What do you think?
Rate this book
One Moment in Time
After three decades of marriage, Brenda Jones has decided to leave her husband, just as soon as they both return from a mystery trip with their daughter Zara. But she has no idea that Zara is flying them to Las Vegas to renew their vows.
Zara Jones has recreated almost every detail of her parent’s original wedding - now her only challenge is tracking down the two friends who were pictured with her mum and dad back in 1993. Aiden Gregg is dealing with his own relationship woes when he receives an unexpected message from a complete stranger. WIth the help of Facebook, Zara has tracked him down and is asking if his parents are the other couple in the old photo? And if so, could he bring them to Vegas for a surprise reunion?
What Zara and Aiden don’t know is that thirty years ago, One Moment In Time changed everything.
Will rewinding the clock right the wrongs of the past?
Or are they all counting down to a rendezvous with disaster?
Zara Jones has recreated almost every detail of her parent’s original wedding - now her only challenge is tracking down the two friends who were pictured with her mum and dad back in 1993. Aiden Gregg is dealing with his own relationship woes when he receives an unexpected message from a complete stranger. WIth the help of Facebook, Zara has tracked him down and is asking if his parents are the other couple in the old photo? And if so, could he bring them to Vegas for a surprise reunion?
What Zara and Aiden don’t know is that thirty years ago, One Moment In Time changed everything.
Will rewinding the clock right the wrongs of the past?
Or are they all counting down to a rendezvous with disaster?
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,000 reviews
May 18, 2023
In a Nutshell: Contains some surprises and some shocks, exactly as promised. Good for fans of women’s fiction as this is mostly an entertainer.
Story Synopsis:
Bookish Yays:
✔ The premise promises an entertaining read, and entertainment is what we get. There are many humorous scenes, balanced with some heartfelt relationship struggles. There’s love and lust and anger and pride and confusion – almost all the emotions that make this genre what it is.
✔ The author’s choice of narrators was excellent. While there is a multitude of interesting characters in this book, the four voices she chose offer a balance of reason, emotion and confusion throughout the story. I am not saying that I liked all the four narrators, but I found them interesting character studies.
✔ The remaining characters, whether appealing or irritating, are also written well. Of these, Millie was my favourite – I loved her unapologetic behaviour. But more importantly, I loved how her character growth wasn’t modified to make her fit into a conventional role by the end. Her essence stays the same throughout. The bond between siblings Zara and Millie is just awesome, though they are so contrary to each other.
✔ It was a nice experience to see fifty-plus characters driving the story along with their young ones. I enjoyed the distinct portrayal of the four parents, each so different in personality.
✔ The book takes its time to get rolling, with the initial one-third or so functioning more as a backstory than as the main plot. But once the main story sets off in Las Vegas, the ride is mostly quick and smooth. My patience was tested but also rewarded.
✔ Loads of love, no steam. Plus point for me; possible minus for some other readers.
✔ I liked *most* of the ending – it was realistic rather than contrived, and grew from the natural progression of the story and the characters. Not everyone gets a traditional HEA, and not everyone necessarily “matures”.
Bookish Nays:
❌ There are quite a few relationships dissolving and forming in the course of the plot. Most of these can be guessed well in advance, with one major exception. And this unexpected relationship was not at all convincing to me. It felt forced and rushed, not to mention very awkward. I couldn’t digest the fact that the characters involved accepted it so easily.
❌ The final quarter feels very rushed; too much happening too quickly.
❌ There’s much focus on the physical attributes and appearance of the characters.
⚠ Minor complaint: Can we please not have fictional besties sharing the same initials? Things get confusing! I was grateful that Bernadette didn’t have a longer role to play in Brenda’s arc.
Overall, if you are a women’s fiction lover, then this book will offer you exactly what you expect from this genre – surprises and shocks, sweet moments and sad events, old heartaches and new bonds. While most of it goes as expected, the grounded ending elevates the experience. It will work well when you want a feel-good read mixing up light and heavy topics.
This was my first Shari Low book, and I can see why she has so many fans. I would love to explore more of her works.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the DRC of “One Moment in Time”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The book is also available on Kindle Unlimited.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
Colin and Brenda got married almost thirty years ago in a chapel in Las Vegas. To celebrate their upcoming thirtieth wedding anniversary, their daughters Zara and Millie decide to give them a surprise by flying them from Glasgow to Las Vegas to renew their vows. The girls are also trying to locate the two strangers standing next to their parents in their wedding photo, hoping for a reunion of old friends.
What the girls don’t know is that Brenda is secretly nursing regrets and planning to leave Colin soon. And they also don’t know that the two pairs of people in the photo might not necessarily be the best of friends.
Playing a role in this complicate plan is Aiden Gregg, whom Zara tracked through Facebook to check if he knows the identity of the strangers in the wedding photo. As the strangers turn out to be his parents, he has to help Zara complete her plan by bringing them to Las Vegas in time for the reunion and the renewal of the vows.
As you can expect, the well-intentioned surprise soon turns into a shocker.
The story comes to us in the third person perspectives of Zara, Aiden, and their moms Brenda and Eileen.
Bookish Yays:
✔ The premise promises an entertaining read, and entertainment is what we get. There are many humorous scenes, balanced with some heartfelt relationship struggles. There’s love and lust and anger and pride and confusion – almost all the emotions that make this genre what it is.
✔ The author’s choice of narrators was excellent. While there is a multitude of interesting characters in this book, the four voices she chose offer a balance of reason, emotion and confusion throughout the story. I am not saying that I liked all the four narrators, but I found them interesting character studies.
✔ The remaining characters, whether appealing or irritating, are also written well. Of these, Millie was my favourite – I loved her unapologetic behaviour. But more importantly, I loved how her character growth wasn’t modified to make her fit into a conventional role by the end. Her essence stays the same throughout. The bond between siblings Zara and Millie is just awesome, though they are so contrary to each other.
✔ It was a nice experience to see fifty-plus characters driving the story along with their young ones. I enjoyed the distinct portrayal of the four parents, each so different in personality.
✔ The book takes its time to get rolling, with the initial one-third or so functioning more as a backstory than as the main plot. But once the main story sets off in Las Vegas, the ride is mostly quick and smooth. My patience was tested but also rewarded.
✔ Loads of love, no steam. Plus point for me; possible minus for some other readers.
✔ I liked *most* of the ending – it was realistic rather than contrived, and grew from the natural progression of the story and the characters. Not everyone gets a traditional HEA, and not everyone necessarily “matures”.
Bookish Nays:
❌ There are quite a few relationships dissolving and forming in the course of the plot. Most of these can be guessed well in advance, with one major exception. And this unexpected relationship was not at all convincing to me. It felt forced and rushed, not to mention very awkward. I couldn’t digest the fact that the characters involved accepted it so easily.
❌ The final quarter feels very rushed; too much happening too quickly.
❌ There’s much focus on the physical attributes and appearance of the characters.
⚠ Minor complaint: Can we please not have fictional besties sharing the same initials? Things get confusing! I was grateful that Bernadette didn’t have a longer role to play in Brenda’s arc.
Overall, if you are a women’s fiction lover, then this book will offer you exactly what you expect from this genre – surprises and shocks, sweet moments and sad events, old heartaches and new bonds. While most of it goes as expected, the grounded ending elevates the experience. It will work well when you want a feel-good read mixing up light and heavy topics.
This was my first Shari Low book, and I can see why she has so many fans. I would love to explore more of her works.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the DRC of “One Moment in Time”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The book is also available on Kindle Unlimited.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
October 19, 2023
This was so much FUN! Honestly, I haven't read a story this charmingly funny in a while.
«It was like a standoff between two rival gangs, but with less weapons and more Bellagio napkins to wipe up any bloodshed.»
I love when there are characters of different ages. I finished it in one sitting and it left me with a beautiful feeling.
Realmente una muy grata sorpresa.
«It was like a standoff between two rival gangs, but with less weapons and more Bellagio napkins to wipe up any bloodshed.»
I love when there are characters of different ages. I finished it in one sitting and it left me with a beautiful feeling.
Realmente una muy grata sorpresa.
May 6, 2023
3.5⭐
Publication date ~ May 2, 2023
Page count ~ 300
Audio length ~ 9 hours 21 minutes
Narrator ~ Helen McAlpine
POV ~ multiple 3rd person
Zara & Millie want to give their parents, Brenda & Colin a memorable experience for their 30 year anniversary. They will fly them from Scotland to Las Vegas to renew their vows at the same Elvis chapel they were married in. As an added bonus they track down Aiden's parents, Gary & Eileen, the two other people in a photo from the Vegas trip, to add to the surprise. And what a surprise it turns out to be.
I liked the premise and how they wanted to do something special for their parents, but you know what happens when you assume. Even though I knew what was going to go down before it did I still enjoyed the journey Shari took me on. Each character was special in their own way. I thought Millie was such a hoot and I liked that she never apologized for being her true self. I don't have a sister myself, but if I did I would hope I'd have just as lovely of a bond as Zara and Millie had. It was nice to see new relationships formed and old ones repaired. I am very pleased with how everything played out in the epilogue.
*Thanks to the author, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Publication date ~ May 2, 2023
Page count ~ 300
Audio length ~ 9 hours 21 minutes
Narrator ~ Helen McAlpine
POV ~ multiple 3rd person
Zara & Millie want to give their parents, Brenda & Colin a memorable experience for their 30 year anniversary. They will fly them from Scotland to Las Vegas to renew their vows at the same Elvis chapel they were married in. As an added bonus they track down Aiden's parents, Gary & Eileen, the two other people in a photo from the Vegas trip, to add to the surprise. And what a surprise it turns out to be.
I liked the premise and how they wanted to do something special for their parents, but you know what happens when you assume. Even though I knew what was going to go down before it did I still enjoyed the journey Shari took me on. Each character was special in their own way. I thought Millie was such a hoot and I liked that she never apologized for being her true self. I don't have a sister myself, but if I did I would hope I'd have just as lovely of a bond as Zara and Millie had. It was nice to see new relationships formed and old ones repaired. I am very pleased with how everything played out in the epilogue.
*Thanks to the author, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
April 22, 2023
“Brenda wondered what the punishment would be for suffocating her husband at 30,000 feet with an airline pillow.”
Can one wrong decision ruin your life?
This is the question author Shari Low explores in ‘One Moment In Time.”
In searching for an answer she introduces readers to Eileen Smith, Gary Gregg, Colin Jones, and Brenda Fulton - four inseparable friends. They’d worked together in Glasgow and soon became a ‘framily’ who stuck together and swore they’d be friends forever … until they weren’t.
What happened?
It turns out that the saying ‘What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’ is true.
To reveal the life-changing, ill-fated decision, Low fast-forwards 30 years to Brenda and Colin’s anniversary and slowly works backward by living forwards! What a clever way to reveal the plot. Low, along with Brenda and Colin’s daughters, invite readers to Operation Vegas Reunion. What was intended as a thoughtful surprise soon turns explosive and readers have a front-row seat to the airing of dirty laundry. Can ‘the framily’ learn from the mistake and move forward? Or have three decades entrenched the hurt and made it an impossible roadblock?
Regardless, I found myself belting out the lyrics of Whitney Houston’s ‘One Moment In Time’ when I wasn’t reading and realized that I couldn’t wait to get back to find out what happened!
This was a spectacular read! I laughed. I giggled. I cried.
Colin and his wet wipes had me snorting out loud and Brenda’s trembling mules had me laughing until the tears appeared. Shari Low, I’m stealing ‘trembling mules’ and making it mine from today.
This is my third Shari Low book; each a five-star reading experience. You must put this author on your radar. Her well-written and thought-provoking books will stay with you for a long time.
I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Can one wrong decision ruin your life?
This is the question author Shari Low explores in ‘One Moment In Time.”
In searching for an answer she introduces readers to Eileen Smith, Gary Gregg, Colin Jones, and Brenda Fulton - four inseparable friends. They’d worked together in Glasgow and soon became a ‘framily’ who stuck together and swore they’d be friends forever … until they weren’t.
What happened?
It turns out that the saying ‘What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’ is true.
To reveal the life-changing, ill-fated decision, Low fast-forwards 30 years to Brenda and Colin’s anniversary and slowly works backward by living forwards! What a clever way to reveal the plot. Low, along with Brenda and Colin’s daughters, invite readers to Operation Vegas Reunion. What was intended as a thoughtful surprise soon turns explosive and readers have a front-row seat to the airing of dirty laundry. Can ‘the framily’ learn from the mistake and move forward? Or have three decades entrenched the hurt and made it an impossible roadblock?
Regardless, I found myself belting out the lyrics of Whitney Houston’s ‘One Moment In Time’ when I wasn’t reading and realized that I couldn’t wait to get back to find out what happened!
This was a spectacular read! I laughed. I giggled. I cried.
Colin and his wet wipes had me snorting out loud and Brenda’s trembling mules had me laughing until the tears appeared. Shari Low, I’m stealing ‘trembling mules’ and making it mine from today.
This is my third Shari Low book; each a five-star reading experience. You must put this author on your radar. Her well-written and thought-provoking books will stay with you for a long time.
I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
April 4, 2023
A really uplifting tale of what happened when 2 daughters decided to surprise their parents with a return visit to Las Vegas where they married 30 years previous,what could be a better treat than that?, well when you invite other people along to make it memorable you don’t expect the kind of memorable it turns out to be….very funny yet with heartfelt themes and side stories running alongside the main one anything and everything can (and does)happen 😎……loved being in Las Vegas and the descriptive scenic writing made it feel was there in the Bellagiio Hotel and at the LV sign……it really was a good look into how some people’s love changes over time and in fact the reasons that love exists for some couples,more complex than anyone in the book imagined
Rip roaring fun,seriously serious when needed and brilliantly written made this a great getaway to Vegas
10/10
5 Stars
Rip roaring fun,seriously serious when needed and brilliantly written made this a great getaway to Vegas
10/10
5 Stars
April 9, 2023
Oh Shari Low, how I’ve missed you!!!!! This book was so great, it grabbed me from the very first page!!!! Zara and Millie who are sisters decide to plan a surprise trip back to Vegas for their parents 30th wedding anniversary. Boy are the shocked at the outcome! Parts of this book are laugh out loud funny and I loved it! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release. I can’t wait to read more of Shari’s books. She’s a real treat!
August 27, 2023
Reasonable story but the characters felt contrived and the ‘life changing event’ 30 years ago in Vegas was definitely over sold! The ending was somewhat saccharine sweet!
April 29, 2023
This book 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟!
I used to love romance novels but then I guess I read too many cheesy, predictable samey samey ones and it put me off the genre on its own. I received an advance copy of this book thanks to NetGallet and Book and Tonic in exchange for an honest review. When I first read the blurp I thought it would be a story of second chances or a moment in time that changed everything a fork in the road type of thing where they get to do it again. This was not that...but...it was so much more. Its a story of 2 families joint by a secret, devastated and separated by that secret and reunited by time, forgiveness and mostly understanding. Told from the point of view of 4 of the characters (the 2 mothers and a daughter and son) it gives an enjoyable insight into what's going on with each of them as and when things unfold. It had it all, intrigue, suspense, some laugh out loud moments, tender moments and definitely some romance (no spice). If you are looking for a fun and heartfelt novel with Scottish characters. Then I highly recommend this one. Bravo Shari!
I used to love romance novels but then I guess I read too many cheesy, predictable samey samey ones and it put me off the genre on its own. I received an advance copy of this book thanks to NetGallet and Book and Tonic in exchange for an honest review. When I first read the blurp I thought it would be a story of second chances or a moment in time that changed everything a fork in the road type of thing where they get to do it again. This was not that...but...it was so much more. Its a story of 2 families joint by a secret, devastated and separated by that secret and reunited by time, forgiveness and mostly understanding. Told from the point of view of 4 of the characters (the 2 mothers and a daughter and son) it gives an enjoyable insight into what's going on with each of them as and when things unfold. It had it all, intrigue, suspense, some laugh out loud moments, tender moments and definitely some romance (no spice). If you are looking for a fun and heartfelt novel with Scottish characters. Then I highly recommend this one. Bravo Shari!
May 7, 2023
I adored Shari Low's book, 'One Day With You', so I couldn't wait for this one!
I loved the premise, how daughter Zara tries to recreate her parents' wedding in Las Vegas in celebration of their 30 year wedding anniversary.
But little did we know the fall out that would occur from it.
This was a light, enjoyable read that kept me reading constantly. There seemed to be a lot of characters that at times I mixed up in my mind, but the plot and drama were just as much fun to read as One Day With You.
I loved the premise, how daughter Zara tries to recreate her parents' wedding in Las Vegas in celebration of their 30 year wedding anniversary.
But little did we know the fall out that would occur from it.
This was a light, enjoyable read that kept me reading constantly. There seemed to be a lot of characters that at times I mixed up in my mind, but the plot and drama were just as much fun to read as One Day With You.
August 31, 2023
I'd like to have given it 3 stars but lordie was it not the most contrived and unbelievable story that warps people for 30 years and then - spoiler not spoiler- makes the world perfectly wonderful for everyone with a cherry on top
Hated Millie, Zara tolerable, Aiden and trevon are fantasy men that don't exist in the real world. Brenda and Colin are totally ok with Millie staying in Vegas with a man she had met 24 hours earlier, and then don't seem fazed or bothered in the bit when Zara declares she is going to move to South Carolina - which is like pretty far away from Glasgow.
The most important attributes according to the author are attractiveness and everyone is hysterically funny
Numbly stupid
Hated Millie, Zara tolerable, Aiden and trevon are fantasy men that don't exist in the real world. Brenda and Colin are totally ok with Millie staying in Vegas with a man she had met 24 hours earlier, and then don't seem fazed or bothered in the bit when Zara declares she is going to move to South Carolina - which is like pretty far away from Glasgow.
The most important attributes according to the author are attractiveness and everyone is hysterically funny
Numbly stupid
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2024
I hate to DNF books, so once I realized I didn’t like the story or characters, I started skimming and it didn’t make a difference. The writing style is very juvenile. I get that this is “chick lit” but how much time is really needed to describe every outfit, cocktail, dinner, etc.? The characters lacked depth, and the “conflict” wasn’t really enough for me. Setting the story up with a woman dissatisfied with her life and wanting to divorce her husband of 30 years to find out they only got married to spite their exes who cheated on them with each other because they got too drunk and made a mistake … I really didn’t care what happened to any of the characters and the ending was predictable and not really believable at all. I guess that will teach me to stay away from books that have a self-proclaimed “best seller” or “one million copies sold” on the cover.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2023
4 Stars entertaining read
April 25, 2023
Shari Low's books always hook me, and One Moment in time was realistic, heartwrenching and funny at times. Millie and Zara and the flower shop they inherited from their Gran was a great way to start the story.
The letter from their Gran made me tear up. I loved her cocktail ring as well as her pearl earrings and necklace and her generosity. And her outlook on life.
The fact Millie and Zara wanted to honor their parents for being great people with a trip to Vegas was very humbling and just a beautiful idea.
I loved being a part of all the planning for the Vegas reunion. I have never been to Las Vegas but I really felt like I was there thanks to the detailed descriptions of the sights.
The other subplots for Brenda, and Colin Bernadette and all the characters were interesting and realistic.
Shari Low really knows how to create a realistic, atmospheric page-turner and her books are always nostalgic, irresistable and unforgettable.
Thanks to Shari Low, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars.
The letter from their Gran made me tear up. I loved her cocktail ring as well as her pearl earrings and necklace and her generosity. And her outlook on life.
The fact Millie and Zara wanted to honor their parents for being great people with a trip to Vegas was very humbling and just a beautiful idea.
I loved being a part of all the planning for the Vegas reunion. I have never been to Las Vegas but I really felt like I was there thanks to the detailed descriptions of the sights.
The other subplots for Brenda, and Colin Bernadette and all the characters were interesting and realistic.
Shari Low really knows how to create a realistic, atmospheric page-turner and her books are always nostalgic, irresistable and unforgettable.
Thanks to Shari Low, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars.
September 1, 2023
Sooo sweet. The best family, light read + ended on a great note. 💗
March 17, 2026
Reseña completa: https://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/20...
A punto de cumplir su trigésimo aniversario juntos, Brenda ha decidido dejar a su marido, aunque al parecer tendrá que esperar hasta la vuelta del misterioso viaje que les han organizado sus hijas, Zara y Millie... que resulta ser un viaje a Las Vegas para revivir el día de su boca. Para rematar, Zara se propone localizar a unos antiguos amigos, quienes aparecen junto a sus padres en una fotografía días antes de la boda, lo que la lleva hasta Aiden, el hijo de la pareja, a quien acaban de dejar plantado en el altar y que no sabe que su vida entera está a punto de cambiar.
Bueno, pues, como comentaba, lo esperaba entretenido y es cierto que lo ha sido, pues es una historia muy ligera, va alternando las historias de los distintos protagonistas, y cuenta con unos cuantos giros llamativos, pero aun así siento que no ha llegado a profundizar, tal vez por intentar abarcar tanto en una novela más bien breve.
A punto de cumplir su trigésimo aniversario juntos, Brenda ha decidido dejar a su marido, aunque al parecer tendrá que esperar hasta la vuelta del misterioso viaje que les han organizado sus hijas, Zara y Millie... que resulta ser un viaje a Las Vegas para revivir el día de su boca. Para rematar, Zara se propone localizar a unos antiguos amigos, quienes aparecen junto a sus padres en una fotografía días antes de la boda, lo que la lleva hasta Aiden, el hijo de la pareja, a quien acaban de dejar plantado en el altar y que no sabe que su vida entera está a punto de cambiar.
Bueno, pues, como comentaba, lo esperaba entretenido y es cierto que lo ha sido, pues es una historia muy ligera, va alternando las historias de los distintos protagonistas, y cuenta con unos cuantos giros llamativos, pero aun así siento que no ha llegado a profundizar, tal vez por intentar abarcar tanto en una novela más bien breve.
April 20, 2023
Shari Low has found a forever reader in me. This is my second book from Low, and she always has such a way with words, and such a fantastic way of intertwining story lines. While the story doesn’t focus solely on one relationship, Low still gives each relationship enough time within the novel for the reader to really understand them. I enjoyed that Low kept the relationships realistic as well. One couple is divorced and sort of bitter toward each other and the other is drifting apart. These are things that happen in real life; especially the drifting apart over the years. How many times have I heard someone say “I love you but I’m not in love with you anymore” in a relationship? Low also did a great job of the families supporting each other and Brenda and Colin trying to stay positive. This is the ultimate feel-good book. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes romance with a hint of mystery.
December 5, 2023
Wonderful story with good character development. The lesson learned by the end of the book is to follow your heart and not worry about always "fitting in".
This story is told from the perspective of 4 characters who you will love by the end of the book. The beginning was a bit slow as the author was introducing each character.
This story is told from the perspective of 4 characters who you will love by the end of the book. The beginning was a bit slow as the author was introducing each character.
March 10, 2025
Brenda and her husband Colin were married in Vegas they live in Scotland and now have two adult daughters. The daughters plan a surprise 30th wedding anniversary present by taking them back to Vegas and their friends at the time, except they have a big secret.
This was an easy light read about family relationships, betrayal, marriage. I had some issues with the ending and how things turned out in one of the relationships well I did not like it. The book was entertaining, an audio book with great Scottish accents.
This was an easy light read about family relationships, betrayal, marriage. I had some issues with the ending and how things turned out in one of the relationships well I did not like it. The book was entertaining, an audio book with great Scottish accents.
May 26, 2024
I can see why I borrowed this book for a plane ride and then put it down to ignore for the rest of my life. Unfortunately I did not shelve it as DNF but I so wish that I had… where to even begin with this one? Basically, beyond the premise, everything is of poor quality. Poor writing (SO much telling, not a lot of showing), poor characterization and character development (the daughters are caricatures and incredibly flat and annoying), poor romance (not ok for a romance novel!)… just all bad. I actually left comments on my kindle pages because I was so annoyed by what the characters were doing, saying, or thinking at any given moment. Will not revisit and will not read anything by this author again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2023
Great for a middle school reading assignment.
If you are over 15 years old this book is a complete, unnecessary waste of time. Predictable “ surprise”, the standard lonely, misfit girl meets dashing hunk, blah, blah, blah. An embarrassment to whomever published this. Yes, my review may be harsh but I’m insulted when such drivel receives”bestseller” advertisement.
If you are over 15 years old this book is a complete, unnecessary waste of time. Predictable “ surprise”, the standard lonely, misfit girl meets dashing hunk, blah, blah, blah. An embarrassment to whomever published this. Yes, my review may be harsh but I’m insulted when such drivel receives”bestseller” advertisement.
November 6, 2023
I would never have picked this book up if I had read the description on Goodreads instead of the one on Amazon. The first 30% of this book was largely unnecessary, the action took place in the next 20%, then there was 50% of feel good, look how great everything always turns no matter how ridiculous it is, non-reality. If you like Hallmark movies this book is for you.
May 1, 2023
After the death of Grandma Ada, Zara, while going through pictures at her home finds a picture of her parents and two people she’s never seen before. The picture was taken in Las Vegas right before her parents quickie marriage in the city they all look so happy in this get Zara a great idea. She decides to look up this Gary Gregg and Eileen Smith after having no luck going to Gary Greg’s Facebook friends list she find Aiden Greg when she sends Aiden a message she finally gets lucky when he messages her back after explaining the plan which is to bring your parents to Las Vegas so they can redo their wedding vows and she would like who is she now knows is Aidans parents to be there just like the first time… Right? After Aiden was Jilton on his wedding day in front of all his family he needs a distraction so he is totally on board with Zaras plan despite his parents being divorced he knows what to say to get them to Sin City without complaint or at least with little complaint. They all arrive in Las Vegas and Aiden Zara and her sister Millie meet up for a drink and to discuss the plan Zara can’t help but notice how handsome Aidden is that she has her boyfriend kev who for some reason doesn’t answer the phone or want to talk when he does answer. They decide to do the big reveal at lunch the next day the kids are so excited but when the parents come together it isn’t a happy handshake in tears experience they thought it would be what is said at the reunion will put both her parents in a whole new light and they will know way more than someone should know about their parents. This book is so good and anyone who has read a Sherry Low book before knows there is way more to the story than just what I put not only do we get to hear the story of Brenda Collin Gary and Eileen but we get to see cameos from her other books like Bernadette and Noah I thought that was a brilliant touch and another reason why Sherry Low is one of my favorite authors. I received this book from NetGalley in BoldwoodBooks but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
April 28, 2023
It has become a tradition to buddy read Shari’s books with my friend Zara from @worm_talk_book_club. We enjoy her characters and easy to read plots that are both heartfelt and funny. It can be difficult to get the balance right, nobody wants an author turning serious issues into an unfunny joke but Shari always captures it just so.
The crux of this for me was how much women lose of themselves to make others happy. But who is worrying about their happiness? Brenda is your typical working mum and wife, the kids are now adults and doing their own thing while her husband’s passion seems to be found more tending to plants in the garden rather than her lady garden in the bedroom.
Her children Zara and Millie couldn’t be more different. One is in a long term relationship and in bed early while the other is bed hopping. However they are close and go about planning a surprise for their parents anniversary, including reuniting them with old friends, not knowing the shocks this will bring.
It is so refreshing to read a book that shows you don’t suddenly become dead from the waist down once you get past forty and that it’s not just men that can attract a younger partner. Take that Gary!!
However I did feel one of the romantic frissons, which we both saw coming fairly early, felt very rushed towards the end. But that could be me possibly just wanting more of them and feeling a bit hard done by. All said this was another really good read from Shari and I can’t wait for the next one.
The crux of this for me was how much women lose of themselves to make others happy. But who is worrying about their happiness? Brenda is your typical working mum and wife, the kids are now adults and doing their own thing while her husband’s passion seems to be found more tending to plants in the garden rather than her lady garden in the bedroom.
Her children Zara and Millie couldn’t be more different. One is in a long term relationship and in bed early while the other is bed hopping. However they are close and go about planning a surprise for their parents anniversary, including reuniting them with old friends, not knowing the shocks this will bring.
It is so refreshing to read a book that shows you don’t suddenly become dead from the waist down once you get past forty and that it’s not just men that can attract a younger partner. Take that Gary!!
However I did feel one of the romantic frissons, which we both saw coming fairly early, felt very rushed towards the end. But that could be me possibly just wanting more of them and feeling a bit hard done by. All said this was another really good read from Shari and I can’t wait for the next one.
October 19, 2023
Coffee and a good read on my Kindle
Oh, this was so much fun to read. So charming and funny, it had me from start to finish. So many emotions and characters and "one moment in time" that changes everything. This story was about two families on opposite sides of the ocean that shared a secret that when revealed would change their lives forever. As I read I could just hear in my head the Scottish accents. This is my first book written by Shari Low. I need to check out more by her; and you should check out and read this one. Highly recommend.
Oh, this was so much fun to read. So charming and funny, it had me from start to finish. So many emotions and characters and "one moment in time" that changes everything. This story was about two families on opposite sides of the ocean that shared a secret that when revealed would change their lives forever. As I read I could just hear in my head the Scottish accents. This is my first book written by Shari Low. I need to check out more by her; and you should check out and read this one. Highly recommend.
July 21, 2023
I loved this book it was so addictive and I just couldn't put it down. I was desperate to find out the ending. Such a satisfying read. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
October 30, 2023
3,5⭐
Good story, the quadruple POV brought a lot to the story. I like that the mothers had a strong place and a voice! Unfortunately, it was missing something for me. I was so intrigued in the beginning, and was wondering what had happen in Vegas... but it felt flat, once it was revealed...
Despite all that... I really enjoy the book!!
Good story, the quadruple POV brought a lot to the story. I like that the mothers had a strong place and a voice! Unfortunately, it was missing something for me. I was so intrigued in the beginning, and was wondering what had happen in Vegas... but it felt flat, once it was revealed...
Despite all that... I really enjoy the book!!
November 3, 2023
I should start a shelve of "fooled-by-the-cover" reviews. This cover is so cute! So magical! And the novel is... well, not magical.
The writing is trite and full of cliches and over-explanation. The characters are plain and one-dimensional. The hype leading to the "plot twist" is ridiculous... but not more ridiculous than the shoehorned "love story" that begins almost at the end of the novel.
Also, as someone else said, stop glorifying divorce. Stop making good men look boring and unexciting. A part of me wished for Brenda to end up with a total asshole and come back to Colin, begging for forgiveness and a nice garden.
I think boring women want men who will take them on adventures, but they're probably happier the way they are because truly adventurous women don't need men to take them anywhere; they just go.
I hated this book, and I only finished it because it's short. I had already DNFed two this week, and I didn't want to fall behind on my 2023 challenge, but what a waste of time.
The writing is trite and full of cliches and over-explanation. The characters are plain and one-dimensional. The hype leading to the "plot twist" is ridiculous... but not more ridiculous than the shoehorned "love story" that begins almost at the end of the novel.
Also, as someone else said, stop glorifying divorce. Stop making good men look boring and unexciting. A part of me wished for Brenda to end up with a total asshole and come back to Colin, begging for forgiveness and a nice garden.
I think boring women want men who will take them on adventures, but they're probably happier the way they are because truly adventurous women don't need men to take them anywhere; they just go.
I hated this book, and I only finished it because it's short. I had already DNFed two this week, and I didn't want to fall behind on my 2023 challenge, but what a waste of time.
December 27, 2023
I haven’t learned my lesson about books that are free to read on Kindle Prime. This is the second such “life-affirming” best seller I’ve read (and it will be the last) - reminds me of the reading choices of Judy Dench’s character in the excellent film Philomena.
May 2, 2023
Another gorgeous and emotional read
REVIEW
⚠️cw: see below as there are potential spoilers* ⚠️
When Zara Jones and her sister take their parents on a 30th wedding anniversary trip to Las Vegas, she has no idea what secrets are about to be revealed.
Aidan Gregg was recently jilted at the altar. When Zara asks him to get his divorced parents (Eileen and Gary) to Vegas to celebrate the vow renewal of their old friends, he's just as unprepared for the revelations that follow.
Told from the POVs of Aiden, Zara, and the two mothers' (Eileen and Brenda), this was like watching a car crash in slow-motion. It was SO awkward at times, but I couldn't look away! I don't want to spoil things, but even though I guessed most of what was coming, it was excruciating, emotional, and hilarious in equal measure. I enjoyed all four perspectives because they really heightened the suspense, and I loved the way the relationships developed (no spoilers). If I had one wish, it'd be to have had Colin's perspective occasionally because he was a sweetheart, albeit a bit clueless at times. That said, I truly loved both Zara and Aiden, and the chapters between Brenda and Eileen were some of my favourites. I also loved Trevon's addition (IYKYK), and there's some fun Easter eggs from other books, as well as an adorable ending.
This was another gorgeous, emotional, but also hilarious read from Shari Low.
Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Heat Rating:
Emotional Rating: 💓😬💔🙈😂🙈💓😬🙈😥💔😱👏🏻😢💔💓🥰💔😢💓😍🥰💓
*Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to leave an honest review. One Moment In Time is out now in the UK*
⚠️
*cw: bereavement, cheating, miscarriage
REVIEW
⚠️cw: see below as there are potential spoilers* ⚠️
When Zara Jones and her sister take their parents on a 30th wedding anniversary trip to Las Vegas, she has no idea what secrets are about to be revealed.
Aidan Gregg was recently jilted at the altar. When Zara asks him to get his divorced parents (Eileen and Gary) to Vegas to celebrate the vow renewal of their old friends, he's just as unprepared for the revelations that follow.
Told from the POVs of Aiden, Zara, and the two mothers' (Eileen and Brenda), this was like watching a car crash in slow-motion. It was SO awkward at times, but I couldn't look away! I don't want to spoil things, but even though I guessed most of what was coming, it was excruciating, emotional, and hilarious in equal measure. I enjoyed all four perspectives because they really heightened the suspense, and I loved the way the relationships developed (no spoilers). If I had one wish, it'd be to have had Colin's perspective occasionally because he was a sweetheart, albeit a bit clueless at times. That said, I truly loved both Zara and Aiden, and the chapters between Brenda and Eileen were some of my favourites. I also loved Trevon's addition (IYKYK), and there's some fun Easter eggs from other books, as well as an adorable ending.
This was another gorgeous, emotional, but also hilarious read from Shari Low.
Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Heat Rating:
Emotional Rating: 💓😬💔🙈😂🙈💓😬🙈😥💔😱👏🏻😢💔💓🥰💔😢💓😍🥰💓
*Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to leave an honest review. One Moment In Time is out now in the UK*
⚠️
*cw: bereavement, cheating, miscarriage
Read
May 11, 2023I picked this up and thought I will just start this, you know get a feel for the book and then I’ll go to my appointment and carry it on when I get home, nope once I started it, it went with me on the train, in the waiting room if I could have read it in the dentists chair I would have, as you can see from this it’s definitely addictive reading anc I didn’t want to stop unless I had to.
This is told in multiple POVs from the perspectives of Zara, Aiden, Eileen and Brenda, it was so well done, you just couldn’t stop, waiting to see what would happen and sometimes I felt so awkward and anxious waiting for whatever was going to be revealed or to happen, but it didn’t stop me page turning.
This is a story of two families divided by a long held secret, the reuniting of them, the impact of that secret on everyone, then what is truly uplifting is the forgiveness and understanding. It’s full of suspense, emotion , still has humour, some romance and a ton of intrigue. Every character is well written and has their own journey, I loved watching their relationships over the course of the story and as a woman over 40 myself I loved the fact for once it highlights life does continue and we still have sex, it doesn’t all stop when you age.
I loved this so much, I don’t think you could pull much more emotion from me reading this, sadness, happiness, much anger, hope and acceptance. A truly fantastic read, that I urge you to pick up and read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is told in multiple POVs from the perspectives of Zara, Aiden, Eileen and Brenda, it was so well done, you just couldn’t stop, waiting to see what would happen and sometimes I felt so awkward and anxious waiting for whatever was going to be revealed or to happen, but it didn’t stop me page turning.
This is a story of two families divided by a long held secret, the reuniting of them, the impact of that secret on everyone, then what is truly uplifting is the forgiveness and understanding. It’s full of suspense, emotion , still has humour, some romance and a ton of intrigue. Every character is well written and has their own journey, I loved watching their relationships over the course of the story and as a woman over 40 myself I loved the fact for once it highlights life does continue and we still have sex, it doesn’t all stop when you age.
I loved this so much, I don’t think you could pull much more emotion from me reading this, sadness, happiness, much anger, hope and acceptance. A truly fantastic read, that I urge you to pick up and read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,000 reviews