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Rock and Roll Trilogy #1
Rock and Roll Never Forgets
Beth Morgan is a young woman who’s just been given the ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to meet her favorite band, Traveler. That meeting leads to a chance encounter with her idol, the band’s lead singer, Andy Stevens. What follows is a love story. A journey through the peaks, valleys and trials of a relationship lived in the public eye; the miles they traveled together through his career in the music business, and her struggles to stay obscure in a world she never really settled into comfortably. In the end it's all about love, fate, and what the heart can't hold back.
296 pages, Paperback
First published August 27, 2012
67 people are currently reading
3155 people want to read
About the author
Barbara S. Stewart
12 books193 followersI'm Barbara, I read. I write. I come from the northeast, born in Havre de Grace, MD, and grew up in Pennsylvania. In my teens we moved to the Space Coast area of Florida. Now I live in Middleburg, Florida (Jacksonville area) with my husband, Gene.
I've worked in the electronics industry, and most recently in healthcare. I give back by volunteering whenever I can, and in 2009, I received The American Cancer Society's HOPE Award for volunteerism.
The stories I write come from my heart. I'm never sure where they are going until I get there. Most often, a song begins to paint a picture that becomes a love story. Sprinkled through my stories are humor and sadness based on real life experiences shared with family and friends. I write with emotion, pulling from memories and events that made me who I am. My readers tell me they feel like they know the characters I share with them. I like to call my writing 'the sound-track of my life.'
A reviewer on Amazon recently said, "This isn't a romance, it's a love story." (readingmaven)
As a writer, I hope you continue this journey, travel with me, see what song inspires me next, and I hope that you see more growth with each page you turn.
I love to read; it's a gift that was shared with me by my mom - Alis. She introduced me to her favorites like Little Women, Christy, and the Nancy Drew books. Books are an escape, a journey into new and different places and I've been many places I never dreamed of. My favorite genre is romance. I to explore and support other authors who paint a picture through words that allow me to feel the story. Some of my favorites are Adriana Trigiani, Maggi Myers, and Nora Roberts.
You can reach Barbara by email bsswrites@yahoo.com
http://www.amazon.com/Barbara-S-Stewa...
I've worked in the electronics industry, and most recently in healthcare. I give back by volunteering whenever I can, and in 2009, I received The American Cancer Society's HOPE Award for volunteerism.
The stories I write come from my heart. I'm never sure where they are going until I get there. Most often, a song begins to paint a picture that becomes a love story. Sprinkled through my stories are humor and sadness based on real life experiences shared with family and friends. I write with emotion, pulling from memories and events that made me who I am. My readers tell me they feel like they know the characters I share with them. I like to call my writing 'the sound-track of my life.'
A reviewer on Amazon recently said, "This isn't a romance, it's a love story." (readingmaven)
As a writer, I hope you continue this journey, travel with me, see what song inspires me next, and I hope that you see more growth with each page you turn.
I love to read; it's a gift that was shared with me by my mom - Alis. She introduced me to her favorites like Little Women, Christy, and the Nancy Drew books. Books are an escape, a journey into new and different places and I've been many places I never dreamed of. My favorite genre is romance. I to explore and support other authors who paint a picture through words that allow me to feel the story. Some of my favorites are Adriana Trigiani, Maggi Myers, and Nora Roberts.
You can reach Barbara by email bsswrites@yahoo.com
http://www.amazon.com/Barbara-S-Stewa...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
May 10, 2014
My heart is broken.
I saw the reviews.
I saw the updates.
I saw the 5 stars.
I knew what I was letting myself in for.
And still I read it.
A few reviewers have called this an “epic” love story. It sure was.
From the moment Andy and Beth met there was a connection. A strong one. Their story spans over twenty years. The ups and downs, the laughter, the tears, the joy, the heartbreak.
One of the things that drew me to the book was the title. I love my music so any book that has a music theme running through it is good enough for me.
They meet in the seventies. I remember the days of tape recorders, of listening to music solely on the radio, the days of no music videos on the TV, actually we only had one TV station when I was younger. The excitement of your first concert. One of my first big gigs was to see The Boss at Slane…. OMG, I just realize that it will have been THIRTY years ago next summer that I saw him…. Now I bring my kids to see him. And they bring me to see THEIR bands.
Of course there was a bit of Irish thrown in…. he took her to Ireland on a holiday. He gave her a lovely gift on St Patrick’s Day. Beth was probably half Irish – her dad was called Connor Morgan!
I see a lot of friends have this down TO READ but only a handful have actually read it…. Please give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed. It is a wonderful story of love, heartbreak, music, friendship…
Even at a happy part towards the end, I was blubbering away...
For the last 30% of this book all I could hear in my head was this song - so when I was finished reading, I went to YouTube and watched it and my heart broke all over again.
What I did for love
I saw the reviews.
I saw the updates.
I saw the 5 stars.
I knew what I was letting myself in for.
And still I read it.
A few reviewers have called this an “epic” love story. It sure was.
From the moment Andy and Beth met there was a connection. A strong one. Their story spans over twenty years. The ups and downs, the laughter, the tears, the joy, the heartbreak.
One of the things that drew me to the book was the title. I love my music so any book that has a music theme running through it is good enough for me.
They meet in the seventies. I remember the days of tape recorders, of listening to music solely on the radio, the days of no music videos on the TV, actually we only had one TV station when I was younger. The excitement of your first concert. One of my first big gigs was to see The Boss at Slane…. OMG, I just realize that it will have been THIRTY years ago next summer that I saw him…. Now I bring my kids to see him. And they bring me to see THEIR bands.
Of course there was a bit of Irish thrown in…. he took her to Ireland on a holiday. He gave her a lovely gift on St Patrick’s Day. Beth was probably half Irish – her dad was called Connor Morgan!
I see a lot of friends have this down TO READ but only a handful have actually read it…. Please give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed. It is a wonderful story of love, heartbreak, music, friendship…
Even at a happy part towards the end, I was blubbering away...
BETHY …
When you sleep under a quilt, you sleep under a blanket of love …
“Standing in the darkness,
I watch her sleep,
It brings me peace.
When there is happiness
I watch her laugh,
It gives me joy.
Even in silence
I watch her dance,
It gives me freedom I’ve never known before
She is my life, my world and so much more
My one true love”
“You’re there with me
In my world
The future I see
You’ve shared a beauty never known…”
For the last 30% of this book all I could hear in my head was this song - so when I was finished reading, I went to YouTube and watched it and my heart broke all over again.
What I did for love
May 12, 2014
2 cry-me-a-river stars. Review completed May 12, 2014
A good rock star story? Heck, count me in. Unfortunately Rock and Roll Never Forgets didn't make it on my list of favorite/memorable rock star books. That place is reserved for Louder Than Love and How to Kill a Rock Star.
Rock and Roll Never Forgets reads like a diary, a chronology of (partially melodramatic) events and sorely lacked the great dialogue of other comparable books. The crux of the matter is when you publish a novel with plenty of narrative then it must be compellingly written otherwise I'm losing interest rather quickly. Fact is, this book did not rock my world and I was bored more often than not. Sure, I found a couple good lyrics but in between the story could not hold my interest because I felt like the MCs moved in circles and the constant back and forth irritated me very much. Even though it's a story that spans more than twenty years of their lives, there was nothing epic about it. How they met, fell in love and their "relationship" progressed (did it ever progress??) was pretty rushed. There was no commitment talk either. The author mentioned they had good conversations but I was never privy to what they were talking about due to the non-existent dialogue. Plus, there was a general lack of depth that couldn't be made up with all the drama that happened in the second half of the story. The very monotonous and sappy writing wasn't engaging and too repetitive. All the beautifuls, thank yous, I love yous, heaven/heavenly and she was so overwhelmed one too many times and the constant laughs that accompanied so many sentences did. Me. In. I think a good editor could have taken care of that problem.
I really disliked all the crying and sobbing, the sadness and apologies…OMG…it was just too much and I lost count how many times someone had to cry, felt sad or was sorry in this story. Let's open the floodgates, shall we?
A rock star story will only work out for me when the male lead character is charismatic to boot. Andy clearly did not have that irresistible presence or aura or whatever you want to call it. He was nice. He was kinda sweet but he was also bland and I just needed so much more.
During the last third of the plot and it took up too much page time. Well, and then something happened I still need to wrap my mind around. When
Bottom line, emotional manipulation does never resonate well with me. I'm actually pretty much immune to this kind of writing. It's safe to say that Rock and Roll Never Forgets wasn't my cup of tea. It was either too boring or too melodramatic and took too many turns into Sapsville.
As a side note
There is no explicit sex.
A good rock star story? Heck, count me in. Unfortunately Rock and Roll Never Forgets didn't make it on my list of favorite/memorable rock star books. That place is reserved for Louder Than Love and How to Kill a Rock Star.
Rock and Roll Never Forgets reads like a diary, a chronology of (partially melodramatic) events and sorely lacked the great dialogue of other comparable books. The crux of the matter is when you publish a novel with plenty of narrative then it must be compellingly written otherwise I'm losing interest rather quickly. Fact is, this book did not rock my world and I was bored more often than not. Sure, I found a couple good lyrics but in between the story could not hold my interest because I felt like the MCs moved in circles and the constant back and forth irritated me very much. Even though it's a story that spans more than twenty years of their lives, there was nothing epic about it. How they met, fell in love and their "relationship" progressed (did it ever progress??) was pretty rushed. There was no commitment talk either. The author mentioned they had good conversations but I was never privy to what they were talking about due to the non-existent dialogue. Plus, there was a general lack of depth that couldn't be made up with all the drama that happened in the second half of the story. The very monotonous and sappy writing wasn't engaging and too repetitive. All the beautifuls, thank yous, I love yous, heaven/heavenly and she was so overwhelmed one too many times and the constant laughs that accompanied so many sentences did. Me. In. I think a good editor could have taken care of that problem.
I really disliked all the crying and sobbing, the sadness and apologies…OMG…it was just too much and I lost count how many times someone had to cry, felt sad or was sorry in this story. Let's open the floodgates, shall we?
A rock star story will only work out for me when the male lead character is charismatic to boot. Andy clearly did not have that irresistible presence or aura or whatever you want to call it. He was nice. He was kinda sweet but he was also bland and I just needed so much more.
During the last third of the plot and it took up too much page time. Well, and then something happened I still need to wrap my mind around. When
Bottom line, emotional manipulation does never resonate well with me. I'm actually pretty much immune to this kind of writing. It's safe to say that Rock and Roll Never Forgets wasn't my cup of tea. It was either too boring or too melodramatic and took too many turns into Sapsville.
As a side note
There is no explicit sex.
July 28, 2022
ROCK AND ROLL NEVER FORGETS was not what I expected. SEX, DRUGS AND ROCK & ROLL was what I automatically think of when I see a book about a rock star! I figured it will have lots of sexy times in it. While this one does have sexy times in it... it is not written out in detail. More like we know it happens but we don't get all the specifics. I’m fine either way with those scenes being in a book but I know some readers prefer those smokin' hot, melt your kindle type of scenes.
Here is what the story is about… an ordinary woman and a rockstar who fall in love and we read about their relationship that spans twenty plus years. They face many trials and tribulations throughout their time together. Their path to love was marred by many things but one major thing was the media. The freedom to have a private life was not plausible with a rockstar. Their relationship was constantly on display for the public. More than anything Beth, the heroine, longed to have a private life with her rockstar, Andy. To the best of his abilities he tried to shield her from the overall media circus that followed his every move.
One strong message that the reader gains while reading this book was:
REGRET! Looking back and wishing we could have done something differently is human nature and something that Andy and Beth contemplate. One thing this couple gains is an understanding that sometimes hindsight comes too late but to make the most of their future together.
I’m not going to lie this story made my stomach hurt. Not until the last 20% did I have that sick feeling in my gut and the tears flowing from my eyes. When my husband came home he knew the second he looked at me that I had been crying. I’ve been told no more crying books for awhile since lately it feels like all I’ve been doing is drowning in my tears.
One thing about this book that should be mentioned is the style it was written in. I don’t even know if this style has a name but it was like a combo of an autobiography, journal, and third person all mashed together. It was interesting and made me pay attention. It reminds me of when I meet someone and they have a heavy accent and I have to really pay attention so I can understand what they are saying. It was that way this book… since I’m not use to ‘whatever’ this style of writing is I focused in on the book to make sure I really got all that was happening.
Ms. Stewart, here you can have my bucket of tears!
SERIES:
Here is what the story is about… an ordinary woman and a rockstar who fall in love and we read about their relationship that spans twenty plus years. They face many trials and tribulations throughout their time together. Their path to love was marred by many things but one major thing was the media. The freedom to have a private life was not plausible with a rockstar. Their relationship was constantly on display for the public. More than anything Beth, the heroine, longed to have a private life with her rockstar, Andy. To the best of his abilities he tried to shield her from the overall media circus that followed his every move.
One strong message that the reader gains while reading this book was:
REGRET! Looking back and wishing we could have done something differently is human nature and something that Andy and Beth contemplate. One thing this couple gains is an understanding that sometimes hindsight comes too late but to make the most of their future together.
I’m not going to lie this story made my stomach hurt. Not until the last 20% did I have that sick feeling in my gut and the tears flowing from my eyes. When my husband came home he knew the second he looked at me that I had been crying. I’ve been told no more crying books for awhile since lately it feels like all I’ve been doing is drowning in my tears.
One thing about this book that should be mentioned is the style it was written in. I don’t even know if this style has a name but it was like a combo of an autobiography, journal, and third person all mashed together. It was interesting and made me pay attention. It reminds me of when I meet someone and they have a heavy accent and I have to really pay attention so I can understand what they are saying. It was that way this book… since I’m not use to ‘whatever’ this style of writing is I focused in on the book to make sure I really got all that was happening.
Ms. Stewart, here you can have my bucket of tears!
SERIES:
May 8, 2014
4 **** I´m a wreck … Such a moving love story Stars
My feelings… along reading this book!!!
At the beginning I felt....
All of a sudden... wow... emotions all over the place...
Together they are ...
The ending ... please
Barbara Stewart …
My feelings… along reading this book!!!
At the beginning I felt....
All of a sudden... wow... emotions all over the place...
Together they are ...
The ending ... please
Barbara Stewart …
December 21, 2013
5 *MY HEART IS BROKEN INTO A MILLION PIECES* STARS
This is one of the most EPIC love stories I've ever read about. I cried so much as I read this book that I feel I have no more tears left ...
I absolutely LOVE that as you read this, you feel like you are reading a diary. At times I felt like I was intruding on someone's private thoughts and at times I felt like I was actually there with the narrator(s).
Dear Barbara,
As soon as I am done with this review, I will be sending you this
Yes, that's my shattered heart ...
Please send it back if you ever able to mend it.
Sincerely,
Irene.
P.S. Thank you, from the bottom of my bleeding heart, for Andy and Bethy's beautiful story. It will stay with me for a very, very long time.
June 8, 2013
5 Emotional stars! Jointly reviewed for: http://totallybookedblog.com/
Jenny: Well, how unprepared were we for what this book would bring! I’m sitting here staring into space, looking at this page and wondering how I can put into words just how beautiful, moving, heartbreaking, heart lifting and …….well, words really do fail me in expressing the depth of emotions I experienced reading Rock and Roll Never Forgets and the way I’m feeling after finishing it. I closed this book and felt bereft that it was over. There is no other word for it. The synopsis doesn’t even begin to cover what you will take away from Rock and Roll Never Forgets.
“He had a hold of my heart and I prayed he’d never let go….”
I sobbed through it and tears are streaming down my face now thinking back on it. My heart literally hurts and I will remember this book for a long time to come.
“How could something as simple as his touch wreck me so?”
The story of Andy and Beth (Bethy) is one of the most powerfully moving love stories I’ve read in a long time.
“They were soul mates. They finished each other’s sentences, laughed, cried joked and shared. It was truly one of the most beautiful experiences of my career”
These two awe inspiring soul mates who were destined to be together, who lived very different lives and shared a once in a lifetime love, will steal a piece of your heart. I was with them from their first glance, their first kiss, the first time they made love, the first time they hurt, the first laugh, the first heartbreak and everything in between.
“You crawled into my soul and became a part of me.”
The story is so intricately woven taking you through the lives of Andy, Beth and their family and friends, each having their input through varying viewpoints. The words were a caress, and so beautifully written in interview/journal form tracking the lives of these lovers throughout the years that you felt as if you had a front row seat for every moment.
Theirs isn’t an easy road. They made mistakes and they paid. Every heart break , every tear, every moment of pain and every bit of tenderness, love and happiness will move you. Every second of it.
“She knew this relationship would change all their lives forever.”
I know I don’t really need to ask this Gitte because we really did sob our hearts out on the phone over this book but how did you feel about Rock and Roll Never Forgets?
Gitte: Well, you know how I feel Jenny, I cried so much I couldn’t speak down the phone to you for two hours and now days later, I still can’t stop crying when I think of Andy and Beth’s story. I don’t even know how to review it. My words are not adequate to fully do this story justice. I can throw loads of words at you like: Beautiful, Epic Journey, Heart-wrenching emotion, Intense pain and love, what soul mates truly look like and it wouldn’t be enough. I want to give this Author a standing ovation. And if you’re going to pick up one book this month, please make it this one! End of!!!
Jenny: Their meeting backstage that night in 1978 was to change both their lives and the lives of those around them. Andy had never really had a serious relationship before Beth, living the rockstar lifestyle. He was the lead singer and songwriter for the band Traveler and Beths idol. Beth, the naïve, quiet, girl who shone like a beacon and quite literally stole Andy’s heart that night. They both felt something upon meeting.
“She was young, cute, protected, and very elusive. Who was she? What was it about her that made a ‘Rock God’ choose her as his partner”
Theirs was a connection so strong they had no chance but to test it and see where it would take them.
“I’m just a girl,” Beth laughed, “nothing special.”
“Oh, but you are.”
This was no insta love. Their love flourished through time and because of this you witness and feel every aching, intense piece of their love, loss, trials and tribulations. There were a couple of instances where I became a little frustrated with the pair of them over their inability to communicate, however, that this was very minor and in NO way took anything away from what I felt for them and their story.
“Her laugh lit up everything and everyone around her.”
Life is full of “coulda, should, woulda” as Beth would say. The message in this book is one to take with you. It’s about grabbing life with both hands, taking that leap, never questioning anything and ultimately, doing what makes you happy. It’s about finding that one person, that true soul mate, that love of your life and doing anything in your power to make that work. Taking the good with the bad, working through the love and the pain and living each minute so you never have regrets.
Such an astoundingly touching and moving story where EVERY character plays such a pivotal role in the lives of Andy and Bethy. This one moved me to my core. This is part of a trilogy but for us, this can also be a standalone though we are both desperately wanting to read more in this series.
This book throws the adage that “sex sells” right out the window. Details were not necessary and not missed in this book because the emotion elicited from the connection between this couple was all that was required for you to feel, really ‘feel‘ those scenes between Andy and Bethy . Andy and Bethy’s story is one you won’t want to miss. We took so much away from this book didn’t we Gitte?
Gitte: I think everything that can be said you’ve said Jenny. You and I totally felt every word this Author wrote, and the journey was so incredibly overwhelming and emotionally draining, I can’t stress enough how much I want everyone to read it and just experience the raw naked emotion of Andy and Beth’s story. And yes, the messages are truly poignant….truly beautiful…..beyond words!
Jenny: Well, how unprepared were we for what this book would bring! I’m sitting here staring into space, looking at this page and wondering how I can put into words just how beautiful, moving, heartbreaking, heart lifting and …….well, words really do fail me in expressing the depth of emotions I experienced reading Rock and Roll Never Forgets and the way I’m feeling after finishing it. I closed this book and felt bereft that it was over. There is no other word for it. The synopsis doesn’t even begin to cover what you will take away from Rock and Roll Never Forgets.
“He had a hold of my heart and I prayed he’d never let go….”
I sobbed through it and tears are streaming down my face now thinking back on it. My heart literally hurts and I will remember this book for a long time to come.
“How could something as simple as his touch wreck me so?”
The story of Andy and Beth (Bethy) is one of the most powerfully moving love stories I’ve read in a long time.
“They were soul mates. They finished each other’s sentences, laughed, cried joked and shared. It was truly one of the most beautiful experiences of my career”
These two awe inspiring soul mates who were destined to be together, who lived very different lives and shared a once in a lifetime love, will steal a piece of your heart. I was with them from their first glance, their first kiss, the first time they made love, the first time they hurt, the first laugh, the first heartbreak and everything in between.
“You crawled into my soul and became a part of me.”
The story is so intricately woven taking you through the lives of Andy, Beth and their family and friends, each having their input through varying viewpoints. The words were a caress, and so beautifully written in interview/journal form tracking the lives of these lovers throughout the years that you felt as if you had a front row seat for every moment.
Theirs isn’t an easy road. They made mistakes and they paid. Every heart break , every tear, every moment of pain and every bit of tenderness, love and happiness will move you. Every second of it.
“She knew this relationship would change all their lives forever.”
I know I don’t really need to ask this Gitte because we really did sob our hearts out on the phone over this book but how did you feel about Rock and Roll Never Forgets?
Gitte: Well, you know how I feel Jenny, I cried so much I couldn’t speak down the phone to you for two hours and now days later, I still can’t stop crying when I think of Andy and Beth’s story. I don’t even know how to review it. My words are not adequate to fully do this story justice. I can throw loads of words at you like: Beautiful, Epic Journey, Heart-wrenching emotion, Intense pain and love, what soul mates truly look like and it wouldn’t be enough. I want to give this Author a standing ovation. And if you’re going to pick up one book this month, please make it this one! End of!!!
Jenny: Their meeting backstage that night in 1978 was to change both their lives and the lives of those around them. Andy had never really had a serious relationship before Beth, living the rockstar lifestyle. He was the lead singer and songwriter for the band Traveler and Beths idol. Beth, the naïve, quiet, girl who shone like a beacon and quite literally stole Andy’s heart that night. They both felt something upon meeting.
“She was young, cute, protected, and very elusive. Who was she? What was it about her that made a ‘Rock God’ choose her as his partner”
Theirs was a connection so strong they had no chance but to test it and see where it would take them.
“I’m just a girl,” Beth laughed, “nothing special.”
“Oh, but you are.”
This was no insta love. Their love flourished through time and because of this you witness and feel every aching, intense piece of their love, loss, trials and tribulations. There were a couple of instances where I became a little frustrated with the pair of them over their inability to communicate, however, that this was very minor and in NO way took anything away from what I felt for them and their story.
“Her laugh lit up everything and everyone around her.”
Life is full of “coulda, should, woulda” as Beth would say. The message in this book is one to take with you. It’s about grabbing life with both hands, taking that leap, never questioning anything and ultimately, doing what makes you happy. It’s about finding that one person, that true soul mate, that love of your life and doing anything in your power to make that work. Taking the good with the bad, working through the love and the pain and living each minute so you never have regrets.
Such an astoundingly touching and moving story where EVERY character plays such a pivotal role in the lives of Andy and Bethy. This one moved me to my core. This is part of a trilogy but for us, this can also be a standalone though we are both desperately wanting to read more in this series.
This book throws the adage that “sex sells” right out the window. Details were not necessary and not missed in this book because the emotion elicited from the connection between this couple was all that was required for you to feel, really ‘feel‘ those scenes between Andy and Bethy . Andy and Bethy’s story is one you won’t want to miss. We took so much away from this book didn’t we Gitte?
Gitte: I think everything that can be said you’ve said Jenny. You and I totally felt every word this Author wrote, and the journey was so incredibly overwhelming and emotionally draining, I can’t stress enough how much I want everyone to read it and just experience the raw naked emotion of Andy and Beth’s story. And yes, the messages are truly poignant….truly beautiful…..beyond words!
July 28, 2014
5 Yesterday, Today and Forever Stars ❤
❤ ❤ When you give your heart to someone completely, you really never get it back. That person will always be the "holder" of your heart.❤ ❤
I had read a couple reviews that said this was an Epic love story and was hoping I would have the same feeling about it. As you can see by my rating, I did and I am so happy I started this journey with Andy and Bethy.
Because this story spans over a period of just about 25 years, I find it hard to write like I normally would but here goes.
What happens between Andy and Bethy will make your heart flutter, break, mend, and break again. You will cry happy tears and sad tears but you won’t regret one minute. Their love story is sprinkled with happiness, friendships, passion, heartbreak and so much love that a bond was created that neither could break.
Andy Steven’s was a rock star, a member of a band called Traveler. Beth (or as Andy calls her Bethy) was a one of his biggest fan’s. They meet backstage after one of his concerts and I guess you could say the rest is history. Andy’s life was his music and Beth would come to be that person at the heart of his songs.
These two were not only a couple, they were soul mates. Though they were attracted to each other from the first time they meet I was never left feeling that it was insta love or lust. Bethy and Andy slowly become friends. Talking for hours on the telephone and spending what little free time Andy had together, their relationship naturally changed. It was easy for them to take that next step, to be a couple, to fall in love. But their journey wasn’t always an easy one. Loving a Rock Star had its ups and downs. Though they had their places to escape to they would have to return to the craziness of that life syle.
As time passes and things change for both Andy and Bethy their love for each other stood the test of time. But there came a time when it was tested. A time when both of them were broken in a way that things seemed unfixable. Did they love each other? Yes. Was that enough? At the time, no. But Fate had a plan for these two. It was a plan that neither had any control over and one that would connect them forever.
As much as this was a love story between Andy and Bethy there are so many other characters in this book that make their story even more special. Some of them were the whisperers that gently reminded them of what is important; others were the ones that created the challenges in their lives and others that added another beautiful patch to their quilt of life and love.
I thought Barbara Stewart did a wonderful job at telling their story. Her writing elicited so many different feelings and emotions. At times it felt like I was right there with them experiencing their moments. I felt happiness and sadness. I felt joy and anger. I laughed and I cried.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. But I will say (IMO) that you need to have a little bit of patience with their story. It is written in a way that you are taken through many stages of their lives, experiencing so much with them. Some stages may come across as a bit much but for me their story was balanced out with many wonderful things.
If you have this on your TBR please bump it up. If you don’t have it on your TBR please add it. And remember….have some patience. ❤
❤❤I will leave you with one of my favorite moments in the book.
“When I walked into the room that night in Orlando, I saw those eyes and they captured me. It was like I could see your heart, and I knew it was a good heart. You crawled into my soul, became part of me. I saw the inner beauty, and regardless of what you think, the outside wasn’t bad either, he laughed". ~ Andy
❤ ❤ When you give your heart to someone completely, you really never get it back. That person will always be the "holder" of your heart.❤ ❤
I had read a couple reviews that said this was an Epic love story and was hoping I would have the same feeling about it. As you can see by my rating, I did and I am so happy I started this journey with Andy and Bethy.
Because this story spans over a period of just about 25 years, I find it hard to write like I normally would but here goes.
What happens between Andy and Bethy will make your heart flutter, break, mend, and break again. You will cry happy tears and sad tears but you won’t regret one minute. Their love story is sprinkled with happiness, friendships, passion, heartbreak and so much love that a bond was created that neither could break.
Andy Steven’s was a rock star, a member of a band called Traveler. Beth (or as Andy calls her Bethy) was a one of his biggest fan’s. They meet backstage after one of his concerts and I guess you could say the rest is history. Andy’s life was his music and Beth would come to be that person at the heart of his songs.
These two were not only a couple, they were soul mates. Though they were attracted to each other from the first time they meet I was never left feeling that it was insta love or lust. Bethy and Andy slowly become friends. Talking for hours on the telephone and spending what little free time Andy had together, their relationship naturally changed. It was easy for them to take that next step, to be a couple, to fall in love. But their journey wasn’t always an easy one. Loving a Rock Star had its ups and downs. Though they had their places to escape to they would have to return to the craziness of that life syle.
As time passes and things change for both Andy and Bethy their love for each other stood the test of time. But there came a time when it was tested. A time when both of them were broken in a way that things seemed unfixable. Did they love each other? Yes. Was that enough? At the time, no. But Fate had a plan for these two. It was a plan that neither had any control over and one that would connect them forever.
As much as this was a love story between Andy and Bethy there are so many other characters in this book that make their story even more special. Some of them were the whisperers that gently reminded them of what is important; others were the ones that created the challenges in their lives and others that added another beautiful patch to their quilt of life and love.
I thought Barbara Stewart did a wonderful job at telling their story. Her writing elicited so many different feelings and emotions. At times it felt like I was right there with them experiencing their moments. I felt happiness and sadness. I felt joy and anger. I laughed and I cried.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. But I will say (IMO) that you need to have a little bit of patience with their story. It is written in a way that you are taken through many stages of their lives, experiencing so much with them. Some stages may come across as a bit much but for me their story was balanced out with many wonderful things.
If you have this on your TBR please bump it up. If you don’t have it on your TBR please add it. And remember….have some patience. ❤
❤❤I will leave you with one of my favorite moments in the book.
“When I walked into the room that night in Orlando, I saw those eyes and they captured me. It was like I could see your heart, and I knew it was a good heart. You crawled into my soul, became part of me. I saw the inner beauty, and regardless of what you think, the outside wasn’t bad either, he laughed". ~ Andy
June 7, 2013
5 Emotional stars! Jointly reviewed for: http://totallybookedblog.com/
Jenny: Well, how unprepared were we for what this book would bring! I’m sitting here staring into space, looking at this page and wondering how I can put into words just how beautiful, moving, heartbreaking, heart lifting and …….well, words really do fail me in expressing the depth of emotions I experienced reading Rock and Roll Never Forgets and the way I’m feeling after finishing it. I closed this book and felt bereft that it was over. There is no other word for it. The synopsis doesn’t even begin to cover what you will take away from Rock and Roll Never Forgets.
“He had a hold of my heart and I prayed he’d never let go….”
I sobbed through it and tears are streaming down my face now thinking back on it. My heart literally hurts and I will remember this book for a long time to come.
“How could something as simple as his touch wreck me so?���
The story of Andy and Beth (Bethy) is one of the most powerfully moving love stories I’ve read in a long time.
“They were soul mates. They finished each other’s sentences, laughed, cried joked and shared. It was truly one of the most beautiful experiences of my career”
These two awe inspiring soul mates who were destined to be together, who lived very different lives and shared a once in a lifetime love, will steal a piece of your heart. I was with them from their first glance, their first kiss, the first time they made love, the first time they hurt, the first laugh, the first heartbreak and everything in between.
“You crawled into my soul and became a part of me.”
The story is so intricately woven taking you through the lives of Andy, Beth and their family and friends, each having their input through varying viewpoints. The words were a caress, and so beautifully written in interview/journal form tracking the lives of these lovers throughout the years that you felt as if you had a front row seat for every moment.
Theirs isn’t an easy road. They made mistakes and they paid. Every heart break , every tear, every moment of pain and every bit of tenderness, love and happiness will move you. Every second of it.
“She knew this relationship would change all their lives forever.”
I know I don’t really need to ask this Gitte because we really did sob our hearts out on the phone over this book but how did you feel about Rock and Roll Never Forgets?
Gitte: Well, you know how I feel Jenny, I cried so much I couldn’t speak down the phone to you for two hours and now days later, I still can’t stop crying when I think of Andy and Beth’s story. I don’t even know how to review it. My words are not adequate to fully do this story justice. I can throw loads of words at you like: Beautiful, Epic Journey, Heart-wrenching emotion, Intense pain and love, what soul mates truly look like and it wouldn’t be enough. I want to give this Author a standing ovation. And if you’re going to pick up one book this month, please make it this one! End of!!!
Jenny: Their meeting backstage that night in 1978 was to change both their lives and the lives of those around them. Andy had never really had a serious relationship before Beth, living the rockstar lifestyle. He was the lead singer and songwriter for the band Traveler and Beths idol. Beth, the naïve, quiet, girl who shone like a beacon and quite literally stole Andy’s heart that night. They both felt something upon meeting.
“She was young, cute, protected, and very elusive. Who was she? What was it about her that made a ‘Rock God’ choose her as his partner”
Theirs was a connection so strong they had no chance but to test it and see where it would take them.
“I’m just a girl,” Beth laughed, “nothing special.”
“Oh, but you are.”
This was no insta love. Their love flourished through time and because of this you witness and feel every aching, intense piece of their love, loss, trials and tribulations. There were also couple of instances where I became a little frustrated with the pair of them over their inability to communicate, however, that this was very minor and in NO way took anything away from what I felt for them and their story.
“Her laugh lit up everything and everyone around her.”
Life is full of “coulda, should, woulda” as Beth would say. The message in this book is one to take with you. It’s about grabbing life with both hands, taking that leap, never questioning anything and ultimately, doing what makes you happy. It’s about finding that one person, that true soul mate, that love of your life and doing anything in your power to make that work. Taking the good with the bad, working through the love and the pain and living each minute so you never have regrets.
Such an astoundingly touching and moving story where EVERY character plays such a pivotal role in the lives of Andy and Bethy. This one moved me to my core. This is part of a trilogy but for us, this can also be a standalone though we are both desperately wanting to read more in this series.
This book throws the adage that “sex sells” right out the window. Detailed were not necessary and not missed in this book because the emotion elicited from the connection between this couple was all that was required for you to feel, really ‘feel‘ those scenes between Andy and Bethy . Andy and Bethy’s story is one you won’t want to miss. We took so much away from this book didn’t we Gitte?
Gitte: I think everything that can be said you’ve said Jenny. You and I totally felt every word this Author wrote, and the journey was so incredibly overwhelming and emotionally draining, I can’t stress enough how much I want everyone to read it and just experience the raw naked emotion of Andy and Beth’s story. And yes, the messages are truly poignant…truly beautiful…beyond words!
Jenny: Well, how unprepared were we for what this book would bring! I’m sitting here staring into space, looking at this page and wondering how I can put into words just how beautiful, moving, heartbreaking, heart lifting and …….well, words really do fail me in expressing the depth of emotions I experienced reading Rock and Roll Never Forgets and the way I’m feeling after finishing it. I closed this book and felt bereft that it was over. There is no other word for it. The synopsis doesn’t even begin to cover what you will take away from Rock and Roll Never Forgets.
“He had a hold of my heart and I prayed he’d never let go….”
I sobbed through it and tears are streaming down my face now thinking back on it. My heart literally hurts and I will remember this book for a long time to come.
“How could something as simple as his touch wreck me so?���
The story of Andy and Beth (Bethy) is one of the most powerfully moving love stories I’ve read in a long time.
“They were soul mates. They finished each other’s sentences, laughed, cried joked and shared. It was truly one of the most beautiful experiences of my career”
These two awe inspiring soul mates who were destined to be together, who lived very different lives and shared a once in a lifetime love, will steal a piece of your heart. I was with them from their first glance, their first kiss, the first time they made love, the first time they hurt, the first laugh, the first heartbreak and everything in between.
“You crawled into my soul and became a part of me.”
The story is so intricately woven taking you through the lives of Andy, Beth and their family and friends, each having their input through varying viewpoints. The words were a caress, and so beautifully written in interview/journal form tracking the lives of these lovers throughout the years that you felt as if you had a front row seat for every moment.
Theirs isn’t an easy road. They made mistakes and they paid. Every heart break , every tear, every moment of pain and every bit of tenderness, love and happiness will move you. Every second of it.
“She knew this relationship would change all their lives forever.”
I know I don’t really need to ask this Gitte because we really did sob our hearts out on the phone over this book but how did you feel about Rock and Roll Never Forgets?
Gitte: Well, you know how I feel Jenny, I cried so much I couldn’t speak down the phone to you for two hours and now days later, I still can’t stop crying when I think of Andy and Beth’s story. I don’t even know how to review it. My words are not adequate to fully do this story justice. I can throw loads of words at you like: Beautiful, Epic Journey, Heart-wrenching emotion, Intense pain and love, what soul mates truly look like and it wouldn’t be enough. I want to give this Author a standing ovation. And if you’re going to pick up one book this month, please make it this one! End of!!!
Jenny: Their meeting backstage that night in 1978 was to change both their lives and the lives of those around them. Andy had never really had a serious relationship before Beth, living the rockstar lifestyle. He was the lead singer and songwriter for the band Traveler and Beths idol. Beth, the naïve, quiet, girl who shone like a beacon and quite literally stole Andy’s heart that night. They both felt something upon meeting.
“She was young, cute, protected, and very elusive. Who was she? What was it about her that made a ‘Rock God’ choose her as his partner”
Theirs was a connection so strong they had no chance but to test it and see where it would take them.
“I’m just a girl,” Beth laughed, “nothing special.”
“Oh, but you are.”
This was no insta love. Their love flourished through time and because of this you witness and feel every aching, intense piece of their love, loss, trials and tribulations. There were also couple of instances where I became a little frustrated with the pair of them over their inability to communicate, however, that this was very minor and in NO way took anything away from what I felt for them and their story.
“Her laugh lit up everything and everyone around her.”
Life is full of “coulda, should, woulda” as Beth would say. The message in this book is one to take with you. It’s about grabbing life with both hands, taking that leap, never questioning anything and ultimately, doing what makes you happy. It’s about finding that one person, that true soul mate, that love of your life and doing anything in your power to make that work. Taking the good with the bad, working through the love and the pain and living each minute so you never have regrets.
Such an astoundingly touching and moving story where EVERY character plays such a pivotal role in the lives of Andy and Bethy. This one moved me to my core. This is part of a trilogy but for us, this can also be a standalone though we are both desperately wanting to read more in this series.
This book throws the adage that “sex sells” right out the window. Detailed were not necessary and not missed in this book because the emotion elicited from the connection between this couple was all that was required for you to feel, really ‘feel‘ those scenes between Andy and Bethy . Andy and Bethy’s story is one you won’t want to miss. We took so much away from this book didn’t we Gitte?
Gitte: I think everything that can be said you’ve said Jenny. You and I totally felt every word this Author wrote, and the journey was so incredibly overwhelming and emotionally draining, I can’t stress enough how much I want everyone to read it and just experience the raw naked emotion of Andy and Beth’s story. And yes, the messages are truly poignant…truly beautiful…beyond words!
September 17, 2013
4.5 ****Spectacular Stars****
What can I say? This novel truly blew me away. This was a story about everlasting love, regrets and mistakes that made a powerful story that I will never forget.
This novel is not your typical Rock and Roll story, it was done with such grace and beauty that from the minute you start reading you'll recognized that you have something special and unique in your hands.
Beth was just a regular girl attending the concert of her favorite band with her best friend; little did she know that this experience would change her life forever. They had back stage passes and were able to meet the band and enjoy the after party, Beth was completely taken by Andy and from the moment she saw him she was a goner . Andy was the lead singer for the band Traveler but not the typical arrogant womanizer Rock Star; he was kind, sensitive and very romantic. That's the night that she became his Bethy. Everybody around could witness the special moment when these two people were melting into one.
I remember thinking on those first few chapters what a whirlwind romance this was, everything about Andy and Beth's relationship was so perfect until it wasn't. In this book we follow this couple for sixteen years; they would break up and make up, hearts would break and be mended, years of separation and then beautiful reunions, but no matter what, one thing would always remain the same, two hearts with the same rhythm, soul-mates who will find their way back to that moment when they became one.
Written with such heart and finesse, Rock and Roll Never Forgets will make you dream, and cry and fall in love with this wonderful characters. This was a lovely and very sad story that will stay with me forever and I highly recommend it to all of you hopeless romantics out there who enjoy a heart wrenching story.
What can I say? This novel truly blew me away. This was a story about everlasting love, regrets and mistakes that made a powerful story that I will never forget.
This novel is not your typical Rock and Roll story, it was done with such grace and beauty that from the minute you start reading you'll recognized that you have something special and unique in your hands.
Beth was just a regular girl attending the concert of her favorite band with her best friend; little did she know that this experience would change her life forever. They had back stage passes and were able to meet the band and enjoy the after party, Beth was completely taken by Andy and from the moment she saw him she was a goner . Andy was the lead singer for the band Traveler but not the typical arrogant womanizer Rock Star; he was kind, sensitive and very romantic. That's the night that she became his Bethy. Everybody around could witness the special moment when these two people were melting into one.
I remember thinking on those first few chapters what a whirlwind romance this was, everything about Andy and Beth's relationship was so perfect until it wasn't. In this book we follow this couple for sixteen years; they would break up and make up, hearts would break and be mended, years of separation and then beautiful reunions, but no matter what, one thing would always remain the same, two hearts with the same rhythm, soul-mates who will find their way back to that moment when they became one.
Written with such heart and finesse, Rock and Roll Never Forgets will make you dream, and cry and fall in love with this wonderful characters. This was a lovely and very sad story that will stay with me forever and I highly recommend it to all of you hopeless romantics out there who enjoy a heart wrenching story.
October 20, 2014
I feel like my heart has been thrown into a wood chipper.I need a hug. :(
August 16, 2013
Rock and Roll Never Forgets by Barbara Stewart
5 extremely emotional stars!!
“I fell in love with you and never fell out. I tried. God knows I tried.”
OMG what have I just read!! I absolutely LOVE and HATE the blogger who recommended this book to me (she knows who she is!!) Thank god my husband was out last night so I could read this one on my own and could cry till my hearts content without any sarky comments!! I used up an endless mountain of tissues and the sofa ended up looking like a tissue recycling plant, my face?? Well that was just one big, red, puffy eyeballed mess, literally!!
My fellow blogger Willow never cries with a book, so this was recommended to us as 100% dead cert to make her cry, she is reading now, so we will see!! However, I thought that I would test this theory for myself, I am an open blubberer, I don’t mind being called soft or whatever, but if a book makes me cry and I feel the emotion and the pain then the author has done their job and boy did Barbara Stewart pull a number on me last night.
This is the story of Andy and Beth or (his Bethy), this is one moving story. Beth’s best friend Kim had a relation in the band Traveler, Beth was Traveler’s biggest fan and was stoked that Kim had managed to get backstage passes to their latest concert. At a backstage party they were introduced to the band and Bethy was introduced to Andy Steven’s, he was Beth’s idol but in the flesh he was so much more. As you can guess she was instantly attracted to him, but the surprise for everyone was that the feeling was mutual. Andy never falls, but this time Andy fell deep. This wasn’t an instalust story by any stretch of the imagination, they became friends first, getting to know each other, nightly phone calls for hours just talking and getting to know one another. Andy would regularly fly her to places so that they could spend a night together here and there, just as friends until eventually they took that leap and became a couple.
“We started talking,” he continued, “And you mesmerised me. I felt as though you were allowing me to see what made you tick. It was like I had known you forever, and I liked it, a lot. I’ve enjoyed our late night phone calls more than I can tell you. You’re a real person, a smart beautiful woman. Not some giggly bimbo trying to get my attention. Those are the kind of women I meet, the ones who constantly surround me. You and I had a meaningful conversation. I think I fell in love with you at that moment. There was no one there that night but you; no one who mattered anyway.”
These two were not just a couple, their love was deep, that heart wrenchingly deep love for one another that it was so strong it could either make them or break them. They were soul mates, eternally connected by a deep meaningful love for each other. They were two halves of each other.
“…You crawled into my soul, became a part of me. I saw the inner beauty, and regardless of what you think, the outside wasn’t bad either.”
They were two totally different souls, but together they complimented each other and to a certain degree brought out the best in each other. Andy’s soul was marred by his lack of a father figure as his father was more absent than not, he didn’t think too highly of himself on the relationship front, Bethy’s achilles heel was her lack of confidence and her deep rooted insecurity that at times she just couldn’t shift.
This story covers their entire relationship from start to finish, so no cliff hangers and spans a period of nearly 20 years, so as you can imagine there are a lot of trials and tribulations to read about as obviously, a rock stars life has a lot of tales to tell. The story is told like a biography with the added gems of Bethy’s journal entries. Whilst the writing is different, it pulls you into the story until you are so connected to Andy and Bethy that your heart and soul is with them as you live their lives through their eyes. You go through all their firsts, the romancing, the relationship, the ups and downs and with this brings along some really amazing side characters. These are in no way superfluous to the story but form an integral part and they give you an amazing insight into their lives and how extremely close they all were. Being famous can be lonely and you have a very close tight knit circle of family and friends that can be trusted and they were always there for each other through the good times and the bad, their loyalty to one and other never wavered.
“Shoulda, coulda, woulda…”
Barbara Stewart’s style of writing is enchanting, it captivated me from start to finish and I was so enamoured with this couple I couldn’t help but root for them. I shared their love, I felt their pain, I empathised, I sympathised, I ached, I cried, I laughed, I smiled, I got angry, I got sad, I got happy and I cried……A LOT!!!…every single possible emotion, I felt, every emotion was conveyed brilliantly through the pages of this book. Nothing I could say could do the emotional pull in this book any justice what so ever, it just hooks you in until you drown in the pages. I truly drowned!!
I was messaging the blogger that recommended this whilst reading, she shared my pain, she took my outbursts on the chin, she relived it, I think she even said she cried at one point…but I did make her laugh!! I messaged her and said “He kills himself doesn’t he???? Then quickly added “Shit don’t answer that.” I tried to guess what was coming so that I could prepare myself but I was so wrong (so don’t worry there are no suicides in this book!!) It is one heck of a journey and one that shouldn’t be missed.
I have downloaded book 2, but was a bit reluctant to start it straight away as not sure my heart could have taken another battering. This is part of a trilogy but could be read as a standalone. Book 3 is to be released this year, I will for one will be at the front of the queue!!!
So all I can say, is I can’t tell you what happens and I won’t tell you what happens but I will say that for those that love an emotional love story this is the one for you. It is pretty and it is ugly but it is truly brilliant. This will go onto my favourites shelf and will be one that I will read again and again when my tear ducts need an empty. Andy and Bethy will be forever imprinted onto my heart and soul and will not forget this story, yes it is THAT GOOD!!
Barbara Stewart you are one truly talented lady!!
www.theromancecover.com
5 extremely emotional stars!!
“I fell in love with you and never fell out. I tried. God knows I tried.”
OMG what have I just read!! I absolutely LOVE and HATE the blogger who recommended this book to me (she knows who she is!!) Thank god my husband was out last night so I could read this one on my own and could cry till my hearts content without any sarky comments!! I used up an endless mountain of tissues and the sofa ended up looking like a tissue recycling plant, my face?? Well that was just one big, red, puffy eyeballed mess, literally!!
My fellow blogger Willow never cries with a book, so this was recommended to us as 100% dead cert to make her cry, she is reading now, so we will see!! However, I thought that I would test this theory for myself, I am an open blubberer, I don’t mind being called soft or whatever, but if a book makes me cry and I feel the emotion and the pain then the author has done their job and boy did Barbara Stewart pull a number on me last night.
This is the story of Andy and Beth or (his Bethy), this is one moving story. Beth’s best friend Kim had a relation in the band Traveler, Beth was Traveler’s biggest fan and was stoked that Kim had managed to get backstage passes to their latest concert. At a backstage party they were introduced to the band and Bethy was introduced to Andy Steven’s, he was Beth’s idol but in the flesh he was so much more. As you can guess she was instantly attracted to him, but the surprise for everyone was that the feeling was mutual. Andy never falls, but this time Andy fell deep. This wasn’t an instalust story by any stretch of the imagination, they became friends first, getting to know each other, nightly phone calls for hours just talking and getting to know one another. Andy would regularly fly her to places so that they could spend a night together here and there, just as friends until eventually they took that leap and became a couple.
“We started talking,” he continued, “And you mesmerised me. I felt as though you were allowing me to see what made you tick. It was like I had known you forever, and I liked it, a lot. I’ve enjoyed our late night phone calls more than I can tell you. You’re a real person, a smart beautiful woman. Not some giggly bimbo trying to get my attention. Those are the kind of women I meet, the ones who constantly surround me. You and I had a meaningful conversation. I think I fell in love with you at that moment. There was no one there that night but you; no one who mattered anyway.”
These two were not just a couple, their love was deep, that heart wrenchingly deep love for one another that it was so strong it could either make them or break them. They were soul mates, eternally connected by a deep meaningful love for each other. They were two halves of each other.
“…You crawled into my soul, became a part of me. I saw the inner beauty, and regardless of what you think, the outside wasn’t bad either.”
They were two totally different souls, but together they complimented each other and to a certain degree brought out the best in each other. Andy’s soul was marred by his lack of a father figure as his father was more absent than not, he didn’t think too highly of himself on the relationship front, Bethy’s achilles heel was her lack of confidence and her deep rooted insecurity that at times she just couldn’t shift.
This story covers their entire relationship from start to finish, so no cliff hangers and spans a period of nearly 20 years, so as you can imagine there are a lot of trials and tribulations to read about as obviously, a rock stars life has a lot of tales to tell. The story is told like a biography with the added gems of Bethy’s journal entries. Whilst the writing is different, it pulls you into the story until you are so connected to Andy and Bethy that your heart and soul is with them as you live their lives through their eyes. You go through all their firsts, the romancing, the relationship, the ups and downs and with this brings along some really amazing side characters. These are in no way superfluous to the story but form an integral part and they give you an amazing insight into their lives and how extremely close they all were. Being famous can be lonely and you have a very close tight knit circle of family and friends that can be trusted and they were always there for each other through the good times and the bad, their loyalty to one and other never wavered.
“Shoulda, coulda, woulda…”
Barbara Stewart’s style of writing is enchanting, it captivated me from start to finish and I was so enamoured with this couple I couldn’t help but root for them. I shared their love, I felt their pain, I empathised, I sympathised, I ached, I cried, I laughed, I smiled, I got angry, I got sad, I got happy and I cried……A LOT!!!…every single possible emotion, I felt, every emotion was conveyed brilliantly through the pages of this book. Nothing I could say could do the emotional pull in this book any justice what so ever, it just hooks you in until you drown in the pages. I truly drowned!!
I was messaging the blogger that recommended this whilst reading, she shared my pain, she took my outbursts on the chin, she relived it, I think she even said she cried at one point…but I did make her laugh!! I messaged her and said “He kills himself doesn’t he???? Then quickly added “Shit don’t answer that.” I tried to guess what was coming so that I could prepare myself but I was so wrong (so don’t worry there are no suicides in this book!!) It is one heck of a journey and one that shouldn’t be missed.
I have downloaded book 2, but was a bit reluctant to start it straight away as not sure my heart could have taken another battering. This is part of a trilogy but could be read as a standalone. Book 3 is to be released this year, I will for one will be at the front of the queue!!!
So all I can say, is I can’t tell you what happens and I won’t tell you what happens but I will say that for those that love an emotional love story this is the one for you. It is pretty and it is ugly but it is truly brilliant. This will go onto my favourites shelf and will be one that I will read again and again when my tear ducts need an empty. Andy and Bethy will be forever imprinted onto my heart and soul and will not forget this story, yes it is THAT GOOD!!
Barbara Stewart you are one truly talented lady!!
www.theromancecover.com
July 27, 2016
OH. MY. GOD. I picked this book up from my One Hundred Free Books email and didn't really think about it. I was laying in bed one night and just randomly picked it from the list.
That was a life changing moment for me. I couldn't stop thinking about it. I read it every chance I got, INCLUDING crying over lunch at work. It was AMAZING. I was not a huge fan of the writing -- but the STORY. Oh, the STORY. I could over look all the grammatical and syntax errors, the sentence fragments and the random sentences or paragraphs that didn't *quite* fit in for the story. It grabbed you and held you from the moment Andy's eyes met Bethy's. You were on the same roller coaster Bethy was for the entire story -- you laughed with her, celebrated, your heart bled and broke the same way hers did. It is easily one of the best books I have ever read. I immediately had to get the second one and I know the third one is in the near future.
READ THIS BOOK. You won't regret it.
That was a life changing moment for me. I couldn't stop thinking about it. I read it every chance I got, INCLUDING crying over lunch at work. It was AMAZING. I was not a huge fan of the writing -- but the STORY. Oh, the STORY. I could over look all the grammatical and syntax errors, the sentence fragments and the random sentences or paragraphs that didn't *quite* fit in for the story. It grabbed you and held you from the moment Andy's eyes met Bethy's. You were on the same roller coaster Bethy was for the entire story -- you laughed with her, celebrated, your heart bled and broke the same way hers did. It is easily one of the best books I have ever read. I immediately had to get the second one and I know the third one is in the near future.
READ THIS BOOK. You won't regret it.
June 13, 2013
I would give this book 10 stars if I could. It was EPIC! I loved the writing style. Just a beautifully written book. Andy and Beth were written as real people and I fell in love with both of them. I sat up until 2:30am reading this and went through many tissues, but it was worth it. It is now one of my all-time favorites!
Read
April 23, 2013Rereading.... Because I need to.....
August 18, 2013
4.5 Stars.
This is part of a joint review for The Romance Cover
As Donna has already outlined the story, ( see her review here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...), and I cant really add much more without giving too much away, I will just talk about my feelings whilst reading. As Donna says it is so rare for me to cry at a book, I've had books recommended to me before that "will make you cry" and I haven't so I was a bit skeptical going into this one.
I will admit that I struggled to get into it at the beginning. The writing style was different to what I was used to and I wasn't connecting to the characters or the story. I probably would have given up and moved on to another book if it the person who recommended it to me wasn't so sure that I'd cry. So I carried on and I am so pleased I did. At about 25% I started to get into the story, I got used to the writing style and I started to feel some of the things the characters went through.
I too kept wondering what could happen that was so bad that it would make me cry and I came up with theories too, but none were close to the truth.
I will admit that I did not like one of the main characters throughout most of the book, because they caused a lot of hurt and they did something I couldn't get past. I was texting Donna saying OMG I cant believe that happened or I really don't like them now, but the author did a very good job at getting me to change my mind, because at the end of the book I felt so so sorry for them.
So the big question is did I cry? Yes I did, there were a few tears at one point and so I text Donna admitting that I was teary and she replied that it wasn't even the worst bit! When I got to that point, bam that was it, I was definitely crying. The tissues came out and I even had to stop a few times because I couldn't see the words! I pretty much stayed that way until the end of the book. At the end I was puffy eyed and had a pile of tissues next to me and my husband was chuckling - it so rare for him to see me like that over a book.
This is book one of a trilogy, but it can be read as a standalone as you will feel closure of that story. The next book is out now, but I'm not going to read it straight away, I don't really feel I need to, but it will be near the top of my TBR pile.
So thank you to the blogger who recommended this to us. It is a great story. I'm not going to give it 5 stars because of how I felt at the beginning and would have given up, but I am giving it 4.5 stars. I definitely recommend this book, if you're like me and struggle at the beginning, please persevere because it is totally and utterly worth it! But don't forget the tissues!!!
This is part of a joint review for The Romance Cover
As Donna has already outlined the story, ( see her review here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...), and I cant really add much more without giving too much away, I will just talk about my feelings whilst reading. As Donna says it is so rare for me to cry at a book, I've had books recommended to me before that "will make you cry" and I haven't so I was a bit skeptical going into this one.
I will admit that I struggled to get into it at the beginning. The writing style was different to what I was used to and I wasn't connecting to the characters or the story. I probably would have given up and moved on to another book if it the person who recommended it to me wasn't so sure that I'd cry. So I carried on and I am so pleased I did. At about 25% I started to get into the story, I got used to the writing style and I started to feel some of the things the characters went through.
I too kept wondering what could happen that was so bad that it would make me cry and I came up with theories too, but none were close to the truth.
I will admit that I did not like one of the main characters throughout most of the book, because they caused a lot of hurt and they did something I couldn't get past. I was texting Donna saying OMG I cant believe that happened or I really don't like them now, but the author did a very good job at getting me to change my mind, because at the end of the book I felt so so sorry for them.
So the big question is did I cry? Yes I did, there were a few tears at one point and so I text Donna admitting that I was teary and she replied that it wasn't even the worst bit! When I got to that point, bam that was it, I was definitely crying. The tissues came out and I even had to stop a few times because I couldn't see the words! I pretty much stayed that way until the end of the book. At the end I was puffy eyed and had a pile of tissues next to me and my husband was chuckling - it so rare for him to see me like that over a book.
This is book one of a trilogy, but it can be read as a standalone as you will feel closure of that story. The next book is out now, but I'm not going to read it straight away, I don't really feel I need to, but it will be near the top of my TBR pile.
So thank you to the blogger who recommended this to us. It is a great story. I'm not going to give it 5 stars because of how I felt at the beginning and would have given up, but I am giving it 4.5 stars. I definitely recommend this book, if you're like me and struggle at the beginning, please persevere because it is totally and utterly worth it! But don't forget the tissues!!!
June 12, 2013
Rock and Roll Never Forgets is the life long love story of Bethy who's "just a girl" and Andy, our resident Rock God. A concert in 1978 changed the path of Bethy's life and embarked on a lifelong journey of love, loss, love again, more loss, and finally gut wrenching heart melting love.
Bethy was so beautifully written. Her emotions came to life in every paragraph and every quotation. I felt her highs and her lows. I felt her pain and anguish. I felt the love for her most cherished family and friends.
Andy was magnificent. This is the kind of man every woman wants (for the most part). He is a natural heart breaker but at the end of the day, when you're at your lowest, he's there just to hold you and give you his unconditional love.
I have read hundreds of books over the years. I have been able to experience the emotions an author wants to convey through their characters. Let me tell you, at this current point in time, 20 minutes after finishing this book, I am having a hard time even focusing on my keyboard to type this review.
I am shredded. My heart is broken. I'm overjoyed with the love and compassion shown in this book. I feel it all and the mascara, that I forgot to wash off earlier, streaming down my face shows it.
I had the privilege of a fellow book lover share this book with me and I am so grateful to her for that. This book was life changing. I don't know if I have ever felt this type of emotion for a book. Hell, I don't know if I have ever felt this type of emotion in a movie, play, television show or anything outside of my actual real life experiences.
I had to get this review out while the tears were still fresh. I didn't want to even consider forgetting one aspect of this book. I wanted this review to come out as I feel it, right now.
2 Chicks and a Blog give this book a raving 5 stars. If I could give it 6 I would in a heart beat.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B... - Purchase on Amazon
Bethy was so beautifully written. Her emotions came to life in every paragraph and every quotation. I felt her highs and her lows. I felt her pain and anguish. I felt the love for her most cherished family and friends.
Andy was magnificent. This is the kind of man every woman wants (for the most part). He is a natural heart breaker but at the end of the day, when you're at your lowest, he's there just to hold you and give you his unconditional love.
I have read hundreds of books over the years. I have been able to experience the emotions an author wants to convey through their characters. Let me tell you, at this current point in time, 20 minutes after finishing this book, I am having a hard time even focusing on my keyboard to type this review.
I am shredded. My heart is broken. I'm overjoyed with the love and compassion shown in this book. I feel it all and the mascara, that I forgot to wash off earlier, streaming down my face shows it.
I had the privilege of a fellow book lover share this book with me and I am so grateful to her for that. This book was life changing. I don't know if I have ever felt this type of emotion for a book. Hell, I don't know if I have ever felt this type of emotion in a movie, play, television show or anything outside of my actual real life experiences.
I had to get this review out while the tears were still fresh. I didn't want to even consider forgetting one aspect of this book. I wanted this review to come out as I feel it, right now.
2 Chicks and a Blog give this book a raving 5 stars. If I could give it 6 I would in a heart beat.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B... - Purchase on Amazon
March 3, 2013
To Whom It May Concer,
I am overwhelmed and emotional since finishing this book. The ending was to final that it literally took my breathe away. I understand relationships that are complicated, passionate, and draining. This highlighted a very emotional relationship that it brought everyone to their knees. Yes, there are things in this life that makes us think shoulda, coulda, and woulda; however that never drives our decisions when we make them in the beginning.
This story was well written and very dramatic. I want to say that it was an easy decision to give it 5 stars because of the highly emotional content but it wasn't. I was torn between the content and the characters. Also, What is this a trilogy about if the ending is what it is? Is Andy the driving force and if so I don't think I will be down to read the next installment. Like I stated previously this was a very emotional read and I do not think I could put up with his story of love again.
Beth drew you into the story of a niave woman who wanted to be loved and fell head over heels. Yes, the relationship was dysfunctional and even though it stated they talked I don't really think they did. I mean each character has flaws no one is perfect so I am not going to sit here and complain about who did what. Each person is responsible for each part of the relationship whether it is good or bad basically 50/50.
So in the end I will give it these 5 stars and patiently wait for the next installment. I am hopeful it will not be about future relationships but about the dynamic of the relationships that were left behind.
I am overwhelmed and emotional since finishing this book. The ending was to final that it literally took my breathe away. I understand relationships that are complicated, passionate, and draining. This highlighted a very emotional relationship that it brought everyone to their knees. Yes, there are things in this life that makes us think shoulda, coulda, and woulda; however that never drives our decisions when we make them in the beginning.
This story was well written and very dramatic. I want to say that it was an easy decision to give it 5 stars because of the highly emotional content but it wasn't. I was torn between the content and the characters. Also, What is this a trilogy about if the ending is what it is? Is Andy the driving force and if so I don't think I will be down to read the next installment. Like I stated previously this was a very emotional read and I do not think I could put up with his story of love again.
Beth drew you into the story of a niave woman who wanted to be loved and fell head over heels. Yes, the relationship was dysfunctional and even though it stated they talked I don't really think they did. I mean each character has flaws no one is perfect so I am not going to sit here and complain about who did what. Each person is responsible for each part of the relationship whether it is good or bad basically 50/50.
So in the end I will give it these 5 stars and patiently wait for the next installment. I am hopeful it will not be about future relationships but about the dynamic of the relationships that were left behind.
July 14, 2014
There is one word for this story..OUTSTANDING. It was one of the most heart wretching stories that I have read in a long time. The ultimate love story. I will admit it was really hard to read, I couldn't stop crying. The characters are excellent, the plot exceptional and an absolute emotional roller coaster. I would recommend this one to all but hold on to your heart cause it may break in the end...
June 11, 2013
I hung in there not too thrilled on how long these characters (Andy & Bethy) stayed together only to fall apart in pain...the years spent together, the years spent apart, the supposed talks, yet, never getting to the commitment part of their relationship! Not happy with the tragic ending.
September 11, 2013
"Shoulda, coulda, woulda, if it was meant to be it would have been."
I got this book as a freebie and because it was recommended by fellow bloggers but honestly, when I started reading it, I didn't know what I was getting into. The story definitely didn't grab me straight away, mainly because of the writing style I think. The book was written in third person and that's something I always struggle with. I always feel that the connection with the characters is lost somewhat through this style. I like to get into the hearts and minds of my characters, really understand them and their thought processes and why they behave the way they do. As I said, I feel this was missing somewhat for me.
When Andy and Beth met, there was an instant attraction that both characters wanted to explore. What developed was such a beautiful relationship where both characters just couldn't get enough of the other.
Kimmys insightfulness: she knew Beth was falling hard. She saw that first spark and watched it burn into a small flame. But she saw Andy too. His reaction to Beth was almost a mirror of her reaction to him.
She knew this relationship would change their lives forever.
She saw the beginnings of a match made in heaven, and she prayed.
Sacrifices were made on both parts and all seemed wonderful in the world of this couple. I just couldn't see where this book could go. Much of the first 25-30% of the book focused on this "hearts and flowers" relationship developing and as much as it was sweet, I needed something more, something to get me emotionally, something to sink my teeth into. That's why we read this books after all.
I should have realised though.... Once a rock star always a rock star!!!! Andy Stevens broke my heart and in the most unexpected way. I never saw it coming and Bethy most definitely didn't. Her character fell hard for Andy and she gave up a lot to ensure their relationship could develop. The problem was, one mistake (a huge one that ripped her heart out) and she eventually took him back. Another mistake and she still took him back. And this was the viscous circle that ended up being their relationship. As it was described: the good, the bad and the ugly with romance thrown in.
She knew at that moment that with him is where she was meant to be, wanted to be, needed to be. She knew that she would forgive him again, and again, and again. He had her heart.
As Bethy said, he had her heart and she would always forgive him. Her decision was an informed one. She knew what she was Doing. It took guts I guess (or stupidity depending on which way you look at it!)
“I fell in love with you and never fell out. I tried. God knows I tried.”
What I didn't expect was the turn of events in the second half of the book. It was at this point that the book had me hooked, it was now that I just couldn't put their story down. I cried, god I cried big ugly, heart breaking tears and those tears fell constantly until the end of the book. Did Andy redeem himself? Yes thank god and they did get their HEA (well as much as they could with the turn of events).
With all the good, there were also some trying times in our life together. I made mistakes over the years. We saw our way through each storm and back into each others arms.
Although this book was about Andy and Bethy, I loved their extended family, the band, Roddy, Vince and most definitely Kimmy. These guys provided a support network for Bethy when at times it felt like her world was literally crushing her. They were always there saying the right things, being that shoulder to cry on but also being honest with her.
As I said earlier, I wasn't taken on this book initially and probably up to the end of the first half found myself going round in a vicious Circle in terms of their relationship. The first half was probably 3 hearts for me. The second half had all of my attention. I was completely and utterly emotionally invested and there were tears that just wouldn't stop. The second half was no doubt 5 hearts for me. Overall, I would give this book 4 hearts. (And I still have a lump in my throat as I write this review!!!!)
A couple of my favourite quotes I couldn't fir into the review but loved all the same:
When you sleep under a quilt, you sleep under a blanket of love.
“…You crawled into my soul, became a part of me. I saw the inner beauty, and regardless of what you think, the outside wasn't bad either.”
December 6, 2014
To you I come for comfort
Shoulda, coulda, woulda... I've always thought these were the most terrible words in the English language.
This was one of the saddest and most beautiful books I have ever read. I can't remember the last time I cried this much while reading a book. By the time I finished it, there was a pile of tissues by my side, but I'm still happy I read it.
I admit, Rock and Roll Never Forgets and I had a rocky start. Yes, I liked it from the very beginning, and Beth and Andy are characters you grow to like almost immediately, but it took me a while for the story to really grip me. It was progressing a bit slow for my taste at the beginning, but the more I read, the more I wanted to read about Beth and Andy, and see where life took them. And what a heartbreaking and heartwarming journey that was.
An epic love story is what this book is about. The story that Beth, after many, many years of hiding from the journalists, and trying to stay out of the public's eye, had finally decided to share with one journalist who she met a long time ago. The book is actually everything he managed to find out from her and the people in her life, including quite a few Beth's journal entries. Frankly, it took some getting used to the writing style, but the story itself was so engrossing that I stopped paying attention to everything else. Now when I think about it, I prefer it that way. It makes it special.
The love between Bethy and Andy was truly beautiful, but their relationship had many difficulties. Andy was a rock star, and Beth was "just a girl". The lifestyle Andy led was particularly hard on Beth, and Andy had his own issues and transgressions that kept pulling them apart. But through all their ups and downs, and a few decades, no matter where they were or who they were with, one thing remained a constant: their love for each other.
I'm not going to say anything else, because I'd be revealing too much about the plot, but I will say this: whoever decides to read it, should have a box of tissues at hand. Like I said shoulda, coulda, woulda are terrible words...
To you I come for peace
August 3, 2013
What a dissapointment I had with this book, but maybe it was just that I had too high expectations.
I could divide the book in 2 parts, the first that is about half the book, that I found just plain boring, I didn't see a real development in their relationship, they got together too much and too fast for my taste, and then it was just a serie of memories about their lives, but written in a superficial way in my opinion. I couldn't get attached to their story, I didn't felt their feelings, and that's what a like in a book.
And the second half, a wrenching, heartbreaking part where I cried my eyes out. I suffered, laughed, celebrated and mourned with them There were things during that second half that I wouldn't have done, or would have done different, but it was their story not mine.
That's why I give 3 stars to the book, 2 for the first part and 4 for the second. I'm not sure if I will read the second book, I'm interested in Carlee, but I'm afraid I will be faced with the same problems I found in this one.
I could divide the book in 2 parts, the first that is about half the book, that I found just plain boring, I didn't see a real development in their relationship, they got together too much and too fast for my taste, and then it was just a serie of memories about their lives, but written in a superficial way in my opinion. I couldn't get attached to their story, I didn't felt their feelings, and that's what a like in a book.
And the second half, a wrenching, heartbreaking part where I cried my eyes out. I suffered, laughed, celebrated and mourned with them There were things during that second half that I wouldn't have done, or would have done different, but it was their story not mine.
That's why I give 3 stars to the book, 2 for the first part and 4 for the second. I'm not sure if I will read the second book, I'm interested in Carlee, but I'm afraid I will be faced with the same problems I found in this one.
considering
September 17, 2013I was promised a good cry. I have better not been lied to
Beth Morgan is a young woman who’s just been given the ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to meet her favorite band, Traveler. That meeting leads to a chance encounter with her idol, the band’s lead singer, Andy Stevens. What follows is a love story. A journey through the peaks, valleys and trials of a relationship lived in the public eye; the miles they traveled together through his career in the music business, and her struggles to stay obscure in a world she never really settled into comfortably. In the end it's all about love, fate, and what the heart can't hold back
Beth Morgan is a young woman who’s just been given the ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to meet her favorite band, Traveler. That meeting leads to a chance encounter with her idol, the band’s lead singer, Andy Stevens. What follows is a love story. A journey through the peaks, valleys and trials of a relationship lived in the public eye; the miles they traveled together through his career in the music business, and her struggles to stay obscure in a world she never really settled into comfortably. In the end it's all about love, fate, and what the heart can't hold back
July 31, 2015
I´ve never written a review here, but...I just finished this book and it changed everything, ´cause THIS BOOK BROKE MY HEART.
More than once.
The funny thing is, that somewhere in the middle I started to have the feeling that it will not end well, still, I just couldn´t stop reading it. I have to say, that I did not like the end, actually, I kind of hated this book right after finishing it.
There is so much emotions and it is written with a perfect style, so there was no way to give less than 5 STARS.
Never thought it could happen, but this is the book that I LOVE, HATE and will NEVER FORGET.
So THANK YOU for writing it.
More than once.
The funny thing is, that somewhere in the middle I started to have the feeling that it will not end well, still, I just couldn´t stop reading it. I have to say, that I did not like the end, actually, I kind of hated this book right after finishing it.
There is so much emotions and it is written with a perfect style, so there was no way to give less than 5 STARS.
Never thought it could happen, but this is the book that I LOVE, HATE and will NEVER FORGET.
So THANK YOU for writing it.
May 26, 2013
oh my dear lord !!! im an emotional wreck ! what a fantastic book.i have over 300 books on my kindle and i dont think any if them have touched me in such a way as this one has . i felt as though i was right there with the characters. so well written,a real rollercoaster of emotions.really looking forward to reading the next one;i will remember this book for a very long time.read it in one day,couldnt put it down.
October 13, 2014
All I can say is that I wasn't expecting the love, emotion and tears (yes, there were a TON of them) that this book provoked. It was so beautifully written. I have NEVER cried so much while reading a book and that says a lot since I cry pretty easily.
I obviously wish that this book had a "and they lived happily ever after" ending but I'm just glad that Andy and Bethy found each other, even if it was for far too short.
I obviously wish that this book had a "and they lived happily ever after" ending but I'm just glad that Andy and Bethy found each other, even if it was for far too short.
September 5, 2013
4.5 stars. I will be totally honest and say the writing style did not grab me at first. But it wasn't long before I was dragged into this heartfelt story. Now I am an emotional person.....I cry at anything. I was thinking I would be crying the whole way through the book after reading some of the comments but it wasn't really till the end that I started welling up.... Once I got into it the love and emotion just flowed and I've finished this book with my heart aching. X
January 1, 2016
"No, I have to, I need to." He handed her a tissue and she wiped her eyes. "I need to tell you, you broke me. You tore my hear out, more than once, you know, and I still loved you. Still do, never stopped."
This book broke me, it tore my heart out, more than once, and did I cry, but I love this book so much, and I will truly never stop loving it, it's going on my All Time Favorites shelf and never coming down.
I am not a rocker loving kind of girl, I love my athletes and my CEO's but can enjoy a rocker story if well written and let me say this one is not well written, it is amazingly written. From the moment I started reading, I fell in love with Bethy and Andy's story, and not just cause I loved and had a connection to the name "Bethy". I truly connected with both of these characters, I felt their emotions, when they were happy and in love I felt it and when they were hurt and broken and devastated, man did I feel it, my heart was broken for them.
"Oh but you are." With his hands on her neck, his thumbs gently caressed her cheeks. He Smiled, kissed her, and once again looked into her soul. "and I'm so in love with you, Bethy"
I instantly felt a connection with Bethy, I loved that she was just a normal person, a short red head, not drop dead gorgeous but stunningly beautiful inside and out. Bethy was such an amazing women, so strong and when she loved, she loved with every part of her body and soul.
"But I fell in love with you and never fell out. I tried. God knows I tried."
Like I said above, I am not a rocker BBF kind of girl but there was something about Andy that truly touched me, made me fall madly in love with his character. He loved his Bethy so very much, and you could see it through his music. And no matter how many times I tried to fall out of love with him, after the things that happened, I tried to but I still found myself loving him.
" Let me finish, I have to finish. There's this place in what little bit of my heart you left behind that belongs to you, just to you, always has from the time i first met you, always will, my first love. There was always room for my family, for Kimmy, for John when he came along, and Carlee, but you took over the biggest par. I tried to move you out of there, but nothing I did worked"
This book has truly found a place in my heart as one of my all time favorite books, and it will always have a place, this story truly touched me, it made me laugh with them, cry with them, feel their heartbreaking moments and want to hit one of them and I absolutely love when a books touches me like that. And I am still trying pull myself together and stop the tears as I write this review and this book still being so fresh in my mind and in my heart, but this one is going to be fresh and raw for quite some time, it touches you that much. And I think going in if I knew it would have made me cry this much, I may have been deterred a bit but now that I have done, I am so glad did and every tear was worth it. I kind of want to give myself a smack for having such an amazing book sitting on my kindle for so long but gladly I finally grabbed it and dove in.
I loved the writing style the author took with this book, it took me a bit to get used to how the story was being told in the 3rdPOV with parts of 1st POV, but once the story started to unfold I found I couldn't put it down. It was such a fresh story, spanning over more than 3 decades so you truly got to see their complete story, how it started, all the ups and downs of the emotional roller coaster they were on and you saw how they changed even though they remained the same, you saw them at their best and you saw them at their worst but you saw how it all came together to make the person they became in the end.
Barbara Stewart, you truly rocked my world with this book, truly a 5+★'s for me, you turned my emotions upside down and inside out to the point my eyes were bloodshot from all the tears and I lost track how many times I wiped tears and snot off my kindle screen, but the emotion you made me feel truly speaks to your amazing writing and it's ability to do that to me, looking forward to moving on to the next two in this series and the many more stories you have to tell, you have seriously found a brand new huge fan in me!
My all time favorite quote and a strong belief of mine and loved when I read this towards the end of the book, it got it's very own highlight colour.
"Shoulda, coulda, woulda," She said. "Fate, Andy, EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON, I BELIEVE IT'S ALL PART OF GODS PLAN."
March 28, 2014
Seriously? This book was SO highly reviewed, I thought for sure there was no way I wouldn't like it. The blurb really got me excited... The whole premise of the book sounded awesome... I knew in the first couple of chapters that this was bad... I mean really bad. STUNK! What I don't understand is why so many people are raving about it. Am I missing something?
I'll talk about the terrible ending later... This book started off bad. Beth meets superstar Andy Stevens backstage at one of his concerts, and it's love at first sight... The book spans a period of 20 years between these two, and their "epic" love story... Their ups and downs... Their time together and time apart. So I see how it would be hard to give the readers an accurate picture over such a long period of time without making the book 1000 pages. But I needed so much more to be able to feel a connection to the characters... Their whole relationship is just rushed over... I needed more from their first meeting, how they fell in love, their first disagreement... It was like someone was retelling their story without all the detail. It made it feel long and boring... And it never got better. We're missing their conversations, and the ones they did have seemed so inorganic to me. I just felt NOTHING for these characters. I almost quit several times, and I wish I had after reading the ending... I sort of skimmed through a lot of the book because it was just SOOOO boring... But I wanted to know the outcome... And after reading it I regret that. It's a downer... No HEA in this story. And as much as I hate a depressing ending (especially when they end with death and cancer)... I could have endured it if the story was even good. It had so much potential... If written differently I could have loved this story. But it was pretty bad. I didn't like it, at ALL!
I'll talk about the terrible ending later... This book started off bad. Beth meets superstar Andy Stevens backstage at one of his concerts, and it's love at first sight... The book spans a period of 20 years between these two, and their "epic" love story... Their ups and downs... Their time together and time apart. So I see how it would be hard to give the readers an accurate picture over such a long period of time without making the book 1000 pages. But I needed so much more to be able to feel a connection to the characters... Their whole relationship is just rushed over... I needed more from their first meeting, how they fell in love, their first disagreement... It was like someone was retelling their story without all the detail. It made it feel long and boring... And it never got better. We're missing their conversations, and the ones they did have seemed so inorganic to me. I just felt NOTHING for these characters. I almost quit several times, and I wish I had after reading the ending... I sort of skimmed through a lot of the book because it was just SOOOO boring... But I wanted to know the outcome... And after reading it I regret that. It's a downer... No HEA in this story. And as much as I hate a depressing ending (especially when they end with death and cancer)... I could have endured it if the story was even good. It had so much potential... If written differently I could have loved this story. But it was pretty bad. I didn't like it, at ALL!
August 21, 2013
I am not even sure where to start with this review. I am experiencing so many emotions. One thing that I am absolutely sure about writing is that this book is a hidden gem. If you haven't read it, don't waste anymore time...one click!!!! NOW!!!!
I guess I could sum up the review with True Love never dies...when you its real its forever. It's a story of love, friendship, honesty, kindness, being true to yourself and so many other things. The emotions I felt were raw. There is actually a second book and I am having a hard time one clicking it because I was so happy with the way the story ended and I don't know if I am ready to move on yet :) No worries...I definately will...I just need time (I know its just a book, but I need time just the same).
It was such a good story. Nothing I could ever say could do it justice. I would love to be more in depth but I don't want to give any spoilers...it would ruin everything.
update: just so you understand how much this book affected me, it is 2 days since I finished it. I haven't been able to read anything else. I cried trying to tell a coworker about it. I am actually thinking I am just going to read it again and then read When I Look To The Sky (book 2)
I guess I could sum up the review with True Love never dies...when you its real its forever. It's a story of love, friendship, honesty, kindness, being true to yourself and so many other things. The emotions I felt were raw. There is actually a second book and I am having a hard time one clicking it because I was so happy with the way the story ended and I don't know if I am ready to move on yet :) No worries...I definately will...I just need time (I know its just a book, but I need time just the same).
It was such a good story. Nothing I could ever say could do it justice. I would love to be more in depth but I don't want to give any spoilers...it would ruin everything.
update: just so you understand how much this book affected me, it is 2 days since I finished it. I haven't been able to read anything else. I cried trying to tell a coworker about it. I am actually thinking I am just going to read it again and then read When I Look To The Sky (book 2)
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