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Toronto #8
Finding My Happy Pace
If thirty-year-old Megan were any more of a doormat, she'd have footprints on her back. She helps anyone and everyone, no matter the cost to herself, and she's always been that way. Even the thought of withholding her assistance makes her feel sick. Worse, it makes her feel like she's a bad person, selfish and unkind.
She takes up running purely to avoid gaining weight, but as she trains with her cute but heartbroken coach Andrew she becomes more able to do things she'd never thought she could, both physically and emotionally.
The day before she runs her first marathon, though, her best friend's demands result in the biggest challenge yet to her developing assertiveness and Megan must decide: cave in as she always has before or stick to her new-found 'happy pace' in running and life.
She takes up running purely to avoid gaining weight, but as she trains with her cute but heartbroken coach Andrew she becomes more able to do things she'd never thought she could, both physically and emotionally.
The day before she runs her first marathon, though, her best friend's demands result in the biggest challenge yet to her developing assertiveness and Megan must decide: cave in as she always has before or stick to her new-found 'happy pace' in running and life.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2012
7 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Heather Wardell
30 books285 followersI am a natural 1200 wpm speed reader and the author of twenty-three self-published novels including the free ebook "Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo" which has had over 400,000 downloads.
In my spare time, I read, run, swim, crochet, take care of my cat Pearl, and play drums and clarinet. Generally not all at once.
I only record books here if I absolutely love them and hugely recommend them. I definitely read more than you see here. :)
In my spare time, I read, run, swim, crochet, take care of my cat Pearl, and play drums and clarinet. Generally not all at once.
I only record books here if I absolutely love them and hugely recommend them. I definitely read more than you see here. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 24, 2012
Firstly I’d like to thank Heather Wardell for sending me this eBook to read and review.
I loved the sound of the synopsis and couldn’t wait to get started because I really enjoyed Heather’s other books that I have previously read - Life, Love and a Polar Bear Tattoo and Blank Slate Kate.
This book was no different, I quickly became absorbed in the story and it’s characters. I found I could relate to Megan really well as, like me, she found it hard to say no to people and constantly tried to make everyone happy (except herself!). The whole running idea seemed to be a real learning curve for her as she began to change her way of life to suit herself instead of everyone else. I found this really inspiring as it made me think of changes I could make in my own life.
I don’t often have a serious dislike to characters but Amanda and James really got that reaction out of me, I know they were probably supposed to make the reader feel like that and they were vital to the story but I found myself complaining at my Kindle every time one of them opened their mouth!
Jeanine, Tosca and Andrew had the opposite effect on me, I really liked them and enjoyed watching them change throughout the book. I liked how Andrew came across as being very strong but once you dug beneath the surface he had a few hidden weaknesses. Also his relationship with Megan was fun to read, I enjoyed following them as they got to know each other better and essentially helped each other out with some difficult choices.
The running side of the story was my favourite part – it just made me want to run, I actually got on our treadmill for the first time in ages while reading this and hopefully I will be able to continue now I’ve finished the book! I really loved reading about the marathon itself, it’s not something I would ever do so this made me feel like I had some idea of what it would be like.
This is a fun, fast paced, feel-good story and on top of all that it has inspired me to get fit, so it gets a big thumbs up from me!
I loved the sound of the synopsis and couldn’t wait to get started because I really enjoyed Heather’s other books that I have previously read - Life, Love and a Polar Bear Tattoo and Blank Slate Kate.
This book was no different, I quickly became absorbed in the story and it’s characters. I found I could relate to Megan really well as, like me, she found it hard to say no to people and constantly tried to make everyone happy (except herself!). The whole running idea seemed to be a real learning curve for her as she began to change her way of life to suit herself instead of everyone else. I found this really inspiring as it made me think of changes I could make in my own life.
I don’t often have a serious dislike to characters but Amanda and James really got that reaction out of me, I know they were probably supposed to make the reader feel like that and they were vital to the story but I found myself complaining at my Kindle every time one of them opened their mouth!
Jeanine, Tosca and Andrew had the opposite effect on me, I really liked them and enjoyed watching them change throughout the book. I liked how Andrew came across as being very strong but once you dug beneath the surface he had a few hidden weaknesses. Also his relationship with Megan was fun to read, I enjoyed following them as they got to know each other better and essentially helped each other out with some difficult choices.
The running side of the story was my favourite part – it just made me want to run, I actually got on our treadmill for the first time in ages while reading this and hopefully I will be able to continue now I’ve finished the book! I really loved reading about the marathon itself, it’s not something I would ever do so this made me feel like I had some idea of what it would be like.
This is a fun, fast paced, feel-good story and on top of all that it has inspired me to get fit, so it gets a big thumbs up from me!
June 14, 2012
Ah, one my favorite indie authors, Heather Wardell, has done it again. I have been enthralled with her books since number one, and I’m super happy to say I’ve reviewed them all here on ChickLitPlus. Finding My Happy Pace features thirty year old Megan, a teacher with absolutely no backbone. Megan has been letting people such as her brother and “best friend” Amanda take advantage of her for years, thanks to her mother’s “don’t count beans” philosophy. Megan struggles to stand up for herself in any situation, but things begin to change when she meets Andrew, and MMA fighter and marathon runner. Megan begins training for a marathon herself, and during her time with Andrew and fellow runner Jeanine, Megan begins to understand that being assertive doesn’t automatically mean being selfish. Can Megan change her outlook on life for good after so many years of being a doormat?
Loved! One of my favorite things about Wardell’s books is that she brings back previous characters, or at least hints about some. While others were featured, the dominance was Andrew – the boyfriend from Planning to Live. I loved hearing his story and catching back up with him, and seeing a romance between him and Megan blossom. Sometimes it got difficult to read about Megan constantly being treated like nothing by her friend Amanda (and James –ugh – what a character!) and it could almost cross the line into her being too whiny. But this is where Wardell’s superb writing skills come in, and she helps readers understand why Megan lets herself be treated bad. I highly enjoyed watching Megan grow as a person, and this is another 5 star referral for Heather Wardell from me!
Loved! One of my favorite things about Wardell’s books is that she brings back previous characters, or at least hints about some. While others were featured, the dominance was Andrew – the boyfriend from Planning to Live. I loved hearing his story and catching back up with him, and seeing a romance between him and Megan blossom. Sometimes it got difficult to read about Megan constantly being treated like nothing by her friend Amanda (and James –ugh – what a character!) and it could almost cross the line into her being too whiny. But this is where Wardell’s superb writing skills come in, and she helps readers understand why Megan lets herself be treated bad. I highly enjoyed watching Megan grow as a person, and this is another 5 star referral for Heather Wardell from me!
April 30, 2019
Oh my gosh I really hated Megan's walk-all-over-me personality SO much. So much that it almost made me quit the book. I really only kept reading for the following reasons 1) I needed a filler book before going on vacation and starting my "vacation reads", 2) I wanted to see her stand up to Amanda, and 3) Andrew was sweet and charming & I wanted to see his HEA.
Wardell's cute writing style is evident in this book and there were parts I enjoyed reading but wanted to scream at Megan during most of it. (Full disclosure, I have a hard time accepting these types of behaviors in real life too...)
Wardell's cute writing style is evident in this book and there were parts I enjoyed reading but wanted to scream at Megan during most of it. (Full disclosure, I have a hard time accepting these types of behaviors in real life too...)
January 28, 2013
If thirty-year-old Megan were any more of a doormat, she’d have footprints on her back. She helps anyone and everyone, no matter the cost to herself, and she’s always been that way. Even the thought of withholding her assistance makes her feel sick. Worse, it makes her feel like she’s a bad person, selfish and unkind.
She takes up running purely to avoid gaining weight, but as she trains with her cute but heartbroken coach Andrew she becomes more able to do things she’d never thought she could, both physically and emotionally.
The day before she runs her first marathon, though, her best friend’s demands result in the biggest challenge yet to her developing assertiveness and Megan must decide: cave in as she always has before or stick to her new-found ‘happy pace’ in running and life.
There is this quote from Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” that I absolutely love. It says:
“I am both happy and sad at the same time, and I’m still trying to figure out how that could be.”
Now, I’m not going to immediately tell you why this quote is so important, instead I want you to store that away for just a second. We’ll come back to it.
Four chapters into Heather Wardell’s “Finding My Happy Pace” I wanted to stop reading. To say it was on a one star highway headed for the grand goose-egg at the end of the road is must less assumption and much more fact. I hated it. Angry Zeus lightning of fury type hate. Epic and all-encompassing.
See, I am an outspoken person (duh.) Aside from the occasional pity yes for the PTA I have no problem telling people no. It doesn’t mean I am selfish and live on planet Misty, it just means I will not let someone run over me. I am not a pushover. I am no ones maid.
That was not the case for the lead character (Megan) in FMHP. She was the definition of doormat.
Doormat:
A mat placed in a doorway, on which people can wipe their shoes on entering a building.
A submissive person who allows others to dominate them: “to put up with such treatment you must be either a saint or a doormat”.
I assure you…both definitions apply.
Normally I can look past character nuances like these. “Ok, sooo…she’s a tad week.” “Alright, she’s a people pleaser. No big deal…let’s see where this goes.” But something about Wardell’s character just didn’t sit right with me. It was almost like she was verbally abusing HERSELF. (If that is even possible.)
What do I mean? Well…here are just a few examples of how the first 75% of the book read:
“Although I’d feel bad anyhow, like I always did when I couldn’t give everyone exactly what they wanted.”
“I couldn’t say no to her.”
“More trouble than I’m worth.”
Page after page Megan rationalized her worth. She sacrificed every ounce of happiness to please others. She gave away her food, she gave away her time, she gave away her space. She let her friends and family belittle her. She agreed with their sentiments, but she did it with a smile on her face and convinced herself that they only did it because they loved her.
She was horribly (self-made of course) miserable, but at the same time…she was happy. Because she made other people happy.
Now go back and read that Chbosky quote. Kind of fitting isn’t it.
Let’s talk about the rest of the book though, the first thing being Wardell’s writing.
Heather (cause it’s feels weird typing Wardell) is a fantastic writer. I have read several of her books and been pleasantly pleased with all of them. Her stories are real, her characters are (usually) relatable and her work always comes with a lesson. All admirable qualities in contemporary fiction.
So just imagine how alarmed I was when she introduced the character “Andrew” and he was EXACTLY like a character from a previous novel.
Had Heather lost her knack for originality? What was with sudden obsession with MMA? Was this to be her new calling card?
Then I (smacks hand to forehead) realized it WAS the same Andrew and EVERYTHING clicked.
Megan and her low self-esteem.
Andrew and his quiet likability.
The timid interaction between them.
Megan was the lesson (as much as I hated reading about her) and Andrew was the purveyor of the lesson.
So I stuck it out. I cringed. I gasped. I tried like hell to not cuss at Megan for her ability to be tossed around like someone’s old shoe and then…
I smiled.
Lesson accomplished. — Regardless of my obvious dislike of Megan. (Which for the record never changed, I just finally understood the “point” Heather was trying to make.)
My final thoughts: this is definitely not a book for everyone (aka strong independent women need not apply) and it’s themes are much more “chick lit” than “sweet romance” but as long as you are aware of that going in (and have a strong stomach for rude people) I think you will enjoy it. Like I said…it does indeed house a very important life lesson.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” - Maya Angelou
(3/5)
It would have been a solid 2 without the connection of Andrew. Just FYI.
She takes up running purely to avoid gaining weight, but as she trains with her cute but heartbroken coach Andrew she becomes more able to do things she’d never thought she could, both physically and emotionally.
The day before she runs her first marathon, though, her best friend’s demands result in the biggest challenge yet to her developing assertiveness and Megan must decide: cave in as she always has before or stick to her new-found ‘happy pace’ in running and life.
There is this quote from Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” that I absolutely love. It says:
“I am both happy and sad at the same time, and I’m still trying to figure out how that could be.”
Now, I’m not going to immediately tell you why this quote is so important, instead I want you to store that away for just a second. We’ll come back to it.
Four chapters into Heather Wardell’s “Finding My Happy Pace” I wanted to stop reading. To say it was on a one star highway headed for the grand goose-egg at the end of the road is must less assumption and much more fact. I hated it. Angry Zeus lightning of fury type hate. Epic and all-encompassing.
See, I am an outspoken person (duh.) Aside from the occasional pity yes for the PTA I have no problem telling people no. It doesn’t mean I am selfish and live on planet Misty, it just means I will not let someone run over me. I am not a pushover. I am no ones maid.
That was not the case for the lead character (Megan) in FMHP. She was the definition of doormat.
Doormat:
A mat placed in a doorway, on which people can wipe their shoes on entering a building.
A submissive person who allows others to dominate them: “to put up with such treatment you must be either a saint or a doormat”.
I assure you…both definitions apply.
Normally I can look past character nuances like these. “Ok, sooo…she’s a tad week.” “Alright, she’s a people pleaser. No big deal…let’s see where this goes.” But something about Wardell’s character just didn’t sit right with me. It was almost like she was verbally abusing HERSELF. (If that is even possible.)
What do I mean? Well…here are just a few examples of how the first 75% of the book read:
“Although I’d feel bad anyhow, like I always did when I couldn’t give everyone exactly what they wanted.”
“I couldn’t say no to her.”
“More trouble than I’m worth.”
Page after page Megan rationalized her worth. She sacrificed every ounce of happiness to please others. She gave away her food, she gave away her time, she gave away her space. She let her friends and family belittle her. She agreed with their sentiments, but she did it with a smile on her face and convinced herself that they only did it because they loved her.
She was horribly (self-made of course) miserable, but at the same time…she was happy. Because she made other people happy.
Now go back and read that Chbosky quote. Kind of fitting isn’t it.
Let’s talk about the rest of the book though, the first thing being Wardell’s writing.
Heather (cause it’s feels weird typing Wardell) is a fantastic writer. I have read several of her books and been pleasantly pleased with all of them. Her stories are real, her characters are (usually) relatable and her work always comes with a lesson. All admirable qualities in contemporary fiction.
So just imagine how alarmed I was when she introduced the character “Andrew” and he was EXACTLY like a character from a previous novel.
Had Heather lost her knack for originality? What was with sudden obsession with MMA? Was this to be her new calling card?
Then I (smacks hand to forehead) realized it WAS the same Andrew and EVERYTHING clicked.
Megan and her low self-esteem.
Andrew and his quiet likability.
The timid interaction between them.
Megan was the lesson (as much as I hated reading about her) and Andrew was the purveyor of the lesson.
So I stuck it out. I cringed. I gasped. I tried like hell to not cuss at Megan for her ability to be tossed around like someone’s old shoe and then…
I smiled.
Lesson accomplished. — Regardless of my obvious dislike of Megan. (Which for the record never changed, I just finally understood the “point” Heather was trying to make.)
My final thoughts: this is definitely not a book for everyone (aka strong independent women need not apply) and it’s themes are much more “chick lit” than “sweet romance” but as long as you are aware of that going in (and have a strong stomach for rude people) I think you will enjoy it. Like I said…it does indeed house a very important life lesson.
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” - Maya Angelou
(3/5)
It would have been a solid 2 without the connection of Andrew. Just FYI.
July 6, 2018
Encouraging for any runner!
If you feel like a doormat for people, the main character will walk you through ways to be strong. Easy read!
If you feel like a doormat for people, the main character will walk you through ways to be strong. Easy read!
October 18, 2023
It was a light read. The main character was such a doormat, she was annoying. But being a runner , I enjoyed reading about her marathon training and race.
August 28, 2013
Originally reviewed at Books Etc.
I've mentioned several times on the blog that I'm a huge fan of Heather Wardell. I've loved every single one of her books and Finding My Happy Pace was no exception. I've been trying to catch up on her novels but she's just such a fast writer and I have a bazillion other books to read so I'm still behind. I've also gotten myself out of order! She has a Toronto Series that's not really a true series but some of her previous characters appear or are mentioned in subsequent books. Since I've already read the next book in the series, I'm now only behind by three books. Not bad!
Usually I give Heather's books a five star rating on Goodreads because I adore them so much. This time, though, I couldn't quite justify it. I loved the story but I hated how much of a doormat Megan was. Because of that annoyance I couldn't quite love it as much as I'd like. It was tough because I really did like Megan and she's a great person and character but reading about how she constantly gave into her so-called BFF and her mother was frustrating. Oh, and speaking of her mother...the family dynamics in this one drove me up the wall. Though it's a testament to Heather's writing that I felt as frustrated as I did. Sure, I was constantly yelling at Megan to stand up for herself but I could also see exactly why it was so difficult.
I'm so happy that Andrew featured prominently in this novel. He was in Planning to Live (funnily enough, the only other book of Heather's that I gave four stars to. You can read my review here) and I always wondered what he got up to afterwards. It was great to see that he was trying to move on with his life and was open to, well, opening up to someone else. It's hard to say too much without giving away the ending of Planning to Live! He's a great guy, though, and I'm really happy he and Megan were able to connect.
I really liked the marathon/running aspect of this novel. I always think that Heather has really interesting and unique ideas and activities for her main characters. Training for a marathon isn't a very unique thing, you're right, but I don't think I've personally read any novels about it before. It was interesting and made me think about my running obsessed friend, Heidi. We all tease her but I'm also so incredibly proud of her for being so dedicated and running so many races.
Once again, Heather Wardell delivers a winner with Finding My Happy Pace. It's not my favourite of hers but I think everyone would enjoy it. I can't wait to move onto her next one! Hopefully I'll be all caught up by the end of the year!
Happy reading :)
I've mentioned several times on the blog that I'm a huge fan of Heather Wardell. I've loved every single one of her books and Finding My Happy Pace was no exception. I've been trying to catch up on her novels but she's just such a fast writer and I have a bazillion other books to read so I'm still behind. I've also gotten myself out of order! She has a Toronto Series that's not really a true series but some of her previous characters appear or are mentioned in subsequent books. Since I've already read the next book in the series, I'm now only behind by three books. Not bad!
Usually I give Heather's books a five star rating on Goodreads because I adore them so much. This time, though, I couldn't quite justify it. I loved the story but I hated how much of a doormat Megan was. Because of that annoyance I couldn't quite love it as much as I'd like. It was tough because I really did like Megan and she's a great person and character but reading about how she constantly gave into her so-called BFF and her mother was frustrating. Oh, and speaking of her mother...the family dynamics in this one drove me up the wall. Though it's a testament to Heather's writing that I felt as frustrated as I did. Sure, I was constantly yelling at Megan to stand up for herself but I could also see exactly why it was so difficult.
I'm so happy that Andrew featured prominently in this novel. He was in Planning to Live (funnily enough, the only other book of Heather's that I gave four stars to. You can read my review here) and I always wondered what he got up to afterwards. It was great to see that he was trying to move on with his life and was open to, well, opening up to someone else. It's hard to say too much without giving away the ending of Planning to Live! He's a great guy, though, and I'm really happy he and Megan were able to connect.
I really liked the marathon/running aspect of this novel. I always think that Heather has really interesting and unique ideas and activities for her main characters. Training for a marathon isn't a very unique thing, you're right, but I don't think I've personally read any novels about it before. It was interesting and made me think about my running obsessed friend, Heidi. We all tease her but I'm also so incredibly proud of her for being so dedicated and running so many races.
Once again, Heather Wardell delivers a winner with Finding My Happy Pace. It's not my favourite of hers but I think everyone would enjoy it. I can't wait to move onto her next one! Hopefully I'll be all caught up by the end of the year!
Happy reading :)
May 20, 2012
I love Heather Wardell's contemporary women's fiction, so I was really excited when she told me that her latest book was out. Finding My Happy Pace is about Megan, who has just turned 30. She decides to do something big to mark the occasion, and chooses running as her new outlet.
The most remarkable thing about Megan is that she is a total doormat. She is just too nice----nice to the point of letting people have their way over her own wants and needs. Megan lets anyone and everyone walk all over her. From giving up her place in line, to giving her bratty brother her share of dessert, Megan can't say no to anyone. If she even thinks about saying no, she starts feeling so guilty that she gives in and sometimes even apologizes about her indecision!
I hate to admit it but I really identified with Megan. I find it hard to say no, really hard. I often say yes to things while thinking to myself, "say no...just say no, you know you don't want to do this." So, I totally understood how Megan feels. Sometimes it is easier to keep the peace while pushing down your own wants and needs. But, over time, that is so bad for you. It's not good to keep yourself down, so to speak.
With running as her new hobby, Megan starts to find some inner confidence. She starts to stand up for herself---much to her friends' and family's annoyance. They expect "pushover Megan" and are surprised and don't really like it when she starts saying no to them. I wanted to stand up and cheer when Megan finally started standing up for herself!
My favorite thing about Finding My Happy Pace is that it features Andrew from Planning to Live. That's another thing I love about Wardell's books: while they are all stand-alone novels, sometimes characters from previous novels make appearances in future books. I love that! I was so happy to get to know Andrew better, because I really liked him in Planning to Live, and I loved watching him grow and change along with Megan.
My one complaint about Finding My Happy Pace is that Megan felt a little one-dimensional. Her character growth came too late for me: I wanted to see more of the "strong Megan" earlier in the book. She stayed a doormat too long for my personal taste.
I loved the ending, especially how Wardell handles Megan's most draining relationship. I loved reading about Megan's marathon, and how she grows closer with her sister. I really enjoyed Finding My Happy Pace and would recommend it to anyone!
The most remarkable thing about Megan is that she is a total doormat. She is just too nice----nice to the point of letting people have their way over her own wants and needs. Megan lets anyone and everyone walk all over her. From giving up her place in line, to giving her bratty brother her share of dessert, Megan can't say no to anyone. If she even thinks about saying no, she starts feeling so guilty that she gives in and sometimes even apologizes about her indecision!
I hate to admit it but I really identified with Megan. I find it hard to say no, really hard. I often say yes to things while thinking to myself, "say no...just say no, you know you don't want to do this." So, I totally understood how Megan feels. Sometimes it is easier to keep the peace while pushing down your own wants and needs. But, over time, that is so bad for you. It's not good to keep yourself down, so to speak.
With running as her new hobby, Megan starts to find some inner confidence. She starts to stand up for herself---much to her friends' and family's annoyance. They expect "pushover Megan" and are surprised and don't really like it when she starts saying no to them. I wanted to stand up and cheer when Megan finally started standing up for herself!
My favorite thing about Finding My Happy Pace is that it features Andrew from Planning to Live. That's another thing I love about Wardell's books: while they are all stand-alone novels, sometimes characters from previous novels make appearances in future books. I love that! I was so happy to get to know Andrew better, because I really liked him in Planning to Live, and I loved watching him grow and change along with Megan.
My one complaint about Finding My Happy Pace is that Megan felt a little one-dimensional. Her character growth came too late for me: I wanted to see more of the "strong Megan" earlier in the book. She stayed a doormat too long for my personal taste.
I loved the ending, especially how Wardell handles Megan's most draining relationship. I loved reading about Megan's marathon, and how she grows closer with her sister. I really enjoyed Finding My Happy Pace and would recommend it to anyone!
August 3, 2012
My biggest frustrations with this book came from the beginning part. Megan is such a weak character and completely incapable of standing up for herself. I understand that the book is about her becoming stronger (physically and mentally) through running, but for about the first quarter of the book I was annoyed with Megan. It frustrated me that she could not see how people, especially Amanda, were taking advantage of her. It also frustrated me that she couldn't stand up for herself.
What lessened my frustrations with the book wasn't Megan's self discovery but her relationship with Andrew. He was such a positive force in her life that I was curious to see how he could help her. I was glad when Megan finally had her moment of standing up to everybody in her life who pushed her around, but I felt that her "confrontation" with Amanda and her Mom were both anti-climatic. I personally wanted Megan to tell Amanda off for being such a terrible friend and using her all the time. Instead Megan tells Amanda she can't help her move and then Amanda gets angry, calls her a bitch, and Megan accepts their friendship is probably over. I wanted a little bit more standing up for one's self in there.
Surprisingly what I enjoyed most about the book was the running. I love the "find your happy pace" mentality and I think it's a wonderful mantra. The book has actually motivated me to get back into my own running and it's made me wish I had other people to run with.
Overall, the book is ok. I like reading about strong independent women so I definitely struggled with Megan but it was nice to see her transform herself into a woman who could stand up for what she wanted. And it didn't hurt that her and Andrew finally kissed in the end.
What lessened my frustrations with the book wasn't Megan's self discovery but her relationship with Andrew. He was such a positive force in her life that I was curious to see how he could help her. I was glad when Megan finally had her moment of standing up to everybody in her life who pushed her around, but I felt that her "confrontation" with Amanda and her Mom were both anti-climatic. I personally wanted Megan to tell Amanda off for being such a terrible friend and using her all the time. Instead Megan tells Amanda she can't help her move and then Amanda gets angry, calls her a bitch, and Megan accepts their friendship is probably over. I wanted a little bit more standing up for one's self in there.
Surprisingly what I enjoyed most about the book was the running. I love the "find your happy pace" mentality and I think it's a wonderful mantra. The book has actually motivated me to get back into my own running and it's made me wish I had other people to run with.
Overall, the book is ok. I like reading about strong independent women so I definitely struggled with Megan but it was nice to see her transform herself into a woman who could stand up for what she wanted. And it didn't hurt that her and Andrew finally kissed in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2012
4.5 Stars!
Well, no surprise here, but Heather has done it again! I fell in love with Heather's writing when I read Blank Slate Kate. And now I continue to be a huge fan of hers. Her writing is enjoyable, interesting, fun and funny. Finding My Happy Pace is all of those things.
Megan, who has grown up feeling that her parents love her brother and sister more than her, definitely has a set of insecurities that she battles on a daily basis. She was brought up believing that if she didn't give in to others' demands consistently, she was acting selfish and unkind. What a way to live! She never says no, even if it means she's giving up something important to her, if someone needs her for something. Megan feels lost, and desperately needs someone to save her from herself. Upon her deciding to run to stay in shape, she quickly gets talked into running a marathon by her adorable coach, Andrew. And while training for this marathon, Megan begins to learn she's more than a pushover and she needs to gain the strength to say "no".
The fast-paced nature of Finding My Happy Pace definitely made it a quick, easy read. It's perfect for those "I need a light, cute read" kind of days. I smiled through most of the novel, and was routing for Megan the entire time. In my opinion, this is another awesome novel from Heather! I'm very eager to read her next novel, All At Sea, which was just released this month.
Well, no surprise here, but Heather has done it again! I fell in love with Heather's writing when I read Blank Slate Kate. And now I continue to be a huge fan of hers. Her writing is enjoyable, interesting, fun and funny. Finding My Happy Pace is all of those things.
Megan, who has grown up feeling that her parents love her brother and sister more than her, definitely has a set of insecurities that she battles on a daily basis. She was brought up believing that if she didn't give in to others' demands consistently, she was acting selfish and unkind. What a way to live! She never says no, even if it means she's giving up something important to her, if someone needs her for something. Megan feels lost, and desperately needs someone to save her from herself. Upon her deciding to run to stay in shape, she quickly gets talked into running a marathon by her adorable coach, Andrew. And while training for this marathon, Megan begins to learn she's more than a pushover and she needs to gain the strength to say "no".
The fast-paced nature of Finding My Happy Pace definitely made it a quick, easy read. It's perfect for those "I need a light, cute read" kind of days. I smiled through most of the novel, and was routing for Megan the entire time. In my opinion, this is another awesome novel from Heather! I'm very eager to read her next novel, All At Sea, which was just released this month.
July 16, 2012
Wow! I have read all of Heather Wardell's books so far and purchased " Finding My Happy Pace" as soon as it came out but didn't read it until now. I love her books and am always sad when I finish one because I have to wait for the next one.
Heather Wardell has a style of writing that is down to earth and you can connect to the characters in her books. She is a wonderful author. Her books draw you in, get you hooked.
Finding My Happy Pace - it was like running right along Megan,watching her grow and learn and become an even stronger individual. I loved how Heather was able to bring back characters from other books back into play ,how this book connects to another book she wrote " Learning To Live" but it doesn't matter if you read it or not. Just loved this book and am looking forward to the next book.
February 9, 2017
Don't remember much. Think it was a good distraction
December 27, 2012
Excellent! I really enjoyed this one and was glad to see Andrew get another crack at happiness. He deserves it. I think Megan is a very believable character that we all have inside of us to varying degrees. It's hard to know when it's ok to say no and I swear I've had similar conversations in my head as the ones she had during the marathon. I've also known a few Brandons and Amandas in my life so I really liked this. I LOVE how Heather interweaves previous story lines, characters and locations into each book. It, more than the beautiful characters she's created, keep me reading nonstop through the series like I have over the last 2 weeks. I look forward to the rest of her work and will read it all!
June 25, 2012
A surprising read, especially from a self-published author. Wardell conveys her keen insight of the psychological issues that most women face, making a universal connection with most of the women who read the book. Of particular note is her use of the running metaphor throughout the book that not only enhances the life choices and characterization of the main character of the book, but also provides guidance to readers and their philosophy in life. Having also previously read Blank Slate Kate, I also enjoyed how Wardell mentions characters from her previous books without making a serial or sequels for her other books--quite a treat for her fans.
July 9, 2012
I don't know where to start! This book was absolutely wonderful. I connected so much with the protagonist because I used to be like that, selfless to the point of destruction, a doormat, someone who tried to take up as little space as possible in anyone's life. On top of that, I also started running and have undergone similar realizations. The book really put my past in perspective and I enjoyed every bit of it...even the parts when I wanted to shake some sense into the protagonist. The book was so good that I finished it in a day.
May 21, 2012
I enjoyed Heather Wardell's latest book. Like the three other books I've read by her, this one was well-written and flawlessly edited, which is obviously not the case with many self-published authors! I enjoyed seeing Megan's transition into a strong woman capable of standing up for herself, and liked how running opened the door to emotional independence for her. A great bargain at 0.99, and well worth the time and money.
June 30, 2012
I always enjoy Heather's books. The characters are so real and working through the same confidence and self worth issues as most women. I love the characters from other books finding their way into each book. Nothing better than as book that pulls you in and makes you feel like you know the characters and want to know what happened after the book ended. Heather gives us that satisfaction!
August 13, 2012
I found this book to be a great read for myself as I am training for my first 1/2 marathon. I found myself relating well to the main character in several areas, so that was what kept my attention. Overall, its a simple read with a good story line. If you have even the tendency to try and make everyone happy...read this book. Its got humor to show you the way out of that tendency!!! (PS I want to strangle the brother that acts like he's still in 5th grade!!!)
January 29, 2013
Not my favorite of the Toronto series. Only because I understood the main character too well. I really was begging Megan to stand up for herself. I wanted to reach through the words and slap Amanda around a little. So I am sure the author did a great job writing it, since I was so sure I could knock a character across the room a few times. I can't wait to download the next book in the series and get to reading it!!!
July 8, 2012
This latest "Heather" book (as I have come to call her books) does not disappoint. The characters are people you could know and probably do know in real life. If the Toronto in real life is anything like what she describes, I think I need to visit soon. I really loved the cameos from characters in previous Heather Wardell books. I was especially surprised at the very end.
September 19, 2012
i really enjoyed this book. i thought it had a great message to it and for some strange reason would lik to start running. And I am not the running type. i did get a little annoyed with Megan a few times because of her friendship with Amanda but all in all I really like her character development throughout the book.
November 12, 2012
Not exactly a work of literary genius, but I found myself relating to the main character in multiple ways. I was rooting for her along her journey and took away some things to apply to my own life as well. An easy read that went a little deeper than the typical "chick lit."
July 7, 2012
I love how the characters from the author's previous books were incorporated into this story. Heather is one of my favorite authors
June 18, 2012
A sweet story about selfesteem.,learning to value yourself and to stop letting people step over you. A good simple read for when you don't feel like going through complicated twists and turns.
August 15, 2012
Really inspirational and although the character's constant conflict was at times tiresome it was a great read.
November 2, 2012
I really likes this.....it was an easy, enjoyable read with a strong (eventually)female main character.
January 3, 2013
Great Novel, Cute easy read. I loved this book!
February 7, 2013
I have loved every Heather Wardell book I have read and always grab the new one as soon as it is released and i am never disappointed.
September 3, 2016
Loved this book! It was so easily relatable and VERY easy to get sucked in to the story. It's a quick read that you won't be able to put down, no matter what else you have planned for the day.
January 1, 2014
I had no sympathy for Megan. I cannot identify with anyone who is that big of a doormat. It took away from an otherwise enjoyable read.
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