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Just One Day
From Sharla Lovelace, two-time RITA nominee, winner of the National Readers' Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, and bestselling author of Don't Let Go !She has nothing but time . . .Twenty-four hours. That's how long Andie Fremont has to say yes--or no. At forty-four with a daughter in college, she's no young kitten with starry-eyed ideas of what love is. Still, when the man who is everything she should want pops the question with a ring he knows isn't her style, during a party she didn't want to have, Andie balks. Something tells her that it isn't right.Looking to clear her head, Andie hits the Texas highway in search of an answer. And when she stumbles upon an old roadside diner she decides waffles might be it, at least for now. What she didn't expect to find was Jesse Montgomery. The man who stole her heart and broke it all in one day, two decades earlier.As a Texas-size storm takes shape outside, the electricity between Andie and Jesse builds inside. Suddenly Andie is faced with more than just yes or no. As the storm clears there are two men who will want answers.About the Sharla Lovelace is the bestselling,award-winning author of sassy, sexy love stories. Being a Texas girl throughand through, she's proud to say she lives in Southeast Texas with her retiredhusband, a tricked-out golf cart, and two crazy dogs. She is the author of theexciting Heart of the Storm series, the fun and sexy Charmed in Texasseries, and six stand-alone novels including the bestselling Don't Let Go .Sharlawrites modern day, quirky love stories with snarky humor, dysfunctionalfamilies, drama, baggage, sexy heat, and sometimes intrigue. Because whodoesn't find all that absolutely delicious?For more aboutSharla's books, visit sharlalovelace.com, and keep up with all her new bookreleases easily by subscribing to her newsletter and following her on BookBub. She loves keeping up with her readers, andyou can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as@sharlalovelace.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2012
16 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
About the author
Sharla Lovelace
18 books835 followersSharla Lovelace is the Bestselling and Award Winning Author of five standalone novels, the exciting Heart of the Storm series, and the fun and sexy Charmed in Texas series, all featuring sexy small town love stories with heat and humor. Being a Texas girl through and through, she's proud to say she lives in Southeast Texas with her husband, a souped up golf cart, and two crazy mutts.
Sharla is available by Skype for book club meetings and chats, and loves connecting with her readers! See her website www.sharlalovelace.com for a complete book listing, info on upcoming events, and to sign up for her newsletter.
You can follow her as @sharlalovelace on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Sharla is available by Skype for book club meetings and chats, and loves connecting with her readers! See her website www.sharlalovelace.com for a complete book listing, info on upcoming events, and to sign up for her newsletter.
You can follow her as @sharlalovelace on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
November 19, 2017
I really enjoyed this novella. I loved that it was about a woman in her forties.
Andies boyfriend proposes but she needs time so he gives her twenty four hours. Taking herself on a road trip to think she finds herself with an old flame.
I found this to be a well written easy read that I’d certainly recommend.
Andies boyfriend proposes but she needs time so he gives her twenty four hours. Taking herself on a road trip to think she finds herself with an old flame.
I found this to be a well written easy read that I’d certainly recommend.
October 28, 2013
Rating: 3 out of 5.
Andie, a 44-year-old woman, has been given 24 hours to decide whether or not to marry the guy she has been dating for 2 years. Conflicted, she goes on a road trip and ends up in a place where she made beautiful memories more than 20 years prior. A place where, in only 24 hours, she made memories that lasted a lifetime with another guy. This novel also has a good dose of paranormal activity, in the form of well-meaning ghosts.
What I liked about this novel was the unconventional heroine. I say unconventional, but what I really mean is realistic. It's not every day I read contemporary romances about heroines who are older than 30. It's also not every day where I read contemporary romances about heroines who have been married, divorced and have a child/children. The hero and heroine in this novel have lived their lives with other people and I liked and respected that. It made for a refreshing change.
I think it's pretty unrealistic how contemporary romances these days have characters who are so overcome with emotion and love for the other that they are unable to move on with their lives.
What didn't work for me was how easily the hero gave up. Twenty years ago and now. I also wished that we got a better insight into their respective lives with their children. Although, I understand that this was a short story and it was well done for one.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing
Andie, a 44-year-old woman, has been given 24 hours to decide whether or not to marry the guy she has been dating for 2 years. Conflicted, she goes on a road trip and ends up in a place where she made beautiful memories more than 20 years prior. A place where, in only 24 hours, she made memories that lasted a lifetime with another guy. This novel also has a good dose of paranormal activity, in the form of well-meaning ghosts.
What I liked about this novel was the unconventional heroine. I say unconventional, but what I really mean is realistic. It's not every day I read contemporary romances about heroines who are older than 30. It's also not every day where I read contemporary romances about heroines who have been married, divorced and have a child/children. The hero and heroine in this novel have lived their lives with other people and I liked and respected that. It made for a refreshing change.
I think it's pretty unrealistic how contemporary romances these days have characters who are so overcome with emotion and love for the other that they are unable to move on with their lives.
What didn't work for me was how easily the hero gave up. Twenty years ago and now. I also wished that we got a better insight into their respective lives with their children. Although, I understand that this was a short story and it was well done for one.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing
October 9, 2013
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Brad asks Andie to marry him. Andie realises she doesn't feel at home with rich folks and judges them for their wealth, even though they always conveniently take a liking to her and treat her as one of their own. She realises she and Brad don't have a whole lot in common. She drives around for a day. She is reminded of that one day ages ago when she had the best sex of her life with a stranger named Jesse. Andie is hungry and whadda ya know, she ends up in Jesse's diner. There's a huge storm and they are the only two left in a world gone haywire.
Jesse has a tragic past. Andie and Jesse have undeniable chemistry. The sex is so hot it is over in three pumps. Best sex she ever had. Even better than she remembered. Brad shows up. He's a bad guy. There's a random paranormal element just for the sake of Jesse and Andie bonding over more than their awesome genitals. The conflict is resolved. Everyone is happy.
I think I'm done with novellas. The story always seems to feel lacking.
This mini-review originally appeared on The Random Transliterator.
Brad asks Andie to marry him. Andie realises she doesn't feel at home with rich folks and judges them for their wealth, even though they always conveniently take a liking to her and treat her as one of their own. She realises she and Brad don't have a whole lot in common. She drives around for a day. She is reminded of that one day ages ago when she had the best sex of her life with a stranger named Jesse. Andie is hungry and whadda ya know, she ends up in Jesse's diner. There's a huge storm and they are the only two left in a world gone haywire.
Jesse has a tragic past. Andie and Jesse have undeniable chemistry. The sex is so hot it is over in three pumps. Best sex she ever had. Even better than she remembered. Brad shows up. He's a bad guy. There's a random paranormal element just for the sake of Jesse and Andie bonding over more than their awesome genitals. The conflict is resolved. Everyone is happy.
I think I'm done with novellas. The story always seems to feel lacking.
This mini-review originally appeared on The Random Transliterator.
August 21, 2014
2 ½ stars – Contemporary Romance Novella
This was an okay read, but it felt somewhat short and rushed, especially the ending. There was an unexpected paranormal aspect of the story involving the that seemed a bit strange and random. But I liked that it featured an older/mature H/h, and the author has an interesting voice. So even though this didn't live up to my expectations, I'll probably still check out more of her books.
This was an okay read, but it felt somewhat short and rushed, especially the ending. There was an unexpected paranormal aspect of the story involving the that seemed a bit strange and random. But I liked that it featured an older/mature H/h, and the author has an interesting voice. So even though this didn't live up to my expectations, I'll probably still check out more of her books.
October 4, 2021
**FULL REVIEW**
Boy, do I love short and sweet stories like this one. Full-grown adults getting a second chance at a love lost…
Andie is a perfect example of a woman with “what if” written all over her face. What I mean by that is, her second chance is security and sweet…but the reality of it is, she missed out on the dangerous passion of a long ago one night stand, and now has come face to face with that very person she thought she’d never see again.
The downside to this book? It was entirely too short, and when it says you’re only 76% in and the story is over…so sad. Then to make it worse, there’s teasers to not just one but two more books behind it…had I known it would only take an hour to read, I would’ve read it in 2013. *shrugs* Oh well, what can you do?
I still enjoyed this little morsel of sweet second-chance romance. I do hope there’s more of Jesse and Andie somewhere…off to find it, wish me luck!
**4 Blown Away by Fate, Stars**
Boy, do I love short and sweet stories like this one. Full-grown adults getting a second chance at a love lost…
Andie is a perfect example of a woman with “what if” written all over her face. What I mean by that is, her second chance is security and sweet…but the reality of it is, she missed out on the dangerous passion of a long ago one night stand, and now has come face to face with that very person she thought she’d never see again.
The downside to this book? It was entirely too short, and when it says you’re only 76% in and the story is over…so sad. Then to make it worse, there’s teasers to not just one but two more books behind it…had I known it would only take an hour to read, I would’ve read it in 2013. *shrugs* Oh well, what can you do?
I still enjoyed this little morsel of sweet second-chance romance. I do hope there’s more of Jesse and Andie somewhere…off to find it, wish me luck!
**4 Blown Away by Fate, Stars**
July 20, 2014
ARC provided by the Author for an honest review.
Just One Day is a short novella that spans the time frame of just about 24 hours in the life of Andie Fremont. She has what appears to be the perfect man to link arms with. After two years with Brad he is ready to stake his claim on the woman that fits perfectly into his life. But when he goes to one knee in a room full of his friends and co-workers; Andie can't seem to let the word yes escape her throat.
Left unanswered... Brad offers her
Just one day to get her head straight and give him an answer.
Andie gets into the car and she drives, with no particular destination in mind - she just drives. Finally seeing a small roadside Diner, she pulls over - and what she finds is the last thing she expected to find.
Twenty-two years ago she shared on magical day with a boy at the lake. A boy that she never saw again, but never left her heart or her memories. It was just one day - but it was perfect. Andie never expected to see Jesse Montgomery when she turned her head to meet the owner of the diner. As the storm begins to build; they both seek shelter in the diner and with nothing but time they share their secrets. Jesse opens up about the wife he lost and Andie tries to explain the reasons why she could not just say yes on the spot to her boyfriend. But as the storm turns violent Andie finds herself needing to be in the arms of the boy that she fell in love with that day - who grew into the man that is standing before her.
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This was a very cute story of fate and never settling for something less than love. Everything seemed to have placed Andie inside that Diner that day - ending up there was out of her control. The story was well written and although short, did not focus on the gray areas that can often eat up too much space in novellas. The writing was solid and the story was good. It felt like you got more than just a hundred or so pages by the depth of the story that it contained.
Just One Day is a short novella that spans the time frame of just about 24 hours in the life of Andie Fremont. She has what appears to be the perfect man to link arms with. After two years with Brad he is ready to stake his claim on the woman that fits perfectly into his life. But when he goes to one knee in a room full of his friends and co-workers; Andie can't seem to let the word yes escape her throat.
Left unanswered... Brad offers her
Just one day to get her head straight and give him an answer.
Andie gets into the car and she drives, with no particular destination in mind - she just drives. Finally seeing a small roadside Diner, she pulls over - and what she finds is the last thing she expected to find.
Twenty-two years ago she shared on magical day with a boy at the lake. A boy that she never saw again, but never left her heart or her memories. It was just one day - but it was perfect. Andie never expected to see Jesse Montgomery when she turned her head to meet the owner of the diner. As the storm begins to build; they both seek shelter in the diner and with nothing but time they share their secrets. Jesse opens up about the wife he lost and Andie tries to explain the reasons why she could not just say yes on the spot to her boyfriend. But as the storm turns violent Andie finds herself needing to be in the arms of the boy that she fell in love with that day - who grew into the man that is standing before her.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
This was a very cute story of fate and never settling for something less than love. Everything seemed to have placed Andie inside that Diner that day - ending up there was out of her control. The story was well written and although short, did not focus on the gray areas that can often eat up too much space in novellas. The writing was solid and the story was good. It felt like you got more than just a hundred or so pages by the depth of the story that it contained.
July 2, 2013
Originally posted at Paperbackwonderland
Ebook provided by netgalley
Lately i haven't been too keen on reading romances. However this is my second contemporary novel in the last few days, and I'm okay with it...hum, i'm blaming my strange behaviour on the weather! ;)
To be fair, i'll admit that the fact of it being a short story and "indicated" for fans of Sarah Addison Allen piqued my interest
Okay, so this gets a three star rating, because its a novella.
Its impossible to get something perfectly developed in such a short amount of pages...even when one likes the characters.
Did i liked it?
Yes, mostly i did....i was having some issues in the beginning, because there were some questions that for me should have been addressed in the first pages: _Where does Andie lives? What does she do for work?
Things like that, but they do end up being addressed later on...
I liked the writing, and i liked the bits of paranormal that were placed in here. I think i needed something more in terms of atmosphere to truly call this magical realism. But it wasn't bad.
It could have been better, of course if it had been longer.
This is basically the story of a woman in a crossroads in her life. The man she lives with proposes, but her reaction isn't quite what he was expecting. What follows, is predictable, but enjoyable in a "romance kind of way" of long lost lovers reunited tradition.
Of course a reunion that takes place on "one day" takes its toll on the story....maybe the next one will be called "a couple of months"... o.O
In the end i can't help feeling like this short story did its job:
It entertained me, and left me curious about the author's other works.
Ebook provided by netgalley
Lately i haven't been too keen on reading romances. However this is my second contemporary novel in the last few days, and I'm okay with it...hum, i'm blaming my strange behaviour on the weather! ;)
To be fair, i'll admit that the fact of it being a short story and "indicated" for fans of Sarah Addison Allen piqued my interest
Okay, so this gets a three star rating, because its a novella.
Its impossible to get something perfectly developed in such a short amount of pages...even when one likes the characters.
Did i liked it?
Yes, mostly i did....i was having some issues in the beginning, because there were some questions that for me should have been addressed in the first pages: _Where does Andie lives? What does she do for work?
Things like that, but they do end up being addressed later on...
I liked the writing, and i liked the bits of paranormal that were placed in here. I think i needed something more in terms of atmosphere to truly call this magical realism. But it wasn't bad.
It could have been better, of course if it had been longer.
This is basically the story of a woman in a crossroads in her life. The man she lives with proposes, but her reaction isn't quite what he was expecting. What follows, is predictable, but enjoyable in a "romance kind of way" of long lost lovers reunited tradition.
Of course a reunion that takes place on "one day" takes its toll on the story....maybe the next one will be called "a couple of months"... o.O
In the end i can't help feeling like this short story did its job:
It entertained me, and left me curious about the author's other works.
July 2, 2013
This was a short easy-going read focusing on 24 hours in a womans life.
Brad has just proposed to Andie in front of all their friends, but rather than say yes to him she throws up. Brad gives Andie 24 hours to decide she wants to marry him, and she takes off on a roadtrip, bumping into none other than her first love Jesse.
This book was Ok, it didn't blow me away the story showed promise, but being only a novella it lacked a little depth. I wouldn't say it was anything like Sarah Addison Allen's work, but that is just my own opinion.
Worth a read if you have a few hours to spare.
ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.
Brad has just proposed to Andie in front of all their friends, but rather than say yes to him she throws up. Brad gives Andie 24 hours to decide she wants to marry him, and she takes off on a roadtrip, bumping into none other than her first love Jesse.
This book was Ok, it didn't blow me away the story showed promise, but being only a novella it lacked a little depth. I wouldn't say it was anything like Sarah Addison Allen's work, but that is just my own opinion.
Worth a read if you have a few hours to spare.
ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.
June 29, 2013
I couldn't see the chemistry between Andie and Brad. Instead I felt a pull for a guy she had met 22 years ago (I swear I hadn't seen the synopsis because I had no internet). I am glad she made the right decision when the time came. It was more the obvious what she should do.
I liked the story but I wanted an epilogue. I was left wanting more of Andie and Jesse. But that's not an option with short stories so I had to suffice to what I had. What I also liked it the way Andie's life changes in just one day.
I liked the story but I wanted an epilogue. I was left wanting more of Andie and Jesse. But that's not an option with short stories so I had to suffice to what I had. What I also liked it the way Andie's life changes in just one day.
September 14, 2013
eBook provided by Netgalley.
2.5
The main reason I picked this up was because I confused it with Gayle Forman's new novel (which incoviently is also called 'Just One Day'), but it turned out to be a fairly enjoyable romance novella.
When she is preposed to by her boyfriend, Andie panics and goes for a drive in order to be alone and think about her answer. On the way she encounters an old flame, a tornado and finally makes up her mind; all in just one day.
The story may have been a little predictable, but it was still a fun, light read.
2.5
The main reason I picked this up was because I confused it with Gayle Forman's new novel (which incoviently is also called 'Just One Day'), but it turned out to be a fairly enjoyable romance novella.
When she is preposed to by her boyfriend, Andie panics and goes for a drive in order to be alone and think about her answer. On the way she encounters an old flame, a tornado and finally makes up her mind; all in just one day.
The story may have been a little predictable, but it was still a fun, light read.
June 8, 2013
This was my first experience with a Sharla Lovelace book, and it was quite good for a short novella. I will definitely be reading more by her. I thought she was able to pack quite a bit into the novella, and I wasn't left feeling like I'd been shorted as I sometimes am after reading a novella. I enjoyed the characters, the storyline was interesting, and there was enough action to keep me engrossed in the story.
When Andie Fremont is blindsided by a proposal from her boyfriend of two years in front of a large group of people, she panics. Boyfriend Brad gives her twenty-four hours to make a decision. Andie decides to take a drive and get away for the day to think. She couldn't have anticipated the subsequent events. Stopping at an out of the way diner for breakfast, she first encounters an appealing man with whom she shared a steamy night over twenty years ago, and as she tries to deal with the feelings of seeing him again, a monstrous storm roars through. Andie has some mementous and immediate decisions to make.
I enjoyed reading Just One Day very much, and it kept my attention to the point where I read it in one sitting. I liked the character of Andie and didn't think that Brad valued her enough. I was glad when she began to realize that herself. Jesse was an appealing character with quite a lot of pain in his past. I thought he needed someone like Andie. The storyline aspect of the devastating storm provided action and intensity to the novella, and kept me on the edge of my seat. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to read this book, which I received as an ARC through Netgalley.
When Andie Fremont is blindsided by a proposal from her boyfriend of two years in front of a large group of people, she panics. Boyfriend Brad gives her twenty-four hours to make a decision. Andie decides to take a drive and get away for the day to think. She couldn't have anticipated the subsequent events. Stopping at an out of the way diner for breakfast, she first encounters an appealing man with whom she shared a steamy night over twenty years ago, and as she tries to deal with the feelings of seeing him again, a monstrous storm roars through. Andie has some mementous and immediate decisions to make.
I enjoyed reading Just One Day very much, and it kept my attention to the point where I read it in one sitting. I liked the character of Andie and didn't think that Brad valued her enough. I was glad when she began to realize that herself. Jesse was an appealing character with quite a lot of pain in his past. I thought he needed someone like Andie. The storyline aspect of the devastating storm provided action and intensity to the novella, and kept me on the edge of my seat. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to read this book, which I received as an ARC through Netgalley.
October 1, 2013
The worst thing I can say about Just One Day is "WHY is this a novella and not a full length novel?! WHYYYY?". Yes, there is a distinct whiny tone to that, and I mean it. This was one of those stories that I read and then can't stop thinking about the next day.
The premise isn't one I normally go for, which unfortunately is what kept this on my TBR pile for so long. We are introduced to Andie at her surprise engagement party. Yep, you read that right. Apparently Andie has problems picking winning men in her life, and the one guy she really fell for disappeared after an amazing 24-hrs back when she they were in their twenties (enter Jesse). Her whole crisis involves settling, and when it feels right to do that. And when it so doesn't. By the time she sees Jesse again, I wanted her to keep running as far as she could from the situation she left behind.
I really couldn't believe how much I ended up invested in this short story. Some authors can do a lot with this medium, and apparently Sharla Lovelace is one of them. My only gripes centered around the kind of strange and unnecessary supernatural elements, and how much more I wanted to know about Andie and Jesse. Was Jesse able to patch up the relationship with his son? How did what happened between Andie and Marcus affect the land deal? What did they end up doing with the diner? I even wanted to see the growing pains they experienced in their relationship!
Will definitely be checking out more from the author, pronto!
Copy courtesy of Beyond the Page Publishing, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The premise isn't one I normally go for, which unfortunately is what kept this on my TBR pile for so long. We are introduced to Andie at her surprise engagement party. Yep, you read that right. Apparently Andie has problems picking winning men in her life, and the one guy she really fell for disappeared after an amazing 24-hrs back when she they were in their twenties (enter Jesse). Her whole crisis involves settling, and when it feels right to do that. And when it so doesn't. By the time she sees Jesse again, I wanted her to keep running as far as she could from the situation she left behind.
I really couldn't believe how much I ended up invested in this short story. Some authors can do a lot with this medium, and apparently Sharla Lovelace is one of them. My only gripes centered around the kind of strange and unnecessary supernatural elements, and how much more I wanted to know about Andie and Jesse. Was Jesse able to patch up the relationship with his son? How did what happened between Andie and Marcus affect the land deal? What did they end up doing with the diner? I even wanted to see the growing pains they experienced in their relationship!
Will definitely be checking out more from the author, pronto!
Copy courtesy of Beyond the Page Publishing, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2015
The title says it all in this short novella. After literally getting sick after her boyfriend proposes to her he tells her to take 24 hours to give him an answer. This has her taking a road trip which leads her to a diner where she not only meets an old couple with wisdom who may not be of this world anymore but also the owner of the diner turns out to be a one night stand from college she has never forgotten.
Even though this book happens over just a 2 day period there is a lot packed into and I thought the ending was perfect.
Even though this book happens over just a 2 day period there is a lot packed into and I thought the ending was perfect.
August 1, 2013
I ended up enjoying this novel more than I thought I would. It's just too bad it wasn't longer, which is probably why I found the ending to be quite abrupt. I actually wanted to read more about Fremont and Montgomery. The fact that they're both in their 40's was smart and refreshing. "Just One Day" is a well-told story with enough details that make the protagonists very likeable. After twenty years you can feel the passion between the two.
October 23, 2012
Sharla Lovelace has been my 'New author find' of the year. Her debut book is the best I've read in 2012, and this novella did not disappoint.
It's an oft told plot - a coincidental reunion - but it's proof that if you are a master storyteller, that doesn't matter. The characters are well rounded and real, the dialog sparkles, and the end makes you sigh.
I highly recommend this!
It's an oft told plot - a coincidental reunion - but it's proof that if you are a master storyteller, that doesn't matter. The characters are well rounded and real, the dialog sparkles, and the end makes you sigh.
I highly recommend this!
September 5, 2014
This book was short, but it was so good. A lot was packed into this and I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters, especially Jesse.
May 26, 2018
Note: some minor spoilers contained in this review.
After I read Don't Let Go I was excited to check out some of the author's other work. When I saw Just One Day out on Amazon I quickly gobbled it up, but now I really don't know why I bothered.
Sharla Lovelace wrote her other book with a fair amount of spark and chemistry. Her characters were honest, caring, a little messed up yet willing to throw themselves back into their problems to try and find a little peace so they could move on. I loved and admired their feistiness, their courage and their stubbornness. They had passion and zest and were truly lovable characters. When I started this, I kept that in mind and expected something similar. Somewhere along the way Sharla Lovelace went very wrong though...
Just One Day's characters were truly frightful. I couldn't stand a single one of them; they continually justified their rather blatant mistakes to make themselves feel better, one of them was cheating on her boyfriend (is that the right word?) but said it was because "fate" meant it to happen and all this other nonsense.
Also some events were blown completely out of proportion. She had sex with one guy just after a enormous storm/flood hit his house. By "just after", I mean literally the time it took to crawl out of the pantry she had been hiding in and jump him as he came down the stairs. The whole time they did it on the floor, the roof was collapsing around them and waters were sweeping so strongly around them that her car was carried off. I really don't think that is the most appropriate time to be doing that! Safety first surely...?
The characters weren't even likable as people, disregarding their actions. I couldn't even remember the main female's name at 46% in and had to scan back to see what it was! This shows how much I came to care about them...
Also, I cannot even begin to describe the stupidity of that quick paranormal angle that was attempted. Why? I mean this isn't the sort of book you can bring that stuff up in. If you do, make it part of the plot - a twist to bring down all twists! - do not just mention it then continue on with a contemporary romance. I doesn't work like that! It was random, unexplained and down right weird.
To conclude, I didn't enjoy this book. The characters were distasteful and I never enjoy reading a book with instalust and cheating in it. I wouldn't recommend this. If you are looking for a better Sharla Lovelace book then please check out Don't Let Go which was far, far better.
After I read Don't Let Go I was excited to check out some of the author's other work. When I saw Just One Day out on Amazon I quickly gobbled it up, but now I really don't know why I bothered.
Sharla Lovelace wrote her other book with a fair amount of spark and chemistry. Her characters were honest, caring, a little messed up yet willing to throw themselves back into their problems to try and find a little peace so they could move on. I loved and admired their feistiness, their courage and their stubbornness. They had passion and zest and were truly lovable characters. When I started this, I kept that in mind and expected something similar. Somewhere along the way Sharla Lovelace went very wrong though...
Just One Day's characters were truly frightful. I couldn't stand a single one of them; they continually justified their rather blatant mistakes to make themselves feel better, one of them was cheating on her boyfriend (is that the right word?) but said it was because "fate" meant it to happen and all this other nonsense.
Also some events were blown completely out of proportion. She had sex with one guy just after a enormous storm/flood hit his house. By "just after", I mean literally the time it took to crawl out of the pantry she had been hiding in and jump him as he came down the stairs. The whole time they did it on the floor, the roof was collapsing around them and waters were sweeping so strongly around them that her car was carried off. I really don't think that is the most appropriate time to be doing that! Safety first surely...?
The characters weren't even likable as people, disregarding their actions. I couldn't even remember the main female's name at 46% in and had to scan back to see what it was! This shows how much I came to care about them...
Also, I cannot even begin to describe the stupidity of that quick paranormal angle that was attempted. Why? I mean this isn't the sort of book you can bring that stuff up in. If you do, make it part of the plot - a twist to bring down all twists! - do not just mention it then continue on with a contemporary romance. I doesn't work like that! It was random, unexplained and down right weird.
To conclude, I didn't enjoy this book. The characters were distasteful and I never enjoy reading a book with instalust and cheating in it. I wouldn't recommend this. If you are looking for a better Sharla Lovelace book then please check out Don't Let Go which was far, far better.
February 15, 2019
I wasn't expecting much from this book because I have read a book by this same author before and it was very dirty and I was less than impressed. I was right that I didn't care for this book, for the same reasons I didn't like the other book, but I will say this book is a little better.
Andie, finds her boyfriend proposing to her in a very public way. Andie is terribly embarrassed. Her boyfriend, Brad Marcus, is a high profile business man and is rich. He gives her one day to think about them. He expects her to choose him and his life.
Before Andie decides to set off to leave town, she remembers a time when she was young and a group of her friends went to a local lake for a weekend. There, she met with a young man named Montgomery. After a night of "fun" they never see each other again.
She recalls how the two of them we good together and she battled hard to forget him. Andie ends up at a diner out of town. She stops for some waffles. She's very surprised to see Montgomery there.
"Just getting away for the day. Might go to the lake. I added... And then, remembering that my last adventure there was with him, I started at the counter. Just for one day."
Suddenly, a terrible storm comes in and threatens their lives.
I didn't care for this book. The story was okay. I can understand a woman not being totally sure about accepting a proposal...or even being hung up on another man but this story wasn't really just that. It's quite short. I read it in an hour and there's not much substance here.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book or this author. She uses terrible language in her books and her characters seem to always be older, more experienced women, who need a man for his body and that's it. There's no love in these books. No romance.
Content: Bad language, sexually explicit
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Andie, finds her boyfriend proposing to her in a very public way. Andie is terribly embarrassed. Her boyfriend, Brad Marcus, is a high profile business man and is rich. He gives her one day to think about them. He expects her to choose him and his life.
Before Andie decides to set off to leave town, she remembers a time when she was young and a group of her friends went to a local lake for a weekend. There, she met with a young man named Montgomery. After a night of "fun" they never see each other again.
She recalls how the two of them we good together and she battled hard to forget him. Andie ends up at a diner out of town. She stops for some waffles. She's very surprised to see Montgomery there.
"Just getting away for the day. Might go to the lake. I added... And then, remembering that my last adventure there was with him, I started at the counter. Just for one day."
Suddenly, a terrible storm comes in and threatens their lives.
I didn't care for this book. The story was okay. I can understand a woman not being totally sure about accepting a proposal...or even being hung up on another man but this story wasn't really just that. It's quite short. I read it in an hour and there's not much substance here.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book or this author. She uses terrible language in her books and her characters seem to always be older, more experienced women, who need a man for his body and that's it. There's no love in these books. No romance.
Content: Bad language, sexually explicit
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2017
Andie Fremont has 24 hours to give Brad, the guy she's been living with for two years, an answer to his proposal. On the surface he's a perfect mate: rich, good-looking, successful, all the things a forty-four-year-old woman wants. But she doesn't give him an answer when he proposes in front of all his friends on a yacht and with a ring the size of Houston.
She decides to take off and gets caught in a bad storm, stuck at a diner in the middle of nowhere - except Jesse Montgomery, the guy she spent one day with over twenty years ago, owns the diner.
I liked the way the two days set twenty-two days apart bookend each other. Both Andie and Jesse have married in the intervening years though their stories are very different. All along, there are clues about why Andie many not end up with Brad, but will she end up with Jesse instead? I liked Andie a lot; she's a different kind of romance heroine, but realistic. I was more wishy-washy on Jesse. He should be a good hero but by the end I wanted Andie to dump both guys. This is a novella so there wasn't time to develop his character more, but I think it would have been helpful to let the reader understand him better (and like him more). The paranormal aspects were a bit gimmicky but not that big a deal since a lot had to be packed into the twenty-four hours.
I've read some other of Ms. Lovelace's works and liked them better, but there's no doubt she's an excellent writer and well-worth reading.
She decides to take off and gets caught in a bad storm, stuck at a diner in the middle of nowhere - except Jesse Montgomery, the guy she spent one day with over twenty years ago, owns the diner.
I liked the way the two days set twenty-two days apart bookend each other. Both Andie and Jesse have married in the intervening years though their stories are very different. All along, there are clues about why Andie many not end up with Brad, but will she end up with Jesse instead? I liked Andie a lot; she's a different kind of romance heroine, but realistic. I was more wishy-washy on Jesse. He should be a good hero but by the end I wanted Andie to dump both guys. This is a novella so there wasn't time to develop his character more, but I think it would have been helpful to let the reader understand him better (and like him more). The paranormal aspects were a bit gimmicky but not that big a deal since a lot had to be packed into the twenty-four hours.
I've read some other of Ms. Lovelace's works and liked them better, but there's no doubt she's an excellent writer and well-worth reading.
September 26, 2016
This was a cute short story of second chance love and how fate seems to play a part in our everyday lives. Andie and Jessie will realize that fate will step in and push you toward the right choice. You just have to take that first step.
Andie Fremont thought she was happy with her life until her boyfriend took the next step in their relationship and popped the question. What does Andie do? Throw up thats right. She does not give Brad answer but he knows they fit together. He offers her 24 hours to decide. Andie takes those 24 hours and runs. Runs to wherever the highway will take her. She ends up at this small roadside dinner that smells like heaven. Breakfast heaven. Bacon and waffles and coffee.
As Andie enters the diner, an elderly couple invites her to sit with them. They seem so in love. Andie wants that. As breakfast continues, the couple speaks of different things including the owner of the diner. He lost his wife several years ago and they are hoping Andie will get a chance to meet him.
The owner comes to make sure all is well with her breakfast and to her surprise, there stand Jesse Montgomery. It has been years since she say him. They shared one night together back in her college years. But time has been good to Jesse causing Andie's younger self want to come out and play.
Then the weather decides to take a turn for the worse. They are swept up into a major storm. As Jesse tells Andie where to hide to be safe, he runs to save the one thing he has left of his family. The sounds of the wind, rain and wreckage of all round Andie is left alone. She is worried about Jesse. What if he does not make it back or finds safety? What will happen to him?
When the storm is over, Andie makes her way out of the her hiding place to find Jessie is ok. But the diner and Jessie's home are no longer. They are all gone including Brad's car. Oh Brad is going to kill her. He loves that car.
As the present shows up to find Andie, Jessie realizes who Andie belongs to. He must walk away to allow her to have a good life with Brad. Watching Jessie walk away and seeing Brad there to take her home, Andie realizes that she was never truly happy with Brad. He does not truly understand her. He likes her for what she represents. They look good on paper but nothing else.
It seems that fate as more to do with life choice than we realize. Andie is exactly where she should be; with Jessie.
Andie Fremont thought she was happy with her life until her boyfriend took the next step in their relationship and popped the question. What does Andie do? Throw up thats right. She does not give Brad answer but he knows they fit together. He offers her 24 hours to decide. Andie takes those 24 hours and runs. Runs to wherever the highway will take her. She ends up at this small roadside dinner that smells like heaven. Breakfast heaven. Bacon and waffles and coffee.
As Andie enters the diner, an elderly couple invites her to sit with them. They seem so in love. Andie wants that. As breakfast continues, the couple speaks of different things including the owner of the diner. He lost his wife several years ago and they are hoping Andie will get a chance to meet him.
The owner comes to make sure all is well with her breakfast and to her surprise, there stand Jesse Montgomery. It has been years since she say him. They shared one night together back in her college years. But time has been good to Jesse causing Andie's younger self want to come out and play.
Then the weather decides to take a turn for the worse. They are swept up into a major storm. As Jesse tells Andie where to hide to be safe, he runs to save the one thing he has left of his family. The sounds of the wind, rain and wreckage of all round Andie is left alone. She is worried about Jesse. What if he does not make it back or finds safety? What will happen to him?
When the storm is over, Andie makes her way out of the her hiding place to find Jessie is ok. But the diner and Jessie's home are no longer. They are all gone including Brad's car. Oh Brad is going to kill her. He loves that car.
As the present shows up to find Andie, Jessie realizes who Andie belongs to. He must walk away to allow her to have a good life with Brad. Watching Jessie walk away and seeing Brad there to take her home, Andie realizes that she was never truly happy with Brad. He does not truly understand her. He likes her for what she represents. They look good on paper but nothing else.
It seems that fate as more to do with life choice than we realize. Andie is exactly where she should be; with Jessie.
March 13, 2017
The author wrote a novel about a middle age woman possibly finding love. It's about time we got away from teens and young adults. Thank you so much for a delightfully refreshing novel!
August 22, 2013
as posted on Coffee Until Wine
received ebook on NetGalley.
I was in search of a quick, easy read and I came across Just One Day by Sharla Lovelace. I began reading it not even knowing what to expect, honestly. It was actually pretty typical chick lit to start out. I thought I was going to predict the whole thing in the first chapter.
WRONG!
I really thought it was going to be a "woman coming into her own" type book. Maybe a mild love story. And like I said, I was wrong, in a way.
The book begins with Andie's "on paper" perfect boyfriend proposing to her by surprise. While it's a lovely proposal, there is something major missing from it. I felt that even just reading it the first time. Her boyfriend/fiancé/up-in-the-air, Brad, gives her just 24 hours to figure out if she wants to spend the rest of her life with him or not. Just one day (get it now?) to herself to think about it.
What does any sensible woman do if she is faced with the decision to accept a 4 karat diamond ring or not?? Look at old college photos of course! And reminisce about a one night stand she had on a graduation trip to a lake house. How does said sensible woman sort these thoughts out? Take a road trip in her bo... er, Brad's expensive BMW convertible to this lake from 20 years prior.
This is the point I thought she would head to the old lake house, meet a nice gentleman, realize there is more in life than shiny things, have the break up talk with Brad, and live blissfully ever after. Okay, I might just be a forever optimist.
Actually, she starts out on this path, yet gets slightly side tracked by the guidance of a wonderful older couple. The connection between her and Jarvis & May is obvious and consistent.
It's a very short book at only 107 pages, so I really don't want to go any further in to prevent spoiling anything for you. So, I will just jump into my overall opinion....
At only $2.99 on bn.com, you really cannot go wrong here. I genuinely thought that I was not going to like this book because the beginning is a little choppy. For example, it is all of a sudden thrown into the mix that Andie is a single mom in the middle of the book. Plus that her daughter is college aged. I honestly thought she was in her late 20's-early 30's at first. But once I got my facts straight and was getting into the story line, I was hooked. I just wanted to know how it ends. I had to keep reading. Lovelace creates a love story that is so well written that I actually felt a part of it. I don't say that lightly either. Just when you think you know how it will end, there's another speed bump in their story.
All in all I give this quick read a good recommendation for anyone who like chick lit (even just a little bit) and is looking for a great story to just let your mind absorb!!
received ebook on NetGalley.
I was in search of a quick, easy read and I came across Just One Day by Sharla Lovelace. I began reading it not even knowing what to expect, honestly. It was actually pretty typical chick lit to start out. I thought I was going to predict the whole thing in the first chapter.
WRONG!
I really thought it was going to be a "woman coming into her own" type book. Maybe a mild love story. And like I said, I was wrong, in a way.
The book begins with Andie's "on paper" perfect boyfriend proposing to her by surprise. While it's a lovely proposal, there is something major missing from it. I felt that even just reading it the first time. Her boyfriend/fiancé/up-in-the-air, Brad, gives her just 24 hours to figure out if she wants to spend the rest of her life with him or not. Just one day (get it now?) to herself to think about it.
What does any sensible woman do if she is faced with the decision to accept a 4 karat diamond ring or not?? Look at old college photos of course! And reminisce about a one night stand she had on a graduation trip to a lake house. How does said sensible woman sort these thoughts out? Take a road trip in her bo... er, Brad's expensive BMW convertible to this lake from 20 years prior.
This is the point I thought she would head to the old lake house, meet a nice gentleman, realize there is more in life than shiny things, have the break up talk with Brad, and live blissfully ever after. Okay, I might just be a forever optimist.
Actually, she starts out on this path, yet gets slightly side tracked by the guidance of a wonderful older couple. The connection between her and Jarvis & May is obvious and consistent.
It's a very short book at only 107 pages, so I really don't want to go any further in to prevent spoiling anything for you. So, I will just jump into my overall opinion....
At only $2.99 on bn.com, you really cannot go wrong here. I genuinely thought that I was not going to like this book because the beginning is a little choppy. For example, it is all of a sudden thrown into the mix that Andie is a single mom in the middle of the book. Plus that her daughter is college aged. I honestly thought she was in her late 20's-early 30's at first. But once I got my facts straight and was getting into the story line, I was hooked. I just wanted to know how it ends. I had to keep reading. Lovelace creates a love story that is so well written that I actually felt a part of it. I don't say that lightly either. Just when you think you know how it will end, there's another speed bump in their story.
All in all I give this quick read a good recommendation for anyone who like chick lit (even just a little bit) and is looking for a great story to just let your mind absorb!!
June 20, 2013
I really love this novella! It's 100% romance.
Andie Fremont is a 44 years old woman who has 24 hours to decide if say yes or no to her boyfriend.
Her boyfriend, Brad, made the proposal to her during their anniversary in front of his colleagues and in that moment Andie understand something was wrong.
The next day, Andie decide she needs time to think and hits the Texas highway in search of an answer. But breakfast is breakfast and Andie stops in a diner where she finds her ex-crush Jesse Montgomery. Andie is forced to remain in the diner with Jesse for a storm outside, while inside the diner, the spark between them is palpable.
Andie is a 44 years old woman with a daughter from a previous marriage ended with a divorce.
Brad is Andie’s boyfriend. A material man. He hates breakfast. For him breakfast is useless. It slows down productivity. Brad, my dear, you are a stupid man. Every single person in this world knows breakfast is really important. Even the doctors say it!
Jesse Montgomery has a painful past, but Andie, or Fremont, is able to bring a light in his life.
I love romance. I love this novella.
I recommend this novella. I already recommend this novella to my friends!
Sharla you did a great job!
Thanks Netgalley.
Mi è piaciuto molto questo racconto! E’ al 100% una romance.
Andie Fremont è una donna di 44 anni, che ha 24 ore per decidere se dire sì o no al suo fidanzato.
Il suo ragazzo, Brad, le ha fatto la proposta durante il loro anniversario di fronte ai suoi colleghi e in quel momento Andie capire che qualcosa non anada.
Il giorno successivo, Andie decide che ha bisogno di tempo per pensare e inizia a guidare per l'autostrada del Texas in cerca di una risposta. Ma la colazione è la colazione e Andie si ferma in una tavola calda dove trova una sua ex-cotta Jesse Montgomery. Andie è costretta a rimanere nella tavola calda con Jesse per una tempesta all’esterno, mentre all'interno della tavola calda, la scintilla tra i due è palpabile.
Andie è una donna di 44 anni con una figlia da un precedente matrimonio conclusosi con un divorzio.
Brad è il fidanzato di Andie. Un uomo materiale. Odia la colazione. Per lui la prima colazione è inutile. Rallenta la produttività. Brad, mio caro, sei uno stupido. Ogni singola persona in questo mondo sa che la colazione è davvero importante. Anche i medici lo dicono!
Jesse Montgomery ha un passato doloroso, ma Andie, o Fremont, è in grado di portare una luce nella sua vita.
Amo il romanticismo. Amo questa novella.
Vi consiglio questo romanzo. L’ho già raccomandato alle mie amiche!
Sharla hai fatto un ottimo lavoro!
Grazie Netgalley!
Andie Fremont is a 44 years old woman who has 24 hours to decide if say yes or no to her boyfriend.
Her boyfriend, Brad, made the proposal to her during their anniversary in front of his colleagues and in that moment Andie understand something was wrong.
The next day, Andie decide she needs time to think and hits the Texas highway in search of an answer. But breakfast is breakfast and Andie stops in a diner where she finds her ex-crush Jesse Montgomery. Andie is forced to remain in the diner with Jesse for a storm outside, while inside the diner, the spark between them is palpable.
Andie is a 44 years old woman with a daughter from a previous marriage ended with a divorce.
Brad is Andie’s boyfriend. A material man. He hates breakfast. For him breakfast is useless. It slows down productivity. Brad, my dear, you are a stupid man. Every single person in this world knows breakfast is really important. Even the doctors say it!
Jesse Montgomery has a painful past, but Andie, or Fremont, is able to bring a light in his life.
I love romance. I love this novella.
I recommend this novella. I already recommend this novella to my friends!
Sharla you did a great job!
Thanks Netgalley.
Mi è piaciuto molto questo racconto! E’ al 100% una romance.
Andie Fremont è una donna di 44 anni, che ha 24 ore per decidere se dire sì o no al suo fidanzato.
Il suo ragazzo, Brad, le ha fatto la proposta durante il loro anniversario di fronte ai suoi colleghi e in quel momento Andie capire che qualcosa non anada.
Il giorno successivo, Andie decide che ha bisogno di tempo per pensare e inizia a guidare per l'autostrada del Texas in cerca di una risposta. Ma la colazione è la colazione e Andie si ferma in una tavola calda dove trova una sua ex-cotta Jesse Montgomery. Andie è costretta a rimanere nella tavola calda con Jesse per una tempesta all’esterno, mentre all'interno della tavola calda, la scintilla tra i due è palpabile.
Andie è una donna di 44 anni con una figlia da un precedente matrimonio conclusosi con un divorzio.
Brad è il fidanzato di Andie. Un uomo materiale. Odia la colazione. Per lui la prima colazione è inutile. Rallenta la produttività. Brad, mio caro, sei uno stupido. Ogni singola persona in questo mondo sa che la colazione è davvero importante. Anche i medici lo dicono!
Jesse Montgomery ha un passato doloroso, ma Andie, o Fremont, è in grado di portare una luce nella sua vita.
Amo il romanticismo. Amo questa novella.
Vi consiglio questo romanzo. L’ho già raccomandato alle mie amiche!
Sharla hai fatto un ottimo lavoro!
Grazie Netgalley!
July 25, 2013
Kat's Review
I'll be honest, I didn't read this novella because of the comparison to the other authors because I've never read any of those authors. I read it because there was something about the description that pulled me in, particularly the fact that the protagonist wasn't a twenty-something looking for love, or even a thirty-something independent woman worried that she would never find the love of her life. No, this novella features a woman in her forties with a child, a relationship, and a decision to make. There's no talk of a make-over, or getting her groove back, or anything along the lines of making her a younger, better version of herself.
It's a novella, so there's not a lot of time to get to know the characters, but it's pretty clear from the start that Andie and her boyfriend are on different wavelengths. When she's surprised with a proposal, her reaction is one of panic, leading to an embarrassing, and very public, end to what was supposed to be their engagement party. When Andie is given 24 hours to think about what her answer will be, she takes off on a bit of a road trip to clear her head, and ends up in the diner of the man she lost touch with over twenty years ago.
This story is sweet but not overly gushy or unrealistic. Both Andie and Jessie have more than twenty years of life experiences between the last time they were together and the present, and neither is in a healthy place. As they catch up, they get caught up in a huge storm that forces Andie to stay in the diner, and makes her question exactly what she wants from the future. There's only one small part that I felt was a bit out of place, but since I don't give away spoilers I won't say what it is, but it kind of felt out of place with the rest of the story. Other than that, this was a quick read about two people reconnecting after many years apart.
Kat's Review: Worth a Look
This novella is a great way to get acquainted with this author's work, without investing in a novel. I enjoyed it, and as I mentioned before, really liked that there was an older protagonist who wasn't portrayed in a stereotypical light or in some way trying to become someone else. Worth a look.
I'll be honest, I didn't read this novella because of the comparison to the other authors because I've never read any of those authors. I read it because there was something about the description that pulled me in, particularly the fact that the protagonist wasn't a twenty-something looking for love, or even a thirty-something independent woman worried that she would never find the love of her life. No, this novella features a woman in her forties with a child, a relationship, and a decision to make. There's no talk of a make-over, or getting her groove back, or anything along the lines of making her a younger, better version of herself.
It's a novella, so there's not a lot of time to get to know the characters, but it's pretty clear from the start that Andie and her boyfriend are on different wavelengths. When she's surprised with a proposal, her reaction is one of panic, leading to an embarrassing, and very public, end to what was supposed to be their engagement party. When Andie is given 24 hours to think about what her answer will be, she takes off on a bit of a road trip to clear her head, and ends up in the diner of the man she lost touch with over twenty years ago.
This story is sweet but not overly gushy or unrealistic. Both Andie and Jessie have more than twenty years of life experiences between the last time they were together and the present, and neither is in a healthy place. As they catch up, they get caught up in a huge storm that forces Andie to stay in the diner, and makes her question exactly what she wants from the future. There's only one small part that I felt was a bit out of place, but since I don't give away spoilers I won't say what it is, but it kind of felt out of place with the rest of the story. Other than that, this was a quick read about two people reconnecting after many years apart.
Kat's Review: Worth a Look
This novella is a great way to get acquainted with this author's work, without investing in a novel. I enjoyed it, and as I mentioned before, really liked that there was an older protagonist who wasn't portrayed in a stereotypical light or in some way trying to become someone else. Worth a look.
July 26, 2013
I received a copy of Just One Day from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley, Sharla Lovelace, and Beyond the Page Publishing.
Just One Day was more like a 3.5 for me, but I just couldn't round up this time to give it a 4. This is one of those times that Goodreads is really frustrating to me that they don't allow half stars.
I don't typically read novellas or short stories, but I recently purchased The Reason is You, also by Sharla Lovelace, so when I saw this on Netgalley I figured I would try it. I have a hard time getting into short stories and novellas because I feel like there isn't enough time to either build the story up or finish it, and by the time I start really getting into it, it's over. I do feel like Just One Day ended just a bit prematurely, like this could be a prequel for another book maybe. I was interested in hearing where the story went after she had made her choice.
I did find the premise interesting. After a disastrous proposal from her boyfriend Brad, during which she throws up over the side of the boat they are on, Andie realizes she doesn't know if she wants to marry Brad or not. She doesn't feel like he knows the real her. The next morning Brad tells her that he will give her exactly 24 hours to decide whether or not she will marry him. Since the story was only supposed to include the 24 hours when she is making her decision, I could understand why it was only a novella.
My main problem with this book was how fast everything happened, but that may be why novellas aren't right for me. I also have always had an issue with in books. It does make me wonder if the author typically writes about that or not, but I am definitely willing to read The Reason Is You to find out because the writing in this novella was very good, and I was excited to pick it back up anytime I had to put it down. As I said, my biggest issue was the abrupt ending. I would absolutely recommend this to readers who enjoy novellas.
Just One Day was more like a 3.5 for me, but I just couldn't round up this time to give it a 4. This is one of those times that Goodreads is really frustrating to me that they don't allow half stars.
I don't typically read novellas or short stories, but I recently purchased The Reason is You, also by Sharla Lovelace, so when I saw this on Netgalley I figured I would try it. I have a hard time getting into short stories and novellas because I feel like there isn't enough time to either build the story up or finish it, and by the time I start really getting into it, it's over. I do feel like Just One Day ended just a bit prematurely, like this could be a prequel for another book maybe. I was interested in hearing where the story went after she had made her choice.
I did find the premise interesting. After a disastrous proposal from her boyfriend Brad, during which she throws up over the side of the boat they are on, Andie realizes she doesn't know if she wants to marry Brad or not. She doesn't feel like he knows the real her. The next morning Brad tells her that he will give her exactly 24 hours to decide whether or not she will marry him. Since the story was only supposed to include the 24 hours when she is making her decision, I could understand why it was only a novella.
My main problem with this book was how fast everything happened, but that may be why novellas aren't right for me. I also have always had an issue with in books. It does make me wonder if the author typically writes about that or not, but I am definitely willing to read The Reason Is You to find out because the writing in this novella was very good, and I was excited to pick it back up anytime I had to put it down. As I said, my biggest issue was the abrupt ending. I would absolutely recommend this to readers who enjoy novellas.
September 29, 2013
I have never read anything by Sharla Lovelace prior to this book, so I didn't have any idea what to expect. It stated in the book description that if you were a fan of Susan Mallery or Susan Addison Allen you would probably love her work, so I had high hopes.
This was a very short little novella. I liked that it was a quick read, but it certainly left me wanting more! Just One Day is the perfect beach read, or anytime when you just don't have all day to curl up with a great book. It tells the story of Andie, a woman who seems to have it all. She is in her forties and is dating the supposed "perfect man". He has her throw this gigantic party on a yacht for all their friends and HIS co-workers that she didn't want to have, and then in front of everyone proposes to her and pops out a huge ring that is SO not her style. She is totally horrified! So what does she do? She throws up!
You see, Andie is ready for marriage - she is just not ready to accept everything thrown at her in the whirlwind public fashion that she receives. She tells "Mr Perfect" that she needs time. He totally understands he says.....and gives her a GENEROUS 24 hours to decide! (What a guy!)
Meanwhile, Andie jumps in her car to go for a drive to clear her head. She sees a diner and decides to stop. Who happens to be in the diner?? The guy that broke her heart 20 years ago! And to top this off, there is a horrible storm rolling in.....
Needless to say, Andie has a lot of thinking to do. Will she stay with Brad the supposed "perfect guy", or will she risk another chance at losing her heart again to Jessie?
I loved the story and I thought the characters were very down-to-earth. Besides the drama, there was also romance, suspense, and even a little comedy thrown in for good measure. I will definitely be looking for more by this author, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a lighthearted romance that isn't dull and predictable.
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This was a very short little novella. I liked that it was a quick read, but it certainly left me wanting more! Just One Day is the perfect beach read, or anytime when you just don't have all day to curl up with a great book. It tells the story of Andie, a woman who seems to have it all. She is in her forties and is dating the supposed "perfect man". He has her throw this gigantic party on a yacht for all their friends and HIS co-workers that she didn't want to have, and then in front of everyone proposes to her and pops out a huge ring that is SO not her style. She is totally horrified! So what does she do? She throws up!
You see, Andie is ready for marriage - she is just not ready to accept everything thrown at her in the whirlwind public fashion that she receives. She tells "Mr Perfect" that she needs time. He totally understands he says.....and gives her a GENEROUS 24 hours to decide! (What a guy!)
Meanwhile, Andie jumps in her car to go for a drive to clear her head. She sees a diner and decides to stop. Who happens to be in the diner?? The guy that broke her heart 20 years ago! And to top this off, there is a horrible storm rolling in.....
Needless to say, Andie has a lot of thinking to do. Will she stay with Brad the supposed "perfect guy", or will she risk another chance at losing her heart again to Jessie?
I loved the story and I thought the characters were very down-to-earth. Besides the drama, there was also romance, suspense, and even a little comedy thrown in for good measure. I will definitely be looking for more by this author, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a lighthearted romance that isn't dull and predictable.
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
September 7, 2016
"Brad Marcus had spared nothing to celebrate our two-year anniversary, with sixty of our closest friends, of which I kind of knew four."
In this story we meet Andie who is 44 years old and in a two year relationship. Her boyfriend proposes to her and she just isn't sure and needs time. He gives her 24 hours for her to sort it out and expects an answer. Brad seems like a typical type A personality. Andie feels like she should know after 2 years, but does she truly love Brad?
"The little white box squeaked open, the crowd gasped in unison, as if on cue. The oddest thought zipped by as I wondered if that was staged, but that could have just been the lack of oxygen to my brain."
A lot of circumstances bring her into running into her old flame (well kind of, you need to read it to understand that part lol) right before a huge storm sets in which forces her to give up her precious 24 hours being stuck with him. Jesse has had his own rough past and as she learns more about him, the more she questions what her answer to Brad will be.
"Maybe I wanted to see what day two with you looks like."
My overall thoughts on the book are good. I really enjoyed the story. It was a lighter story but with some deep things thrown in. I could really connect with Andie being as she is closer to age in me than the heroines in most of the books I read. Even though Brad is made out to be "the bad guy" I felt for him. I am sure he has had some things in his past that have made him the way he is. I also feel like I know people just like him in real life. Ahhhh and Jesse. I love that man. He is PERFECT. Maybe it is his age, or maturity, but I just fell hard for him. The book is very short (approximately 100 pages?) and was a very very quick read. I read it in one sitting before bed and probably couldn't have put it down if I wanted to. I had to know Andie's, Jesse's, and Brad's stories and her answer.
Reviewed by Mystery for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for honest review*
In this story we meet Andie who is 44 years old and in a two year relationship. Her boyfriend proposes to her and she just isn't sure and needs time. He gives her 24 hours for her to sort it out and expects an answer. Brad seems like a typical type A personality. Andie feels like she should know after 2 years, but does she truly love Brad?
"The little white box squeaked open, the crowd gasped in unison, as if on cue. The oddest thought zipped by as I wondered if that was staged, but that could have just been the lack of oxygen to my brain."
A lot of circumstances bring her into running into her old flame (well kind of, you need to read it to understand that part lol) right before a huge storm sets in which forces her to give up her precious 24 hours being stuck with him. Jesse has had his own rough past and as she learns more about him, the more she questions what her answer to Brad will be.
"Maybe I wanted to see what day two with you looks like."
My overall thoughts on the book are good. I really enjoyed the story. It was a lighter story but with some deep things thrown in. I could really connect with Andie being as she is closer to age in me than the heroines in most of the books I read. Even though Brad is made out to be "the bad guy" I felt for him. I am sure he has had some things in his past that have made him the way he is. I also feel like I know people just like him in real life. Ahhhh and Jesse. I love that man. He is PERFECT. Maybe it is his age, or maturity, but I just fell hard for him. The book is very short (approximately 100 pages?) and was a very very quick read. I read it in one sitting before bed and probably couldn't have put it down if I wanted to. I had to know Andie's, Jesse's, and Brad's stories and her answer.
Reviewed by Mystery for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for honest review*
August 29, 2013
I remember when I saw the bucolic cover of this book. I thought at that moment that something good could come of that book .... and I was not wrong .
The book is short . Just over 100 pages , and I confess that despite not exactly a cliffhanger , wish it had at least more 2 chapters .
Andie is a different heroine, starting with her age , 44 . Her daughter is in college , she got a divorce; her parents have died , for two years she is living with a man considered wonderful, but for some reason when he surprises her with a marriage proposal , a fantastic party where they would be celebrating another anniversary of dating, she runs away ... to throw up . But what woman would not want to marry with Brad , a senior bank executive ?
Turns out Brad decides to give to Andie a time to think about his propose. 24h . And these next 24h Andie drove Brad's car ; rebeled against his anti- breakfast-diet; knew a very friendly elderly couple who should not be there, atet the best waffle with jam and bacon in her life ; found an old flame .
Jesse was one overwhelming passion , with a perfect chemistry that because of a intrigue, broke Andie's heart . After more than 20 years without seeing each other , they find themselves sharing more than old memories . Mystery and a betrayal likely unite in that day when a storm forces them to stay together .
And with so many doubts about Brad and her unexpected meeting with Jesse , what would be the anser that Andie give to her heart?
I enjoyed the story . Even though it seems a bit predictable , but what happens in the meantime brings some surprises . Loved the dynamic between Jarvis and May. And the story gave me a wish to eat waffles with jam .
In summary, a book reading agile , simple , tasty and shows that after a certain age the answer to heart questions are much more easily . Just learn to listen.
5 STARS
The book is short . Just over 100 pages , and I confess that despite not exactly a cliffhanger , wish it had at least more 2 chapters .
Andie is a different heroine, starting with her age , 44 . Her daughter is in college , she got a divorce; her parents have died , for two years she is living with a man considered wonderful, but for some reason when he surprises her with a marriage proposal , a fantastic party where they would be celebrating another anniversary of dating, she runs away ... to throw up . But what woman would not want to marry with Brad , a senior bank executive ?
Turns out Brad decides to give to Andie a time to think about his propose. 24h . And these next 24h Andie drove Brad's car ; rebeled against his anti- breakfast-diet; knew a very friendly elderly couple who should not be there, atet the best waffle with jam and bacon in her life ; found an old flame .
Jesse was one overwhelming passion , with a perfect chemistry that because of a intrigue, broke Andie's heart . After more than 20 years without seeing each other , they find themselves sharing more than old memories . Mystery and a betrayal likely unite in that day when a storm forces them to stay together .
And with so many doubts about Brad and her unexpected meeting with Jesse , what would be the anser that Andie give to her heart?
I enjoyed the story . Even though it seems a bit predictable , but what happens in the meantime brings some surprises . Loved the dynamic between Jarvis and May. And the story gave me a wish to eat waffles with jam .
In summary, a book reading agile , simple , tasty and shows that after a certain age the answer to heart questions are much more easily . Just learn to listen.
5 STARS
May 24, 2014
This short novella makes you think about mistaking comfort in a relationship with true love.
Andie got a second chance at a relationship. Having come out from a bad relationship, you'd think that getting involved with a kind, attentive and rich banker would be a blessing. But when she finds herself abandoned by her friends, as they don't seem to fit into her life anymore and surrounded by superficial coworkers of her boyfriend at an extravagant "2 years of being a couple" party on an elegant yacht, she starts to question her love for him. And when he proposes in front of all those people with a jaw-dropping, huge and exquisite diamond ring, she starts to question if this is really the life she would want to lead. And so her journey of self discovery begins...
Through a series of coincidental events and weather disasters Andie spends the next 24 hours in an off the road dinner questioning her life, her relationship with boyfriend, and reminisces about one night over 20 years ago and the feeling of passion and true love. As luck would have it, Jesse, the young boy from her past walks right back into her life and she is left wondering, which path of life should she choose.
A nice, feel-good story about finding yourself in mid-life and being true to your feeling and to yourself.
For such a short novel there were too many mysterious, coincidental events that just made this story a little too corny for my taste. It just seemed to be packed with moments that made it seem as if Andie was destined to end up where she found herself in the end. And unfortunately, the amount of those "coincidence" was a turn off for me.
Overall, an enjoyable and uplifting read, well worth 3 destined-to-be-together STARS. .
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Andie got a second chance at a relationship. Having come out from a bad relationship, you'd think that getting involved with a kind, attentive and rich banker would be a blessing. But when she finds herself abandoned by her friends, as they don't seem to fit into her life anymore and surrounded by superficial coworkers of her boyfriend at an extravagant "2 years of being a couple" party on an elegant yacht, she starts to question her love for him. And when he proposes in front of all those people with a jaw-dropping, huge and exquisite diamond ring, she starts to question if this is really the life she would want to lead. And so her journey of self discovery begins...
Through a series of coincidental events and weather disasters Andie spends the next 24 hours in an off the road dinner questioning her life, her relationship with boyfriend, and reminisces about one night over 20 years ago and the feeling of passion and true love. As luck would have it, Jesse, the young boy from her past walks right back into her life and she is left wondering, which path of life should she choose.
A nice, feel-good story about finding yourself in mid-life and being true to your feeling and to yourself.
For such a short novel there were too many mysterious, coincidental events that just made this story a little too corny for my taste. It just seemed to be packed with moments that made it seem as if Andie was destined to end up where she found herself in the end. And unfortunately, the amount of those "coincidence" was a turn off for me.
Overall, an enjoyable and uplifting read, well worth 3 destined-to-be-together STARS. .
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
July 4, 2013
Just One Day is a sweet novella about second chances and following your heart. There’s enough complexity in the heroine to enjoy the first person narrative, and it just goes to show that older heroines can be just as sexy, vulnerable and conflicted as any virgin mistress. (‘I’m too old for this shit,’ she tells Jesse.) As a bonus, the excerpt (see link below) is a vomit scene. And it comes straight after a marriage proposal. Awesome.
Romance novellas are hit and miss for me, often because authors try to do too much with too few pages. Lovelace avoids this problem by limiting the timeline to just over a day, and by using the first person point of view. The demonisation of the health-conscious, career-driven boyfriend niggled a little, but Lovelace imbues Brad with enough charm to make him a little less one-dimensional than he might otherwise have been.
There’s a very small paranormal element to this story—seeing dead people seems to be a preoccupation with Lovelace, if I’ve read the blurbs of her two full-length novels correctly. This might bother skeptics, but I liked how it rounded out the story. I’m not convinced it was necessary, but it adds a sweet touch. On the other hand, there are three instances where the hero or heroine drops the F-bomb in the story, and they did not go unappreciated.
Also, I really want some waffles and bacon now.
Who might enjoy it: Romance readers looking for older heroines
Who might not enjoy it: Readers attached to the third person POV
A reading copy of this book was generously provided via NetGalley.
Click here to read my full review at Book Thingo.
Romance novellas are hit and miss for me, often because authors try to do too much with too few pages. Lovelace avoids this problem by limiting the timeline to just over a day, and by using the first person point of view. The demonisation of the health-conscious, career-driven boyfriend niggled a little, but Lovelace imbues Brad with enough charm to make him a little less one-dimensional than he might otherwise have been.
There’s a very small paranormal element to this story—seeing dead people seems to be a preoccupation with Lovelace, if I’ve read the blurbs of her two full-length novels correctly. This might bother skeptics, but I liked how it rounded out the story. I’m not convinced it was necessary, but it adds a sweet touch. On the other hand, there are three instances where the hero or heroine drops the F-bomb in the story, and they did not go unappreciated.
Also, I really want some waffles and bacon now.
Who might enjoy it: Romance readers looking for older heroines
Who might not enjoy it: Readers attached to the third person POV
A reading copy of this book was generously provided via NetGalley.
Click here to read my full review at Book Thingo.
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