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What She Left Us
Jenna and Courtney are dealing with the unexpected death of their mother in different ways. Jenna broke off her engagement to the man she thought she'd love forever, while Courtney headed back to college to take charge of a dorm-floor full of college students as a resident assistant.
Six months later, Jenna is fueled by panic over the news that the sisters may have the same disease that caused their mother's death and she makes an irrational decision - she packs it up and heads to college to be with Courtney. The timing couldn't be worse for Courtney, who's discovering love for the first time with Mitch, a sexy guitar player who may just be off limits.
Emotionally unstable, Jenna wonders if she made the worst mistake of her life by breaking off her engagement with Darren, and when he shows up to make amends, she can't help but second-guess her decision. But then there's Clay, the compassionate bartender at Klippy's who seems to understand everything Jenna's going through. And those hazel eyes just seem to see right through to Jenna's soul…
As the girls maneuver through their unpredictable futures, trying to manage their new health risks as well as tumultuous love lives, Courtney finds a disturbing photograph that indicates there may be more to their family than she ever imagined.
This stunning revelation could shatter the sisters to the very core, making them question everything they thought they knew about their family, their faith, their past and, most of all, each other.
Six months later, Jenna is fueled by panic over the news that the sisters may have the same disease that caused their mother's death and she makes an irrational decision - she packs it up and heads to college to be with Courtney. The timing couldn't be worse for Courtney, who's discovering love for the first time with Mitch, a sexy guitar player who may just be off limits.
Emotionally unstable, Jenna wonders if she made the worst mistake of her life by breaking off her engagement with Darren, and when he shows up to make amends, she can't help but second-guess her decision. But then there's Clay, the compassionate bartender at Klippy's who seems to understand everything Jenna's going through. And those hazel eyes just seem to see right through to Jenna's soul…
As the girls maneuver through their unpredictable futures, trying to manage their new health risks as well as tumultuous love lives, Courtney finds a disturbing photograph that indicates there may be more to their family than she ever imagined.
This stunning revelation could shatter the sisters to the very core, making them question everything they thought they knew about their family, their faith, their past and, most of all, each other.
529 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2013
20 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 5, 2013
If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for the main characters all the way through, this is it! The relationship between sisters Jenna and Courtney as they deal with their mother's death in very different ways rings true. And you will root for them as they search for romantic love as well. Make sure to clear your calendars - once you start "What She Left Us" you won't be able to put it down.
May 20, 2013
Loved it! Two sisters have to deal with their mother's death and then find out that they may have the same disease. Their lives will never be the same. Drama, drama, drama. There is the old boyfriend, the new boyfriend, the absent father, and the change to the way the sisters have to live their lives.
Sounds confusing? It's not really. It's all just what makes this a story you want to get lost in ~ you have to keep reading to see what is going to happen to Jenna and Courtney next.
'They'd forever be sisters. No matter what. Nothing could ever change that.'
I have to say the following line is probably one of my favorite lines in the book
'I'd rather have messy clarity than hazy messiness.'
Umm? Deep!
I am always interested in seeing how the author ties the title to the story. I am not really sure how that whole process works. Is it like the chicken and the egg question? But I loved how this title, What She Left Us, took on so many different meanings in the story. Read it and see what you think.
Sounds confusing? It's not really. It's all just what makes this a story you want to get lost in ~ you have to keep reading to see what is going to happen to Jenna and Courtney next.
'They'd forever be sisters. No matter what. Nothing could ever change that.'
I have to say the following line is probably one of my favorite lines in the book
'I'd rather have messy clarity than hazy messiness.'
Umm? Deep!
I am always interested in seeing how the author ties the title to the story. I am not really sure how that whole process works. Is it like the chicken and the egg question? But I loved how this title, What She Left Us, took on so many different meanings in the story. Read it and see what you think.
April 6, 2013
I loved this book and could not put it down. What a beautiful story! The book's main characters are two sisters. Everything about this novel takes me to where they were and how they felt. Such depth! The author's carefully crafted and compelling words let me stay connected to this book. Why? Two very powerful quotes in the book....no spoilers! You will know them when you see them.
I do provide first read reviews and get free and arc copies sometimes. However. I purchased this book, because I wanted to read it. I was not provided a copy of this book for review. I read it for the pleasure of reading it.
I do provide first read reviews and get free and arc copies sometimes. However. I purchased this book, because I wanted to read it. I was not provided a copy of this book for review. I read it for the pleasure of reading it.
April 4, 2013
Stephanie Elliot has done it again! I fell in love with her writing in Cell Phone Lot and her writing continues to amaze me. This story pulled at my heartstrings, it had me smiling and crying and doing both together. What a beautiful story of two sisters who have face great struggles but bend together. It made me want to run and hug my sister. It also has a beautiful romantic story that makes me want more. You know you have found an amazing read when you lose a whole day of work devouring the words. Of course, I would never do such a thing. :) Please hurry up and write another one!!!!
July 5, 2013
Stephanie wrote the kind of book I like to read. The characters were developed well in the first part of the book, so much that I could see them in my head while I was reading. And one of them annoyed me so I really did feel like I knew them. This was a story about a lot of relationships and how they were all connected, coupled with some twists that made for a good story. I needed to keep reading in the second half of the book, needing to know how things were going to play out. I look forward to reading more of Stephanie's work!
March 19, 2014
The premise of the book seemed good enough--a light, quick read--however the execution was terrible. I have never experienced such a whiney, helpless character before. Jenna was absolutely awful with her sister was only mildly better. I couldn't bear to finish the book, unable to look past the amateurish, one dimensional writing. I wanted to keep at it as I rarely leave a book unfinished but I just couldn't waste my time anymore when there are so many more talented authors and worthy books out there. Please, don't waste your time either.
April 21, 2013
Whew!!! This book totally blew me away. I loved everything in this book. Coudn't help myself to finish this right away. I'm so worried for Courtney and Jenna's. But the twist in this stoty DAMN can't even believed it that its possible. After a very rough year in the end they still find a happiness they both deserved. They both have a happy ending.
Job well done Stephanie. I'm totally glued by their story. I loved it so damn much.
Job well done Stephanie. I'm totally glued by their story. I loved it so damn much.
May 16, 2013
Loved the relationship between the two sisters! As a mom of two girls this struck a chord with me...would love if my two had this relationship! Great book...entertaining, fast read!
February 4, 2019
What she left us
This was an emotional read. A journey of two sisters, through highs, lows, love, anguish, health issues, parents, lies, revelation. I really enjoyed this book.
This was an emotional read. A journey of two sisters, through highs, lows, love, anguish, health issues, parents, lies, revelation. I really enjoyed this book.
June 6, 2013
Two sisters lose their mother to a disease. The disease is one of hereditary composition. What happens to the sisters when faced with the horrifying reality that “yes” they too can be strictened with this killer affliction – hemochromatosis? Are they carrying the gene? And, if so, how will this affect their future?
Jenna and Courtney – two sisters just living their normal lives. Courtney, the younger, away at college obtaining her degree while working as her dorm’s RA. Jenna, the older, one time happily engaged to Darren, now has called off her engagement unbeknowst to her sister. She’s living at home constantly worrying about the impending medical procedure. She just believes the worst to be true – their blood tests will be positive.
This novel pulled at my heartstrings. Just imagine not having any control over the results of some hereditary illness that one had no idea had ever existed within their family. Courtney, to me, just doesn’t seem quite that concerned...”whatever will be, will be”. But on the other hand, Jenna suffers uncontrollably – distancing herself away from the man who loves her, Darren. He just doesn’t understand her thinking. Why push away the one person that could possibly help you through this life-altering situation? Why be so alone when being so vulnerable to sorrow and pain?
Now Courtney, she takes another approach – live life like it’s just any other day! She ventures into a love affair with another student who makes her extremely happy. Mitch, a music major, is so attracted to Courtney from the day that he sees her at orientation. Courtney doesn’t even know that he exists until a fellow dorm-mate complains that he is playing his guitar too loud when she’s trying to study for an exam. When Courtney decides to take the complaint into her own hands and investigate the issue, Mitch makes a charming impression. With a winning smile, gorgeous dimples, and lashes that should have belonged to a girl, Courtney just couldn’t help but be fascinated with him. This is just the type of distraction she needs to get her mind on something else other than that damn bloodtest.
When finally the results are known concerning their health, there is a mystery to be solved because medically speaking, if one has the gene, then both should have the gene. Mysteriously, though, only one sister is diagnosed with the rare gene, which now sparks the question as to how can that be when they are sisters, unless...?
The author portrays a novel filled with drama and sadness. A heartbreak. A death. An impending medical crisis. And, hopefully a new beginning, which leads to regaining one’s desire for life. Jenna was definitely the leader of the two sisters, while Courtney seemed to be the more relaxed one...”go-with-the-flow” type – “whatever life throws at you, just deal with it the best way you can.” Jenna seemed to take on the task of matriarch since their mother was no longer alive. I don’t think that she really could help herself. She seemed more emotional. She was also very protective of her sister and seemed to mourn the loss of their mother so much more – at least that was my interpretation. And, because of this difficult task, she didn’t think that she had enough of herself to give to Darren unconditionally when facing the loss of her mother and now possibly being diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening disease. Courtney, though, found her “happily ever after” in Mitch. And to add more matters into the mix, Jenna now questions her love for Darren when faced with a new attraction to another man. Which man will capture her heart? And, when the story’s final pages are turned and there’s a hidden family secret revealed, will the two sisters be there genuinely for each other?
The novel didn’t lack realistic feelings – sadness, love, heartbreak, mystery, and hope. It definitely caught my attention from page one. The chapters were short, which made this a quick effective read. One couldn’t hope but for closure for both of these protective and truly supportive characters. They were sisters. They were friends. Always being there for each other – even when faced with a situation so agonizing. A fantastic execution of author, Stephanie Elliott’s, full-length debut! Don’t miss it!
Jenna and Courtney – two sisters just living their normal lives. Courtney, the younger, away at college obtaining her degree while working as her dorm’s RA. Jenna, the older, one time happily engaged to Darren, now has called off her engagement unbeknowst to her sister. She’s living at home constantly worrying about the impending medical procedure. She just believes the worst to be true – their blood tests will be positive.
This novel pulled at my heartstrings. Just imagine not having any control over the results of some hereditary illness that one had no idea had ever existed within their family. Courtney, to me, just doesn’t seem quite that concerned...”whatever will be, will be”. But on the other hand, Jenna suffers uncontrollably – distancing herself away from the man who loves her, Darren. He just doesn’t understand her thinking. Why push away the one person that could possibly help you through this life-altering situation? Why be so alone when being so vulnerable to sorrow and pain?
Now Courtney, she takes another approach – live life like it’s just any other day! She ventures into a love affair with another student who makes her extremely happy. Mitch, a music major, is so attracted to Courtney from the day that he sees her at orientation. Courtney doesn’t even know that he exists until a fellow dorm-mate complains that he is playing his guitar too loud when she’s trying to study for an exam. When Courtney decides to take the complaint into her own hands and investigate the issue, Mitch makes a charming impression. With a winning smile, gorgeous dimples, and lashes that should have belonged to a girl, Courtney just couldn’t help but be fascinated with him. This is just the type of distraction she needs to get her mind on something else other than that damn bloodtest.
When finally the results are known concerning their health, there is a mystery to be solved because medically speaking, if one has the gene, then both should have the gene. Mysteriously, though, only one sister is diagnosed with the rare gene, which now sparks the question as to how can that be when they are sisters, unless...?
The author portrays a novel filled with drama and sadness. A heartbreak. A death. An impending medical crisis. And, hopefully a new beginning, which leads to regaining one’s desire for life. Jenna was definitely the leader of the two sisters, while Courtney seemed to be the more relaxed one...”go-with-the-flow” type – “whatever life throws at you, just deal with it the best way you can.” Jenna seemed to take on the task of matriarch since their mother was no longer alive. I don’t think that she really could help herself. She seemed more emotional. She was also very protective of her sister and seemed to mourn the loss of their mother so much more – at least that was my interpretation. And, because of this difficult task, she didn’t think that she had enough of herself to give to Darren unconditionally when facing the loss of her mother and now possibly being diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening disease. Courtney, though, found her “happily ever after” in Mitch. And to add more matters into the mix, Jenna now questions her love for Darren when faced with a new attraction to another man. Which man will capture her heart? And, when the story’s final pages are turned and there’s a hidden family secret revealed, will the two sisters be there genuinely for each other?
The novel didn’t lack realistic feelings – sadness, love, heartbreak, mystery, and hope. It definitely caught my attention from page one. The chapters were short, which made this a quick effective read. One couldn’t hope but for closure for both of these protective and truly supportive characters. They were sisters. They were friends. Always being there for each other – even when faced with a situation so agonizing. A fantastic execution of author, Stephanie Elliott’s, full-length debut! Don’t miss it!
April 10, 2015
The synopsis of What She Left Us leaves little to the imagination. It in fact tells you pretty much the entire story. A savvy reader might actually be able to fill in all the blanks from just the blurb. Other reviewers have said things like “lots of twists and turns,” “never know where it leads next,” “page tuner”. And while on the surface I agree with these assessments, at the end of the day What She Left Us is neither a suspense nor a thriller—it’s a family story.
There is a truth about What She Left Us that is both beautiful and haunting.
I think this truth is actually rather simple in the fact that families are complex. Children never can fully understand or know the lives of their parents; and likewise, parents can really never fully understand how their actions or inactions affect their children. There can be more strangers in one family household than in a subway car. And in that truth, life can often be lonely. The people who should know you the best, because they love you the most, can leave you clueless about your place in the universe. At the same time, they can also be an unshakable bedrock foundation upon which to build ourselves and our futures. It’s rather a contradiction, and in a nutshell, Life. That in essence is what What She Left Us is about.
I greatly enjoyed reading What She Left Us and anyone with a less than tidy family situation will also be able to dig in to this compelling story. While I didn’t find the health risk or the revelation all that stunning personally (perhaps I’m jaded and saw it coming), I did find that it felt genuine. This was a situation that someone somewhere was probably going through right at that moment, at any moment. I appreciate the truthful way in which Stephanie Elliot allowed her characters to reveal themselves as flawed and f.i.n.e. (you know the reference—freaked out, insecure, neurotic and emotional). In that way, the sisters became three dimensional. And although I wanted to strangle both at times, there is a likability here that will compel the reader further into the story, even if you have already figured out how it all ends.
There is a truth about What She Left Us that is both beautiful and haunting.
I think this truth is actually rather simple in the fact that families are complex. Children never can fully understand or know the lives of their parents; and likewise, parents can really never fully understand how their actions or inactions affect their children. There can be more strangers in one family household than in a subway car. And in that truth, life can often be lonely. The people who should know you the best, because they love you the most, can leave you clueless about your place in the universe. At the same time, they can also be an unshakable bedrock foundation upon which to build ourselves and our futures. It’s rather a contradiction, and in a nutshell, Life. That in essence is what What She Left Us is about.
I greatly enjoyed reading What She Left Us and anyone with a less than tidy family situation will also be able to dig in to this compelling story. While I didn’t find the health risk or the revelation all that stunning personally (perhaps I’m jaded and saw it coming), I did find that it felt genuine. This was a situation that someone somewhere was probably going through right at that moment, at any moment. I appreciate the truthful way in which Stephanie Elliot allowed her characters to reveal themselves as flawed and f.i.n.e. (you know the reference—freaked out, insecure, neurotic and emotional). In that way, the sisters became three dimensional. And although I wanted to strangle both at times, there is a likability here that will compel the reader further into the story, even if you have already figured out how it all ends.
January 24, 2015
"What She Left Us" is a beautifully written, heartwarming and emotional novel by Stephanie Elliot. As I tend to do things backwards, I read Ms. Elliot's other novel and novella prior to this, her first novel, so I knew that it would be filled with emotion. Her stories, no matter what they are about, take us deep into the characters' hearts, minds and souls. We go along with them for the roller coaster of emotions. Ms. Elliot creates characters you care about and while I'm tying this the next day, I realize I already miss Jenna and Courtney, the main characters of this novel. A good novel has to pull you in, make you care (or at least feel something) and stay with you. This does all three in a story of the bond between sisters that will make you cry and laugh and cry again. Highly recommended as are all of Ms. Elliot's books. I'm looking forward to her next book!
May 7, 2013
I've gotten to know Stephanie Elliott through her blog "Booking with Manic." I think she is a terrific person and I really enjoy her writing style. When I learned that she had self-published her novel, I was excited to read it. The book did not disappoint. This is a lovely first novel. I was able to connect with both of the main characters, a pair of sisters in their early 20's who had just lost their mother, and empathize with their feelings. I also found my self getting lost in the story (always a good sign) and anxious to know how things turned out for each of the girls. I won't spoil the plot, so I will just say that I am looking forward to reading Elliot's future books seeing how she continues to develop and mature as a writer. Well done Stephanie!
July 31, 2013
I gave this book 4 stars because it was a freebie, if I had paid for it I would have given it 3. It had a pretty good story even though it was quite predictable. I wasn't really shocked about anything. As far as the characters, I really liked Courtney and Mitch. They had a lot of depth and went well together. I didn't really care for Jenna, she was too wishy-washy for my taste. Her whole story was Darren...Clay...Darren...Clay. It was a bit irritating. The biggest problem I had with the book was that someone was crying or sobbing on every single page. I understand that the girls were going through a rough time but I felt that the author could have portrayed that a bit differently. All the crying and sobbing was too much. If you ever run across this one as a freebie, it's worth the read.
April 18, 2015
Great read blood doesn't always make you who you are
Courtney and Jenna are sisters that have had a really bad time lately. There has been death illness New love. Jenna is a big mess she has broken up with her fiancee as she is not sure if she wants to spend forever with him. Courtney has just learnt a family secret that can change every thing. Will her boyfriend's love see her through or will it be too much. Sometimes we all need to make decisions that will hurt other people without realizing the consequences of our actions. Can they both find what they need to be happy. A great read recommended
Courtney and Jenna are sisters that have had a really bad time lately. There has been death illness New love. Jenna is a big mess she has broken up with her fiancee as she is not sure if she wants to spend forever with him. Courtney has just learnt a family secret that can change every thing. Will her boyfriend's love see her through or will it be too much. Sometimes we all need to make decisions that will hurt other people without realizing the consequences of our actions. Can they both find what they need to be happy. A great read recommended
May 6, 2013
finished it one sitting! a story of love & loss and finding out who you really are when life throws you a curve. two sisters, devastated by the sudden death of their mother are forced to face their lives in a new light when they discover that the cause of their mom's death was a disease that's hereditary. subtle plot twists, light romance and great characters kept me happily entertained. i'm definitely looking forward to more from stephanie elliot!
June 11, 2013
This was a great read about two sisters overcoming the loss of their mother. Having sisters of my own made me really appreciate this book and the relationship that sister's share. Would definitely recommend this to others, even if you don't have siblings it is still a great read about family, love, and how to get through a tough time.
September 1, 2016
I really liked this story. I enjoyed the duel POV from both sisters. I became involved in their separate stories-both heartbreaking but with HEA's. And while it was sad at times, there were sweeter moments. And even though there was a love triangle, which I do not like because they give me anxiety, I felt good about Jenna's choice in the end. Overall, a really solid read.
August 6, 2013
This is a nice, well rounded story. I will definitely read more of Stephanie Elliot's future work. That being said, I feel What She Left Us would have been a lot better if there weren't so many typos. There are major typos that really distract from the story.
January 7, 2014
good framework for an interesting story. characters fell a little flat for me. too much crying/sobbing by the sisters but I guess that is to be expected. never felt the connections between any of the love interests nor between the father and aunt and the girls. 2.5 for me...kind of disappointed.
February 1, 2014
2.5. Entertaining quick read but I am pretty sure in 3 months I won't remember what the book is even about. I found the sister Jenna whiny and annoying and the book very predictable. That being said I have read worse and I did fly through the book in one day so it wasn't awful.
August 2, 2014
If I had to use only one word to describe this book: weak.
Mediocre writing, sappy, soppy, filled with cliches and entirely predictable.
I gave the book 2 stars for some originality in the story-line and for some likable characters.
Mediocre writing, sappy, soppy, filled with cliches and entirely predictable.
I gave the book 2 stars for some originality in the story-line and for some likable characters.
January 16, 2015
I love it
I could read this book and re-read it again but you have to right more about the girls and they found there true love and want happen to them do they get married and have kids
I could read this book and re-read it again but you have to right more about the girls and they found there true love and want happen to them do they get married and have kids
May 2, 2013
I loved it! Hahah, hope you will too!
April 5, 2013
This is a great read. I tore through it. It is a great story of sisterhood and the bonds that really make a family!
August 20, 2013
Too predictable.
October 5, 2013
Really a three and a half! A nice story about two sisters who are dealing with their Mom's death in different ways. I really cannot go into the details because it would spoil the story.
February 6, 2014
Quick enjoyable read that tied things up just a bit too quickly & neatly. Rounding up from 3.5 stars.
April 10, 2014
This was book 5 in "52 books in 52 weeks" and it was okay. I listened and read along on this one with kindle's text to speech. Maybe the blandness of the text to speech did the book a disservice.
January 28, 2015
Quaint
A quick and easy to read novel...heartwarming and quaint...good to the very last page! Very satisfying. A great beach read!
A quick and easy to read novel...heartwarming and quaint...good to the very last page! Very satisfying. A great beach read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews