so warm and cozy and felt like a big hug to me. The characters are relatable and I wanted to be all of their best friends. I was jealous of Kenzie and her sister's relationship and I love the sweetness of Kenzie and her daughter so much. Then the book takes a turn and gets so much deeper. This book covers some sensitive and very real topics. It's so relatable by a wide range of people and the emotions in it are so raw. I am definitely not a big crier in books but in this one I cried. And I cried. And I cried again. Kenzie and Hampton are so perfect together and I loved every bit of their relationship. Emily's writing is so beautiful that I was pulled so deeply into this story and never wanted to get out.
October 24, 2024
Loved the book and hoping there’s a sequel. 🩷
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews