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Watch over Me
Addison Snow is your typical teenager. She has a family that loves her, friends that make her laugh, and she's wrapped up in the excitement of graduating high school and going off to college to pursue her dream of becoming an author. When her mother, who also happens to be Addison's best friend, dies unexpectedly, her world comes to a crashing halt.
Death changes everyone...
To make the pain go away, Addison and her father travel down separate, dark paths. She chooses to end her grief forever, while he drowns his sorrows in the bottom of a bottle. How do you learn to live again when the most important person in your life is gone?
Addison struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. Instead of getting back to being the carefree teenager she once was, she's stuck handling all of the responsibilities that should have been her father's. She has no time to grieve, no time for emotions, and no time for happiness...until Zander Reinhardt walks in. All it takes is one little handwritten note on a napkin to kick-start her back to life and help her realize that maybe there's more to that life than pain.
But can it really be that simple? Can she really trust this man who makes her feel alive again for the first time in a year?
Death changes everyone...
To make the pain go away, Addison and her father travel down separate, dark paths. She chooses to end her grief forever, while he drowns his sorrows in the bottom of a bottle. How do you learn to live again when the most important person in your life is gone?
Addison struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. Instead of getting back to being the carefree teenager she once was, she's stuck handling all of the responsibilities that should have been her father's. She has no time to grieve, no time for emotions, and no time for happiness...until Zander Reinhardt walks in. All it takes is one little handwritten note on a napkin to kick-start her back to life and help her realize that maybe there's more to that life than pain.
But can it really be that simple? Can she really trust this man who makes her feel alive again for the first time in a year?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2013
80 people are currently reading
6886 people want to read
About the author
Tara Sivec
71 books10.3k followersTara Sivec is a USA Today best-selling author, wife, mother, chauffeur, maid, short-order cook, baby-sitter, and sarcasm expert. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two children and looks forward to the day when all three of them become adults and move out.
After working in the brokerage business for fourteen years, Tara decided to pick up a pen and write instead of shoving it in her eye out of boredom. She writes in a wide range of genres including Romantic Comedy, Romantic Comedy/Mystery, Romantic Suspense, New Adult Drama, Contemporary Romance and Psychological Thriller. Her novel Seduction and Snacks won first place in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2013 for Best Indie First Book and she was voted Best Indie Author in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2014.
In her spare time, Tara loves to dream about all of the baking she'll do and naps she'll take when she ever gets spare time.
After working in the brokerage business for fourteen years, Tara decided to pick up a pen and write instead of shoving it in her eye out of boredom. She writes in a wide range of genres including Romantic Comedy, Romantic Comedy/Mystery, Romantic Suspense, New Adult Drama, Contemporary Romance and Psychological Thriller. Her novel Seduction and Snacks won first place in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2013 for Best Indie First Book and she was voted Best Indie Author in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2014.
In her spare time, Tara loves to dream about all of the baking she'll do and naps she'll take when she ever gets spare time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 524 reviews
June 18, 2013
“Death changes everyone......
It changes the way you think, the way you feel, and the way you live your life.
Sometimes it makes you thankful for what you have, but more often that not, it makes you regret the things you've lost.”
I'm not sure who I felt about this book therefore the 3 stars.Its tone was supposed to be depressing?
I wasnt feeling it.
At all
Addison is still suffering from the tragedies of the past.It is obvious that she cant move on.This happens because she has also to deal with a crappy parent who doesnt let her to forget.Her dad is always there to make things worse.Instead of taking care of her , she is the one who tries to do the best about their lives.She runs the shop , she goes to school , she pays the bills while he only destroys his life with alchohol.Best parent ever , right?
“People in your life will let you down sometimes. It’s a fact of life. What matters is how you handle it.”
Our book friend didnt handle things easily.
In the present she is still working at her family's shop and there she mets Zander . I liked him a lot. Zander is so sweet and cute.The things he does will make you feel jealous.Yet she doesnt fall easily for him but he tries hard.Hard enough to be with her.
The thing with Addison is that she needs to escape from her past and open herself to new experiences.She must pick up her pieces and start from the beginning because life is no easy and we should NEVER give up.
“Another good thing about Legos(LIFE). If it falls apart, it doesn’t mean it’s destroyed. It just means you have to pick up the pieces and start again.”
Why I wasnt feeling it??
Seriously , I have no idea . Maybe because it was too predictable?
I guess I was supposed to be rocked and utterly surprised when we learned the truth about
The worst of all and one of the reasons I gave it 3 stars was the ending.
Not that the ending was bad but the way the author presented it was weird. I hated the facted that we didnt get to know how they It left me with questions.
Overall it was an average read for me.There are plently 5 star reviews for this book so you might enjoy it.
June 19, 2013
Tara Sivec is just one of those authors that can dabble in any genre successfully. This is different than any of her other books. A sweet, yet emotionally heartbreaking read.
Death changes everyone...
Addison is not your typical 18 year old. One major event has changed her entire life. She lost her mother, her father has become an alcoholic, she feels that she has no one. Nothing to live for. It takes her a while to get back on her feet, but she is surviving. Day to day, she runs her mother’s bakery while her dad is in rehab... yet again. This is her life.
You need to open yourself up to new experiences. You can’t keep letting fear of the unknown stop you from living your life.
Addison is seeing a therapist, trying to cope with things, it’s not easy. Day after day she goes to work, comes home, repeat. When ‘napkin guy’ comes into her life, things start to change.
Zander comes into Addison’s bakery every day. He has gotten into the habit of leaving her ‘notes’ on napkins. It was the sweetest thing! Addison would never admit it to anyone, but she looks forward to these notes, keeps them. Zander likes Addison. He sees something there. He wants to make her smile, keep her happy, get to know her better. It’s extremely difficult for Addison to let anyone in. After losing everything important to her, it’s a scary thought. Somehow, Zander finds a way in to Addison’s life and heart. He wants to be there for her, to help her heal, pick up the pieces of her life.
Zander and Addison’s relationship starts off very sweet. Zander is just a doll. He is charismatic, fun loving, and treats Addison like she is the most special girl in the world. He encourages her to do what makes her happy. For the first time in a long time, Addison feels happy. She is hopeful. Addison still hasn’t told Zander everything about herself, but Zander has a pretty big secret of his own. When his secret comes to play, it is difficult for Addison to move past.
Life is hard, Addison. Everyone gets knocked down once in a while. The important thing is that you pick yourself back up again. You pick up, you move on, and you do your best.
I loved seeing Addison heal and move forward from her past. This wasn’t an all over happy book. It was a little depressing at times, but the ending (was maybe a little rushed) was a happy one. A shorter read, one that focused on death, forgiveness, hope, moving past the past and learning to live again.
December 3, 2016
3.5 EMOTIONAL STARS!I was surprised how much I loved this book. This was my first read by Tara Sivec and I definitely need to check out her other projects. Highly recommended to all who love read emotional New-Adult stories!
My Addison and Zander:
"People in your life will let you down sometimes. It’s a fact of life, Addison. What matters is how you handle it."
Addison used to be cheerful and happy teenager. Until she suddenly lost her mother who was also her best friend and gained alcoholic father who could not deal with it. Now, more than year later, Addison feels hopeless, unable to be happy or enjoy her life. After attempt to kill herself, she regularly visits therapist and support group but nothing seems to help her. She is not really coping until she meets Zander. Can her life get better all of a sudden just with his sweet napkin notes? Is his presence in her life just a coincidence?
Watch Over Me is full of grief, heartache, despair and depressive thoughts. It is a very serious read. How can you deal with losing the most beloved person? There is no advice that would work for everyone, there is no guaranteed cure. Addison knows that herself. Seeing via Addison’s memories how perfect her relationship with her mother used to be, it made me really sad to see how heartbroken and lost Addison was now without her mom...
I really liked Zander’s playful demeanour, joyful nature and funny banters. He was cute, caring and persistent so even negative and depressive Addison did not stand a chance against his charm. But is she ready for a serious relationship?
Watch Over Me is story about long and difficult journey of learning to enjoy your life and live it to the fullest even though things are not always ideal or going the way we wish. Watch Over Me is about fulfilling your dreams and letting go of the darkness that consumes you.
This book was about finding the right person to help you forget and overcome your problems, about finding someone to comfort you in the most difficult times of your life.
Watch Over Me was sad and emotional but beautiful story, one of the most interesting ones I have read within New-Adult genre in a long time. I am glad I found time to read it, it was definitely worth it and I am sure Addison’s story will stay with me for a long time!
*ARC provided by author as an exchange for honest review*
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
July 6, 2013
Watch Over Me – Tara Sivec
5 stars!!
This was emotional! If this is not a personal experience I will eat my hat! The pages radiated grief, emotion, heartache, sadness and depression, at times I was sobbing and I felt myself thinking what would I do in this situation and I didn’t like it..I couldn’t imagine, I didn’t want to imagine and I was scared to imagine.
The blurb had me hooked, it was so far away from Tara’s usual writing style that I wanted to see how it panned out and I was not disappointed.
Addison was an only child, she was a happy teenager, all that came to an end when she lost her mother, who was also her best friend. Her father did not take his wife’s death very well and turned to alcohol basically leaving Addison to bring herself up and continue to run her mother’s business all on her own. She feels like her life is over, her dreams and aspirations went up in smoke the day her mum died and she feels trapped. She once tried to free herself and has been to counselling and support groups but nothing seems to be able to pull her from her depression…that is until one day…..
Zander, oh how I loved Zander…he was so sweet, his messages on napkins had me going ooooh and aaaaah, he was just adorable. He knew that it would take something/someone special to get through to Addison and he never gave up and that is what I loved about him, but as with any book, is he all that he seems and is he too good to be true as most of these men are?? You will have to read and find out!
This is a book about being at the lowest of the low and finding the strength and inner courage to pull yourself back out and not being afraid to accept help from those around you that want to help. Addison had more or less shut herself off from life and it needed a great best friend and Zander to help her see the light and get herself back on track. To never give up on your hopes and dreams and no matter what the sacrifice, to remember that you need to do things for yourself sometimes, you don’t have to be the martyr for everybody else.
Zanders wise words whilst trying to explain life to Addison with Lego….
“And if something doesn’t fit, if one of your pieces just isn’t working, you can put it aside and find another one. There are so many pieces to work with that you don’t have to try and force one in where it doesn’t belong. You may not need that piece right now, and it may not be helping you right at this moment, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important and won’t fit somewhere else down the line when you need it more.”
“You don’t have to try and pick up all the pieces at once, sometimes you only need to use a few of them at a time. If you try and pick them all up and use them all the same time, it’s overwhelming and frustrating when you start to drop them or you just can’t make them work.”
“Another good thing about Legos. If it falls apart, it doesn’t mean it’s destroyed. It just means you have to pick up the pieces and start again.”
As I said, highly emotional, beautifully written and a book that will stay with me for a very long time, Tara Sivec I salute you!!
www.theromancecover.com
5 stars!!
This was emotional! If this is not a personal experience I will eat my hat! The pages radiated grief, emotion, heartache, sadness and depression, at times I was sobbing and I felt myself thinking what would I do in this situation and I didn’t like it..I couldn’t imagine, I didn’t want to imagine and I was scared to imagine.
The blurb had me hooked, it was so far away from Tara’s usual writing style that I wanted to see how it panned out and I was not disappointed.
Addison was an only child, she was a happy teenager, all that came to an end when she lost her mother, who was also her best friend. Her father did not take his wife’s death very well and turned to alcohol basically leaving Addison to bring herself up and continue to run her mother’s business all on her own. She feels like her life is over, her dreams and aspirations went up in smoke the day her mum died and she feels trapped. She once tried to free herself and has been to counselling and support groups but nothing seems to be able to pull her from her depression…that is until one day…..
Zander, oh how I loved Zander…he was so sweet, his messages on napkins had me going ooooh and aaaaah, he was just adorable. He knew that it would take something/someone special to get through to Addison and he never gave up and that is what I loved about him, but as with any book, is he all that he seems and is he too good to be true as most of these men are?? You will have to read and find out!
This is a book about being at the lowest of the low and finding the strength and inner courage to pull yourself back out and not being afraid to accept help from those around you that want to help. Addison had more or less shut herself off from life and it needed a great best friend and Zander to help her see the light and get herself back on track. To never give up on your hopes and dreams and no matter what the sacrifice, to remember that you need to do things for yourself sometimes, you don’t have to be the martyr for everybody else.
Zanders wise words whilst trying to explain life to Addison with Lego….
“And if something doesn’t fit, if one of your pieces just isn’t working, you can put it aside and find another one. There are so many pieces to work with that you don’t have to try and force one in where it doesn’t belong. You may not need that piece right now, and it may not be helping you right at this moment, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important and won’t fit somewhere else down the line when you need it more.”
“You don’t have to try and pick up all the pieces at once, sometimes you only need to use a few of them at a time. If you try and pick them all up and use them all the same time, it’s overwhelming and frustrating when you start to drop them or you just can’t make them work.”
“Another good thing about Legos. If it falls apart, it doesn’t mean it’s destroyed. It just means you have to pick up the pieces and start again.”
As I said, highly emotional, beautifully written and a book that will stay with me for a very long time, Tara Sivec I salute you!!
www.theromancecover.com
Want to read
May 7, 2013 NEW TARA SIVEC BOOK!! "Watch Over Me" will be out this June!!
Addison Snow is your typical teenager. She has a family that loves her, friends that make her laugh, and she's wrapped up in the excitement of graduating high school and going off to college to pursue her dream of becoming an author. When her mother, who also happens to be Addison's best friend, dies unexpectedly, her world comes to a crashing halt.
Death changes everyone...
To make the pain go away, Addison and her father travel down separate, dark paths. She chooses to end her grief forever, while he drowns his sorrows in the bottom of a bottle. How do you learn to live again when the most important person in your life is gone?
Addison struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. Instead of getting back to being the carefree teenager she once was, she's stuck handling all of the responsibilities that should have been her father's. She has no time to grieve, no time for emotions, and no time for happiness...until Zander Reinhardt walks in. All it takes is one little handwritten note on a napkin to kick-start her back to life and help her realize that maybe there's more to that life than pain.
But can it really be that simple? Can she really trust this man who makes her feel alive again for the first time in a year?
Addison and Zander both have secrets they aren't ready to share. When the truth finally comes out, is it enough to tear them apart or has something bigger than themselves always been watching over them, pushing them together, making sure they both get their happily ever after?
Addison Snow is your typical teenager. She has a family that loves her, friends that make her laugh, and she's wrapped up in the excitement of graduating high school and going off to college to pursue her dream of becoming an author. When her mother, who also happens to be Addison's best friend, dies unexpectedly, her world comes to a crashing halt.
Death changes everyone...
To make the pain go away, Addison and her father travel down separate, dark paths. She chooses to end her grief forever, while he drowns his sorrows in the bottom of a bottle. How do you learn to live again when the most important person in your life is gone?
Addison struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. Instead of getting back to being the carefree teenager she once was, she's stuck handling all of the responsibilities that should have been her father's. She has no time to grieve, no time for emotions, and no time for happiness...until Zander Reinhardt walks in. All it takes is one little handwritten note on a napkin to kick-start her back to life and help her realize that maybe there's more to that life than pain.
But can it really be that simple? Can she really trust this man who makes her feel alive again for the first time in a year?
Addison and Zander both have secrets they aren't ready to share. When the truth finally comes out, is it enough to tear them apart or has something bigger than themselves always been watching over them, pushing them together, making sure they both get their happily ever after?
June 20, 2013
Around every corner is a possibility: a possibility of hope, of friendship, of support.
Love. Love. Love.
Tara Sivec has made me laugh, fall in love with fictional people, and now bring me to the verge of tears with her newest novel Watch Over Me. I’ve read every single Sivec novel, and I’ve come to one resounding conclusion… when I open her books I have no clue what I’m in for, but I can always count on the fact that I’m going to enjoy the journey she has in store for me. Awesome writer, story teller and comedian that has managed to land top spot on my list of favorite authors. Again I say… Love.Love.Love!!
Addison has learned at that young age of nineteen the pain and despair of losing a parent. When her mother was diagnosed with Leukemia, Addison fought alongside her mom every step of the way believing she’d overcome the disease. Unfortunately, her mom lost her battle to cancer and Addison lost her faith in life. Struggling to keep the family business going while her father constantly fails at overcoming his substance addiction, Addison begins her own battle against depression, anger, sadness and pain.
When Zander comes into her life, he begins to comfort Addison and help her heal in a way that medication or therapy would never be able to achieve. Most of all he helps her realize that she’s not broken, that no matter her issues and pain, they won’t break her. All of that comes to a crashing halt when his secret is revealed and Addison loses perspective once again.
First off, I have to say that I adored Zander. He’s the quintessential perfect guy that can do no wrong, until he makes an honest mistake that is. :( But I rooted for him the entire time, and I enjoyed his napkin messages to Addison, as well as his way of handling her resistance to exploring a possible relationship. He made her laugh despite her reluctance to smile, he made her feel that life was worth living when all she wanted to do was give up, but most importantly he helped her realize that she couldn't or shouldn't do it alone. Great character that won me over instantly!
“Did you just call me Napkin Guy?” [Zander] asks with a laugh. “My name’s actually Zander. And Stalkers Anonymous is on the fourth floor, and they only meet on days when the person they’re stalking is busy or when Creepers Consortium is cancelled.”
In addition, I have to mention what a great job Sivec did in crafting a character that had passed away prior to the onset of the novel. To get such a vivid sense of Addison’s mom through perfectly plotted flashbacks, I can only imagine the hurt Addison was suffering from losing such a wonderful woman. The Facebook messages really moved me, and the Dr. Thompson moments were all executed to precision to bring clarity and emotion to the situation.
Addison's friend Meg was a perfect addition to novel. I really came to care for her and I hope one day Sivec explores this character a bit more. I would love to read more about Meg. In Watch Over Me, she symbolized the importance of friendship and having a shoulder to cry on. Despite struggling against her own demons, Meg was a perfect friend and beautiful character. I adored her and I hope she gets her own stage someday.
Overall, I can’t say enough how much I enjoy Sivec’s novels. She has so many different layers to her writing skills that she leaves me awe-struck every time I come across a new novel of hers. To be able to craft stories that make people laugh, have them sitting edge of their seats, or simply reaching for a tissue proves that her pen is filled with limitless magic. Perfectly done!
Love. Love. Love.
Tara Sivec has made me laugh, fall in love with fictional people, and now bring me to the verge of tears with her newest novel Watch Over Me. I’ve read every single Sivec novel, and I’ve come to one resounding conclusion… when I open her books I have no clue what I’m in for, but I can always count on the fact that I’m going to enjoy the journey she has in store for me. Awesome writer, story teller and comedian that has managed to land top spot on my list of favorite authors. Again I say… Love.Love.Love!!
Addison has learned at that young age of nineteen the pain and despair of losing a parent. When her mother was diagnosed with Leukemia, Addison fought alongside her mom every step of the way believing she’d overcome the disease. Unfortunately, her mom lost her battle to cancer and Addison lost her faith in life. Struggling to keep the family business going while her father constantly fails at overcoming his substance addiction, Addison begins her own battle against depression, anger, sadness and pain.
When Zander comes into her life, he begins to comfort Addison and help her heal in a way that medication or therapy would never be able to achieve. Most of all he helps her realize that she’s not broken, that no matter her issues and pain, they won’t break her. All of that comes to a crashing halt when his secret is revealed and Addison loses perspective once again.
First off, I have to say that I adored Zander. He’s the quintessential perfect guy that can do no wrong, until he makes an honest mistake that is. :( But I rooted for him the entire time, and I enjoyed his napkin messages to Addison, as well as his way of handling her resistance to exploring a possible relationship. He made her laugh despite her reluctance to smile, he made her feel that life was worth living when all she wanted to do was give up, but most importantly he helped her realize that she couldn't or shouldn't do it alone. Great character that won me over instantly!
“Did you just call me Napkin Guy?” [Zander] asks with a laugh. “My name’s actually Zander. And Stalkers Anonymous is on the fourth floor, and they only meet on days when the person they’re stalking is busy or when Creepers Consortium is cancelled.”
In addition, I have to mention what a great job Sivec did in crafting a character that had passed away prior to the onset of the novel. To get such a vivid sense of Addison’s mom through perfectly plotted flashbacks, I can only imagine the hurt Addison was suffering from losing such a wonderful woman. The Facebook messages really moved me, and the Dr. Thompson moments were all executed to precision to bring clarity and emotion to the situation.
Addison's friend Meg was a perfect addition to novel. I really came to care for her and I hope one day Sivec explores this character a bit more. I would love to read more about Meg. In Watch Over Me, she symbolized the importance of friendship and having a shoulder to cry on. Despite struggling against her own demons, Meg was a perfect friend and beautiful character. I adored her and I hope she gets her own stage someday.
Overall, I can’t say enough how much I enjoy Sivec’s novels. She has so many different layers to her writing skills that she leaves me awe-struck every time I come across a new novel of hers. To be able to craft stories that make people laugh, have them sitting edge of their seats, or simply reaching for a tissue proves that her pen is filled with limitless magic. Perfectly done!
December 28, 2015
3.75 stars
Death changes everyone. It changes the way you think, the way you feel and the way you live your life. Sometimes it makes you thankful for what you have, but more often than not, it makes you regret the things you've lost.
Addison Snow was your typical, happy teenager with dreams of the future until she lost her mother and best friend to leukemia. Then her father to alcoholism, because he chose to drown himself in vodka rather than be the father Addison desperately needed. She was drowning in her grief and sorrow to the point that she attempts to take her own life one night. Addison is now in therapy, doing somewhat better, but she's still depressed, bitter, barely coping, and just pretending to live her life. Her mother owned a bakery that Addison now runs. And because her father continues to drink and has been in and out of rehab many times, unable to keep his promise to stay sober, she’s been forced to take over all of the responsibilities. Not having her mother or father around, Addison had to grow up fast. Every day she's just going through the motions of living, never caring, never showing emotions, and never making time to be happy. And always keeping everyone at arm's length.
Then along comes Zander Reinhardt, who sits quietly at a corner table in Addison's mother's bakery. Once a week for months he's been coming in and checking out Addison. She pretends she doesn't notice him, never showing any interest, but constantly thinks about him. Then one day he leaves her a handwritten note on a napkin that reads, “You're beautiful when you smile. You should do it more often.” This sweet little napkin is all it took to jump start Addison's heart. Zander continues to come back week after week, always leaving her a new napkin with a note. Addison pretends not to care, but secretly looks forward to each and every one of his napkins. So the story of the "Napkin Guy" and "Bakery Girl” begins.
I love Zander and all of his flirty and sweet napkin notes. Zander is fun, witty, compassionate, determined, and understanding. Zander always seems to be in sync with what Addison needs. Zander is easy to talk to. He never pushes Addison to open up to him. Yet she finds herself opening up to him. She trusts him. He makes her feel alive. He challenges her to follow her dream to be a writer. He cares for her. Zander revives her from living an empty shell of a life and Addison starts to live again.
But Addison and Zander both have secrets they've been keeping from each other. While we know Addison's secrets, we don't find out what Zander is keeping from Addison. I had a sneaking suspicion what his secret was, but I wasn't entirely sure. Once these secrets are finally revealed, everything they've carefully built takes a dramatic turn. It's quite the twist! Have no worries though, there is a happy ending that will make your heart swoon.
This story will make you feel and will tug on your heart strings. I felt Addison's pain over losing her mother. I felt her happiness when she was with Zander. I felt her despair over her father. I felt for Addison when she would miss her mother. I felt the intense attraction between Zander and Addison. I felt it when these two would simply just be having fun together with all of their playful banter and witty remarks. And just to warn you, this story is loaded with angst. For me personally, it felt overwhelming at times.
Watch Over Me is an emotional journey that is both touching and heartbreaking. Addison is a broken but sweet character that I rooted for the entire time as she struggled with her pain and depression. This story is real and honest. It’s well-written and it felt personal. I recommend this story to anyone who loves a highly emotional, love story. I have two recommendations for as you to prepare yourself before you start this story: pull out the tissues and a bottle of wine. You’re going to need them.
June 15, 2013
I really don't know how I'm going to write this review, it was so deep and emotional and seemed so personal.
The story is about Addison, told from her point of view. Addison has lost her mum, her Dad is a drunk and not there for her and she had tried to take her life. She can't get past the loss of her mum, her life is not moving forward and she is closed off to everyone. She is stuck running her mums bakery, feeling its her duty, not wanting to let go.
Zander has been coming to the bakery for a while and can't keep his eyes off her, he starts leaving napkin notes for Addison and they soon start talking, but can she let him in? Can she trust him?
I love how the book is told, it's like it's told in three ways, you have the present, through Addison, the flashbacks/memories Addison has, and then the parts where she was having therapy. I have to say during the therapy scenes I was actually feeling like I was the one having therapy, it was very deep and well written.
Whilst the relationship with Zander was great and I loved him (and I REALLY loved the whole napkin notes), the impact of this story was all about grieving and dealing with addiction and depression. I usually highlight books like mad, especially now I write reviews for the blog as I like to include lines in my reviews, but I didn't highlight a single thing in this book. That was because I was so engrossed, so drawn into the story and the emotions that everything was forgotten and I was just focused on the story itself.
I really feel that I can't say more about the story, because I really think you should read it yourself. Different, but I loved it.
The story is about Addison, told from her point of view. Addison has lost her mum, her Dad is a drunk and not there for her and she had tried to take her life. She can't get past the loss of her mum, her life is not moving forward and she is closed off to everyone. She is stuck running her mums bakery, feeling its her duty, not wanting to let go.
Zander has been coming to the bakery for a while and can't keep his eyes off her, he starts leaving napkin notes for Addison and they soon start talking, but can she let him in? Can she trust him?
I love how the book is told, it's like it's told in three ways, you have the present, through Addison, the flashbacks/memories Addison has, and then the parts where she was having therapy. I have to say during the therapy scenes I was actually feeling like I was the one having therapy, it was very deep and well written.
Whilst the relationship with Zander was great and I loved him (and I REALLY loved the whole napkin notes), the impact of this story was all about grieving and dealing with addiction and depression. I usually highlight books like mad, especially now I write reviews for the blog as I like to include lines in my reviews, but I didn't highlight a single thing in this book. That was because I was so engrossed, so drawn into the story and the emotions that everything was forgotten and I was just focused on the story itself.
I really feel that I can't say more about the story, because I really think you should read it yourself. Different, but I loved it.
June 14, 2013
Solid 4 Stars!
It would appear that Tara Sivec is looking to try out all of the various book genres. This is her first YA book and I thought it was really, really good. To me it had a Sea of Tranquility or Hopeless type of a feel to it. It had very sad and serious undertones. But it was very well-written and had me hooked from the beginning.
Addison's life changed the moment her mom dies. After dying suddenly while in remission from cancer, Addison is left destroyed....physically and emotionally. Her dad checks out and starts drinking leaving Addison to pick up all of the pieces and carry on. She gives up her old life and her dreams of college and becoming an author, instead taking over at the bakery in her mom (and dad's) absence.
Addison floats through the days, feeling nothing. Until she meets Zander. Zander shows up at the bakery where she works and starts inching his way in to her heart. For once she wants to start feeling again....and living life. But Addison is so scared to fully let go and just be. She's afraid to let Zander see who she really is...broken and sad.
Zander's keeping his own secrets....and when Addison realizes who Zander is it changes everything. Addison questions everything that has happened in her life since her mom died. Will Addison and Zander be able to move past the secrets? Will Addison ever be able to give herself fully to Zander?
This was a quick read, I read it in a matter of hours. It is a bit on the heavy side, with issues of death and suicide present. But it also contained messages of hope, and forgiveness and learning to pick up the pieces and love again. I would definitely recommend!
This was a standalone with a HEA.
It would appear that Tara Sivec is looking to try out all of the various book genres. This is her first YA book and I thought it was really, really good. To me it had a Sea of Tranquility or Hopeless type of a feel to it. It had very sad and serious undertones. But it was very well-written and had me hooked from the beginning.
Addison's life changed the moment her mom dies. After dying suddenly while in remission from cancer, Addison is left destroyed....physically and emotionally. Her dad checks out and starts drinking leaving Addison to pick up all of the pieces and carry on. She gives up her old life and her dreams of college and becoming an author, instead taking over at the bakery in her mom (and dad's) absence.
Addison floats through the days, feeling nothing. Until she meets Zander. Zander shows up at the bakery where she works and starts inching his way in to her heart. For once she wants to start feeling again....and living life. But Addison is so scared to fully let go and just be. She's afraid to let Zander see who she really is...broken and sad.
Zander's keeping his own secrets....and when Addison realizes who Zander is it changes everything. Addison questions everything that has happened in her life since her mom died. Will Addison and Zander be able to move past the secrets? Will Addison ever be able to give herself fully to Zander?
This was a quick read, I read it in a matter of hours. It is a bit on the heavy side, with issues of death and suicide present. But it also contained messages of hope, and forgiveness and learning to pick up the pieces and love again. I would definitely recommend!
This was a standalone with a HEA.
June 11, 2013
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
4.5 Therapy Needed Stars
Tara Sivec has decided to tip her toes into the YA world. And by dip her toes, I mean score a 10 from the high dive. A 10 from all the Olympic judges including the Russian. Yeah...Even the Russian judge. Ms Sivec has conquered to world of laugh-you-ass-off-funny and tough guy contemporary romance/suspense. Now she is taking on the YA world.
Death changes everyone.
That's how Addison's story begins and ends. With death but more importantly...with change. Addison's life has changed with the death of her mother, with the rehab-rebound her father is playing, and with the strangely familiar advice from her therapist. If anyone ever needed a therapist, its Addison. (and me after reading this emotional book) Addison is numb and just trying to keep her head and bakery above water.
Zander is the cute boy that writes quirky notes on napkins and leaves them for Addison in the bakery. He is cute, charming, patient, and pesistent. As he tries to un-numb Addison you find he has his own set of secrets that he is trying to keep from her. The scenes between the two of them are as heart warming as they are heart wrenching.
I can breathe as long as I can breathe him in. I can function because he makes me forget. I just want to forget.
Addison needs to trust enough to have a real relationship. The problem is not that she can't trust Zander, she can't trust herself. And with good reason. The writing is beautiful, poignant, and equally hopeful and sorrowful. Addision wants so badly to live again. To really live and not just survive.
I think you know by now that you can't live you life in fear...Don't waste the time you have being afraid. Get you ass in gear and be happy.
You know I don't do spoilers, but let me just warn you. There are some look over your shoulder moments in here. Some angels among us, Twilight Zone, do you feel that cold spot moments. They will make you think of those who watch over you. Now you are right there with Addison needing therapy. And a tissue. And a glass of wine.
Ms Sivec will be stepping up to podium to take the gold medal for this one. Don't just dip your toe into this read. Jump in with both feet and don't forget your water wings.
4.5 Therapy Needed Stars
Tara Sivec has decided to tip her toes into the YA world. And by dip her toes, I mean score a 10 from the high dive. A 10 from all the Olympic judges including the Russian. Yeah...Even the Russian judge. Ms Sivec has conquered to world of laugh-you-ass-off-funny and tough guy contemporary romance/suspense. Now she is taking on the YA world.
Death changes everyone.
That's how Addison's story begins and ends. With death but more importantly...with change. Addison's life has changed with the death of her mother, with the rehab-rebound her father is playing, and with the strangely familiar advice from her therapist. If anyone ever needed a therapist, its Addison. (and me after reading this emotional book) Addison is numb and just trying to keep her head and bakery above water.
Zander is the cute boy that writes quirky notes on napkins and leaves them for Addison in the bakery. He is cute, charming, patient, and pesistent. As he tries to un-numb Addison you find he has his own set of secrets that he is trying to keep from her. The scenes between the two of them are as heart warming as they are heart wrenching.
I can breathe as long as I can breathe him in. I can function because he makes me forget. I just want to forget.
Addison needs to trust enough to have a real relationship. The problem is not that she can't trust Zander, she can't trust herself. And with good reason. The writing is beautiful, poignant, and equally hopeful and sorrowful. Addision wants so badly to live again. To really live and not just survive.
I think you know by now that you can't live you life in fear...Don't waste the time you have being afraid. Get you ass in gear and be happy.
You know I don't do spoilers, but let me just warn you. There are some look over your shoulder moments in here. Some angels among us, Twilight Zone, do you feel that cold spot moments. They will make you think of those who watch over you. Now you are right there with Addison needing therapy. And a tissue. And a glass of wine.
Ms Sivec will be stepping up to podium to take the gold medal for this one. Don't just dip your toe into this read. Jump in with both feet and don't forget your water wings.
top-tbr
June 14, 2013Oh Gah, I have too many on my Reading List Pile.... bumping this up :D
Addison Snow is your typical teenager. She has a family that loves her, friends that make her laugh, and she's wrapped up in the excitement of graduating high school and going off to college to pursue her dream of becoming an author. When her mother, who also happens to be Addison's best friend, dies unexpectedly, her world comes to a crashing halt.
Death changes everyone...
To make the pain go away, Addison and her father travel down separate, dark paths. She chooses to end her grief forever, while he drowns his sorrows in the bottom of a bottle. How do you learn to live again when the most important person in your life is gone?
Addison struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. Instead of getting back to being the carefree teenager she once was, she's stuck handling all of the responsibilities that should have been her father's. She has no time to grieve, no time for emotions, and no time for happiness...until Zander Reinhardt walks in. All it takes is one little handwritten note on a napkin to kick-start her back to life and help her realize that maybe there's more to that life than pain.
But can it really be that simple? Can she really trust this man who makes her feel alive again for the first time in a year?
Addison and Zander both have secrets they aren't ready to share. When the truth finally comes out, is it enough to tear them apart or has something bigger than themselves always been watching over them, pushing them together, making sure they both get their happily ever after?
Addison Snow is your typical teenager. She has a family that loves her, friends that make her laugh, and she's wrapped up in the excitement of graduating high school and going off to college to pursue her dream of becoming an author. When her mother, who also happens to be Addison's best friend, dies unexpectedly, her world comes to a crashing halt.
Death changes everyone...
To make the pain go away, Addison and her father travel down separate, dark paths. She chooses to end her grief forever, while he drowns his sorrows in the bottom of a bottle. How do you learn to live again when the most important person in your life is gone?
Addison struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. Instead of getting back to being the carefree teenager she once was, she's stuck handling all of the responsibilities that should have been her father's. She has no time to grieve, no time for emotions, and no time for happiness...until Zander Reinhardt walks in. All it takes is one little handwritten note on a napkin to kick-start her back to life and help her realize that maybe there's more to that life than pain.
But can it really be that simple? Can she really trust this man who makes her feel alive again for the first time in a year?
Addison and Zander both have secrets they aren't ready to share. When the truth finally comes out, is it enough to tear them apart or has something bigger than themselves always been watching over them, pushing them together, making sure they both get their happily ever after?
September 28, 2013
How to write a formula New Adult book
Ingredients
1 heroine with issues.
1 hero with a secret.
Dysfunctional secondary characters to taste.
Strips of cheesy lines.
2 jugs of graphic sex.
Process
Put the heroine in the blame-game pot. Add the hero with the lid on the secrets closed. Add as much of dysfunctional secondary as you would prefer. Add the cheesy lines and stir clockwise for happy moments and again counterclockwise for angsty ones. Add a jug of graphic sex. Stir again with the cheese strips. Add another jug of graphic sex. Uncover the lid on the hero's secret. Let the tension boil out. Then let the mixture simmer down until everything blends in together.
Pour it down into a wordprocessing software.
Label it according to your choice.
Warning: The labels Watch Over Me, The Coincidence of Callie and Cayden, Wait for You, Hopeless, etc have already been taken.
Because this book is nothing if not a typical formula book. And the said formula DID NOT work for me here.
Cheesy and predictable to a fault and the ending made my brain cells die.
The writing was nice-ish, not appallingly bad but not something to sing ballads about either.
But the characters were just like xeroxed cardboard cut-outs of many other NA book characters.
But I almost had a crush on Zander at the beginning before the book turned into a typical rinse-lather-repeat retelling of maximum NA books I've read.
And SOME of his cheesy lines made me laugh. But most of them made my eyes roll.
2 Stars Because I did NOT hate it with a fiery passion - unlike most of my 1 Star books.
Ingredients
1 heroine with issues.
1 hero with a secret.
Dysfunctional secondary characters to taste.
Strips of cheesy lines.
2 jugs of graphic sex.
Process
Put the heroine in the blame-game pot. Add the hero with the lid on the secrets closed. Add as much of dysfunctional secondary as you would prefer. Add the cheesy lines and stir clockwise for happy moments and again counterclockwise for angsty ones. Add a jug of graphic sex. Stir again with the cheese strips. Add another jug of graphic sex. Uncover the lid on the hero's secret. Let the tension boil out. Then let the mixture simmer down until everything blends in together.
Pour it down into a wordprocessing software.
Label it according to your choice.
Warning: The labels Watch Over Me, The Coincidence of Callie and Cayden, Wait for You, Hopeless, etc have already been taken.
Because this book is nothing if not a typical formula book. And the said formula DID NOT work for me here.
Cheesy and predictable to a fault and the ending made my brain cells die.
The writing was nice-ish, not appallingly bad but not something to sing ballads about either.
But the characters were just like xeroxed cardboard cut-outs of many other NA book characters.
But I almost had a crush on Zander at the beginning before the book turned into a typical rinse-lather-repeat retelling of maximum NA books I've read.
And SOME of his cheesy lines made me laugh. But most of them made my eyes roll.
2 Stars Because I did NOT hate it with a fiery passion - unlike most of my 1 Star books.
June 14, 2013
4.5 stars
The plot
The story jumps from Addison talking to her therapist to flashbacks of past events to present day. Addison lost her mum who was also her best friend. She finds it difficult juggling the responsibilities that should have belonged to her father. Enter Zander and his napkins (aww). Both have their own secrets that can threaten their relationship.
My thoughts:
There was some nice light moments with Zander that I wished there was more of. The thing with the therapist still left me a little confused. I do wish it was a tad longer but I Loved the twists at the end and the epilogue, the last line was very cleverer done!!! Beautiful story x
The plot
The story jumps from Addison talking to her therapist to flashbacks of past events to present day. Addison lost her mum who was also her best friend. She finds it difficult juggling the responsibilities that should have belonged to her father. Enter Zander and his napkins (aww). Both have their own secrets that can threaten their relationship.
My thoughts:
There was some nice light moments with Zander that I wished there was more of. The thing with the therapist still left me a little confused. I do wish it was a tad longer but I Loved the twists at the end and the epilogue, the last line was very cleverer done!!! Beautiful story x
June 15, 2013
Holy CRAP..Tara Sivec, you blow my mind!!
I loved Tara' s Chocolate Series and have to admit was a little nervous going into this book, going from her funny to her serious but was so worth it.
I don't want to give anything away but have some tissues ready for some rough moments and some very touching moments.
June 20, 2013
10 stars. Can I give a book that many stars? Well I am, so :p. Watch Over Me was one of those books that spoke to me on a personal level. Not with losing my mom, Thank God I don't know what I would do if I did, but the dysfunction of how Addison was.
We start the book off after Addison has lost her mother and how she is not dealing with the loss well. Then it fast forwards about 10 months and we now see this young woman with too many problems and no one to help her through them. Addison's father is back in rehab and has left Addison to deal with her mothers business. A 19 year old girl was running and operating a business by herself with the exception of her assistant Meg. Her life was turned upside down and in the end she just wanted to get through the day. We spend the book going through all of Addison's emotions, and she has a lot. Disappointment, anger, shame, loneliness, betrayal, being overwhelmed. I felt every one of her emotions because at one time or another I have felt the same way. Tara has done something that not a lot of authors can do. She gave me a dysfunctional book that was actually dysfunctional. I understand that flaws are what make a character in a book. But not a lot of authors know what that is. From the time I was born I was raised with the constant of I was not normal. I've been told by every person that has ever known me that I am not normal. I love that. But I also know that it was because I was raised in a very dysfunctional home. And I have first hand experience with what it looks like. And from reading Watch Over Me I know that so does Tara Sivec. There were scenes with Addison and her Father that could have been myself and my alcoholic father. Addison's feelings for her father may seem cruel and uncaring to a lot of people. But what a lot of people don't understand is that her feelings are the only ones she can have with him. She wants her father back. She would love to believe that this time is different. She just wants to be loved!! Is that too much to ask from her father? Sorry I'm projecting. But Tara gave me a book that held some of my darkest moments in my life and she gave them a voice. She gave them a name, a format for others to know that they are not alone.
Along with a very hurt Addison, we meet Zander. From the first scene with Zander in it I was in love. He was just everything Addison needed without knowing she needed it. He helped her feel, heal, laugh, smile, and do a lot of other things she hasn't done since before her mother died. He wasn't her saving grace, but he made her realize that she was strong enough to save herself. I understand why Zander did what he did. He also understood it was a mistake. But what I loved was that this wasn't just his fault. Addison shared in the responsibility for what went down between them. And in the end she realized that she was just as guilty as him. Most books he cheats or does something bad that is either unforgivable or just unbearable. Also I loved Meg. If I could suggest a book for her I would greatly appreciate it. I want to know her story as well.
Tara set the bar high with this book. I Loved LOVED her Chocolate Lover books. LOVED!!!! Playing with Fire series proved that she is not a one pony show. She can write anything and make you love it. But this book showed that she is in fact a person that has an actual story to share and be told. She has hurts and pains and she put them on paper so we know that we aren't alone. She did something most are afraid to do, she told her own story. And for this reason I give Watch Over Me 10 stars.
*Review by Rosa
We start the book off after Addison has lost her mother and how she is not dealing with the loss well. Then it fast forwards about 10 months and we now see this young woman with too many problems and no one to help her through them. Addison's father is back in rehab and has left Addison to deal with her mothers business. A 19 year old girl was running and operating a business by herself with the exception of her assistant Meg. Her life was turned upside down and in the end she just wanted to get through the day. We spend the book going through all of Addison's emotions, and she has a lot. Disappointment, anger, shame, loneliness, betrayal, being overwhelmed. I felt every one of her emotions because at one time or another I have felt the same way. Tara has done something that not a lot of authors can do. She gave me a dysfunctional book that was actually dysfunctional. I understand that flaws are what make a character in a book. But not a lot of authors know what that is. From the time I was born I was raised with the constant of I was not normal. I've been told by every person that has ever known me that I am not normal. I love that. But I also know that it was because I was raised in a very dysfunctional home. And I have first hand experience with what it looks like. And from reading Watch Over Me I know that so does Tara Sivec. There were scenes with Addison and her Father that could have been myself and my alcoholic father. Addison's feelings for her father may seem cruel and uncaring to a lot of people. But what a lot of people don't understand is that her feelings are the only ones she can have with him. She wants her father back. She would love to believe that this time is different. She just wants to be loved!! Is that too much to ask from her father? Sorry I'm projecting. But Tara gave me a book that held some of my darkest moments in my life and she gave them a voice. She gave them a name, a format for others to know that they are not alone.
Along with a very hurt Addison, we meet Zander. From the first scene with Zander in it I was in love. He was just everything Addison needed without knowing she needed it. He helped her feel, heal, laugh, smile, and do a lot of other things she hasn't done since before her mother died. He wasn't her saving grace, but he made her realize that she was strong enough to save herself. I understand why Zander did what he did. He also understood it was a mistake. But what I loved was that this wasn't just his fault. Addison shared in the responsibility for what went down between them. And in the end she realized that she was just as guilty as him. Most books he cheats or does something bad that is either unforgivable or just unbearable. Also I loved Meg. If I could suggest a book for her I would greatly appreciate it. I want to know her story as well.
Tara set the bar high with this book. I Loved LOVED her Chocolate Lover books. LOVED!!!! Playing with Fire series proved that she is not a one pony show. She can write anything and make you love it. But this book showed that she is in fact a person that has an actual story to share and be told. She has hurts and pains and she put them on paper so we know that we aren't alone. She did something most are afraid to do, she told her own story. And for this reason I give Watch Over Me 10 stars.
*Review by Rosa
March 31, 2017
Hmmm this book is like a sad journal.. A well written journal.. it's about how the girl in the book is effected by her mom's death. I just can't read it. I am literally not capable of taking this much of emotion. Really.. I mean it.. I have enough emotional stuff going on in my mind.. don't need someone else's. So you go under did not finish.
March 18, 2019
Ruim demais
February 8, 2015
5+++ Stars
A beautifully story, perfectly told.
Why did it take me so long to read this book? It was simply too good for words and I was on emotional overload throughout.
I'm not known for loving emotionally charged books but this was amazing and I was enthralled by it for each and every minute as the words poured out of the pages and into my soul.
The story tells the tale of Addison Snow as she picks up the pieces of her life after her mother dies. Addison hits rock bottom and survives but exists on nothing more than one day at a time that is until Zander walks into her life and starts leaving her notes in an attempt to brighten up her days. Weeks pass and Zander is still nothing more than a stranger who gives her a smile, and a note and a few words of comfort. As the story progresses, Addison and Zander become close but Addison is still closed off but with Zander's support and that of her counsellor, she starts to turn her life around, despite the pain of losing her mother, and for all intents and purposes, her father.
This is a difficult story to read as it covers a range of disturbing scenes including suicide and depression but it is covered in a sensitive and tender manner.
Throughout the book I found myself listening to the words and applying them to my own life, little did I expect to find a self help book but I challenge anyone to read this story and not relate to it in some way.
I commend Tara Sivec for writing this story which has a distinctly personal feel to it. This is one book that can't have been easy to put into words.
Reviewed on behalf of Jezabell Girl & Friends...
Email: jezabellgirlandfriends@gmail.com
Web: http://jezabellgirlandfriends.com
FB: http://facebook.com/jezabellgirlandfr...
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Google+: http://google.com/+JezabellGirl
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/JezabellGirl
A beautifully story, perfectly told.
Why did it take me so long to read this book? It was simply too good for words and I was on emotional overload throughout.
I'm not known for loving emotionally charged books but this was amazing and I was enthralled by it for each and every minute as the words poured out of the pages and into my soul.
The story tells the tale of Addison Snow as she picks up the pieces of her life after her mother dies. Addison hits rock bottom and survives but exists on nothing more than one day at a time that is until Zander walks into her life and starts leaving her notes in an attempt to brighten up her days. Weeks pass and Zander is still nothing more than a stranger who gives her a smile, and a note and a few words of comfort. As the story progresses, Addison and Zander become close but Addison is still closed off but with Zander's support and that of her counsellor, she starts to turn her life around, despite the pain of losing her mother, and for all intents and purposes, her father.
This is a difficult story to read as it covers a range of disturbing scenes including suicide and depression but it is covered in a sensitive and tender manner.
Throughout the book I found myself listening to the words and applying them to my own life, little did I expect to find a self help book but I challenge anyone to read this story and not relate to it in some way.
I commend Tara Sivec for writing this story which has a distinctly personal feel to it. This is one book that can't have been easy to put into words.
Reviewed on behalf of Jezabell Girl & Friends...
Email: jezabellgirlandfriends@gmail.com
Web: http://jezabellgirlandfriends.com
FB: http://facebook.com/jezabellgirlandfr...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Jezabell_girl
Google+: http://google.com/+JezabellGirl
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/JezabellGirl
July 17, 2014
4.5 Learning to live again Stars
This is a book that's been sat on my kindle for such a long time, and seriously I don't know why. my heart hurts my eyes are puffy and I've just had a very emotional phone call with my Mum.
Addison is in that dark place you fall into when you feel that your whole world is broken. After loosing her mother to Cancer, her father to many stints in rehab and her own torture of a pysc ward, she starts to realise that life is just passing her by. As hard as working and running her late mothers bakery is, the dark haired stranger that has started to come in on a daily basis has her starting to feel again.
I can't really write much about Zander without giving the story away, but I just loved him he slowly worked his way into Addison's life and her heart and became the rock she very much needed.
This is one of those books that makes you "feel" a hell of lot. For someone like me who's very close to their Mum it really made me stop and think.
So if your looking for a short booked packed with emotion give it go.
This is a book that's been sat on my kindle for such a long time, and seriously I don't know why. my heart hurts my eyes are puffy and I've just had a very emotional phone call with my Mum.
Addison is in that dark place you fall into when you feel that your whole world is broken. After loosing her mother to Cancer, her father to many stints in rehab and her own torture of a pysc ward, she starts to realise that life is just passing her by. As hard as working and running her late mothers bakery is, the dark haired stranger that has started to come in on a daily basis has her starting to feel again.
I can't really write much about Zander without giving the story away, but I just loved him he slowly worked his way into Addison's life and her heart and became the rock she very much needed.
This is one of those books that makes you "feel" a hell of lot. For someone like me who's very close to their Mum it really made me stop and think.
So if your looking for a short booked packed with emotion give it go.
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August 5, 2013
Addison lost her mum...
She finds it difficult juggling the responsibilities...
She meets Zander...
They both have their own secrets...
Will it pull them together...
or break them apart?
My thoughts:
I loved the way Tara told Addison's story. There are three storylines going on at once, Addison talking to her therapist, flashbacks and present day with Zander. You'd think you would be confused but I thought the story flowed nicely.
“It's Life. It's the bumps and the bruises, the pain and the fear; it's messy and it's real and it's not some perfect little story that can be tied up in a bow.”
The thing with the therapist still left me a little confused and I was dying to find out what was on the last napkin.
I definitely can see myself re-reading this one but I do wish it was a tad longer. Loved the epilogue and the last line... Wow!
Last thoughts:
A beautiful story following a young adult finding herself again following the death of a loved one, with some twists along the way. Loved it x
May 3, 2015
This one hurt my heart.
5 Stars +
Yes it's a romance, but it's so much more. The romantic aspect of this story is secondary to Addison's struggle and growth as a character. She fights through depression, the loss of her mother, an alcoholic father, friendship, love and taking charge of life.
For anyone who's lost thier mother - I dare you to read this with a dry eye. Impossible! I blubbered like a giant baby & didn't regret it for a minute.
I am in awe of this wonderful, emotional piece that Tara Sivec has created.
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!
5 Stars +
Yes it's a romance, but it's so much more. The romantic aspect of this story is secondary to Addison's struggle and growth as a character. She fights through depression, the loss of her mother, an alcoholic father, friendship, love and taking charge of life.
For anyone who's lost thier mother - I dare you to read this with a dry eye. Impossible! I blubbered like a giant baby & didn't regret it for a minute.
I am in awe of this wonderful, emotional piece that Tara Sivec has created.
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!
October 13, 2013
“Death changes everyone.
It changes the way you think, the way you feel, and the way you live your life. Sometimes it makes you thankful for what you have, but more often than not, it makes you regret the things you've lost."
It's a sad emotional story about a teenager that loses her mom and is having a hard time moving forwarded...she's closed herself off from the world and built walls to stop herself from feeling emotions....
Then she meets Zander/"Napkin Guy" (swoon) he's my favorite part in the whole book!!! He helps her with her struggles and she seems to doing better...until secrets are revealed and she feels like she can't trust anyone....
Overall it was a good quick read a little emotional but nothing too bad...
A 4 star read for me :)
It changes the way you think, the way you feel, and the way you live your life. Sometimes it makes you thankful for what you have, but more often than not, it makes you regret the things you've lost."
It's a sad emotional story about a teenager that loses her mom and is having a hard time moving forwarded...she's closed herself off from the world and built walls to stop herself from feeling emotions....
Then she meets Zander/"Napkin Guy" (swoon) he's my favorite part in the whole book!!! He helps her with her struggles and she seems to doing better...until secrets are revealed and she feels like she can't trust anyone....
Overall it was a good quick read a little emotional but nothing too bad...
A 4 star read for me :)
z-2013
January 7, 2016However dull May seems to be going, June is going to rock my world!!! It brings 14 books I'm dying to get my hands on.. + some more ;) haha
June 15, 2013
Beautiful, heart-breaking, breathtaking…just REAL!! Wow…I am not sure how much more I can say other than…WOW! One of the most beautiful books I have read this year. Watch Over Me had me in crying fits multiple times and I loved every second of it. Addison Snow will shatter your heart into tiny little pieces while telling her story and she will ever so slowly, glue them all back together right along with her own.
Tara Sivec has absolutely knocked this one out of the book world ballpark. If you think she rocked at making you laugh until you urinated all over yourself with her Chocolate Lovers Series, then be prepared to cry until you have either a.) run out of Kleenexes and you now have to use your shirt, or b.) become dehydrated due to massive overflow of the tear ducts. Yeah, it happens.
Watch Over Me is the remarkable story of how death can change you drastically. How it can turn you inside out in an instant leaving you broken, bleeding, and fully exposed. How it can torture you day in and day out until one day you decide, that enough is enough. That the pain is too unbearable to endure any longer. That there is a time to just give up and let go.
“I want to tell him to run as fast as he can because I’m broken. Funny thing though, I don’t want him to go. I don’t want to do anything that will make him leave because I don’t want to be strong anymore. I’m so tired of being strong.” ~Addison
Addison Snow has had one hell of an amazing life until one day, her mother, her best friend is taken from her. She loses more than her mother that day and she is now faced with growing up a little sooner than she ever expected. As you sit alongside Addison during her story you get to look deep inside of her. This poor girl is broken and as she sees it, there are just no pieces left to put back together.
“…I smell his cologne and it reminds me of our interaction in the elevator. It reminds me of just how adept he is at making me forget about my problems, and I instantly feel like I can breathe again. I can breathe as long as I can breathe him in. I can function because he makes me forget. I just want to forget…” ~Addison
I wanted to jump right into this book and take care of Addison, to hold her, to comfort her. To do whatever it took to make her whole again even though she was missing one of the most important pieces. You can’t help but love her and hurt for her every time she hurts, which is pretty much a whole hell of a lot.
Luckily though, I didn’t have to break out my magic “book jumping powers” because in comes one of the most amazing guys I think I have ever had the pleasure of reading about.
Zander Reinhardt is 100% exactly what Addison needs. He is kind, generous, thoughtful, supportive and he leaves her notes on napkins…how more perfect could you get? He is willing to do whatever it takes to make Addison whole again. My heart just melted every time this man spoke. The world just needs more Zander’s!
“When he kisses me, I forget about my problems and the world around me disappears. I want to feel his lips on mine again so I can close my eyes and just forget.” ~Addison
But…and yes, there is a but….Both Addison and Zander have secrets that they just aren’t willing to share with each other yet. I was scared to death at this point. Just when you think things are going so good, things are finally looking up for Addison, things take a dramatic turn! I know I know…no spoilers. So I will stop there.
“Don’t you understand?” he asked as he removed my left hand from around his neck and kissed my scar. “That story right there, it’s your heart and soul, and it’s the reason why I love you. Every single word is why I fell in love with you, and it’s why I could never, ever stop loving you no matter what. You amaze me, Addison. Your strength amazes me, and the fact that you love me back amazes me. At least I hope you still love me back,” he said nervously as he bit his bottom lip. ~zander
I promise you, I am not sure that I have ever read a more beautiful book. Tara’s writing is exquisite. She makes it to where you feel everything that Addison is feeling-the good, the bad, the extreme lows, the amazing highs…yep, all of it! And I wouldn’t change a single thing! And the ending…oh holy GOD the ending. Kleenexes...please remember the Kleenexes!
Please go out and grab this book like right away. I can pretty much promise you that won’t be disappointed. Just don’t come complaining about the hysterics because I warned you…GRAB THE KLEENEXES FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!!!!!
Happy Reading :)
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June 15, 2013Personal and poignant. An intimate view into one girl's heart-breaking journey as she learns to live with loss and searches for a reason to happy again. 4 emotive stars!
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This was a really poignant read... it felt personal and intimate. To me, it almost felt like I was reading a diary. There were a multitude of emotions poured onto the page... authentic and palpable and really moving. It's almost a quiet book, but really, it's more accurately slowly simmering with a rage of intense emotion waiting to erupt just below the surface.
A year after the death of her mother, Addison is a shell... bereft of any real emotion in efforts to bury the pain and survive. She's closed off and can't depend on anyone. She misses her mother so much, so deeply that it's hard for her to breathe.
A senior in high school, Addison should be having fun being a teenager, hanging out with her friends and enjoying her youth... instead, she works at her mother's bakery -- a place she both loves and hates -- and watches over her alcoholic father who is in and out of rehab. Both Addison and her father have dealt with the loss differently, but both were crushed when it happened.
My heart really broke for Addison. She's been through so much and the sense of loneliness is overwhelming. It's as if she has a large, gaping hole in her heart that only her mother was able to fill and with pre-conceived thoughts that everyone will let her down, she doesn't even try to connect with those around her. Her mother was everything to her.
One day, however, she finally takes notice of a good-looking guy that has been coming into the bakery for coffee for weeks. He starts leaving her notes on napkins in efforts to make her smile. Her defenses are up and she pushes him away, but his thoughtfulness and dimply smile wear her down. kind of :)
Addison has been seeing a therapist, who reminds her so much of her mother, but who encourages her to live, to be strong, to take chances. And with Zander in her life, Addison finally begins to let herself feel and be vulnerable again. But with the pain from her mother's loss, her choices, her father's choices and the hurt she feels, well, it's almost too much for Addison. How does she begin to pick up all the pieces?
As Zander shows her day after day the love he feels for her, the fog slowly begins to lift. Zander is amazing. He's so in tune with her feeling and needs... he's affectionate and loving and incredibly supportive. I just loved him! Their connection is eerily strong and grows quickly.
There are twists in the story that I don't want to allude to in anyway, but ultimately, this is a moving story about a girl trying to deal with a large amount of tragedy and pain, finding strength within herself to live again. It's about love, loss, forgiveness and courage. Watch Over Me is captivating story that I read in almost one sitting. There's an especially touching part at the end that had me in tears! It's a beautiful story and I definitely recommend you pick this one up! And it does have a HEA! ♥
For more reviews, visit Vilma's Book Blog and connect with me on Facebook!
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"Death changes everyone. It changes the way you think, the way you feel, and the way you live your life."
This was a really poignant read... it felt personal and intimate. To me, it almost felt like I was reading a diary. There were a multitude of emotions poured onto the page... authentic and palpable and really moving. It's almost a quiet book, but really, it's more accurately slowly simmering with a rage of intense emotion waiting to erupt just below the surface.
A year after the death of her mother, Addison is a shell... bereft of any real emotion in efforts to bury the pain and survive. She's closed off and can't depend on anyone. She misses her mother so much, so deeply that it's hard for her to breathe.
A senior in high school, Addison should be having fun being a teenager, hanging out with her friends and enjoying her youth... instead, she works at her mother's bakery -- a place she both loves and hates -- and watches over her alcoholic father who is in and out of rehab. Both Addison and her father have dealt with the loss differently, but both were crushed when it happened.
"He crumbled when she died. Just...faded away. It was like I lost both parents in one day. It was too much."
My heart really broke for Addison. She's been through so much and the sense of loneliness is overwhelming. It's as if she has a large, gaping hole in her heart that only her mother was able to fill and with pre-conceived thoughts that everyone will let her down, she doesn't even try to connect with those around her. Her mother was everything to her.
"Most people probably wouldn't understand the bond my mother and I shared. Daughters typically hat their mothers through most of their teenage years and sometimes into early adulthood, but I never did. Maybe it was because I was her only child, or maybe it was because it was so difficult for her to get pregnant with me. Whatever the reason, we had a relationship that many envied. Our bond was forged through years of it just being the two of us."
One day, however, she finally takes notice of a good-looking guy that has been coming into the bakery for coffee for weeks. He starts leaving her notes on napkins in efforts to make her smile. Her defenses are up and she pushes him away, but his thoughtfulness and dimply smile wear her down. kind of :)
Addison has been seeing a therapist, who reminds her so much of her mother, but who encourages her to live, to be strong, to take chances. And with Zander in her life, Addison finally begins to let herself feel and be vulnerable again. But with the pain from her mother's loss, her choices, her father's choices and the hurt she feels, well, it's almost too much for Addison. How does she begin to pick up all the pieces?
As Zander shows her day after day the love he feels for her, the fog slowly begins to lift. Zander is amazing. He's so in tune with her feeling and needs... he's affectionate and loving and incredibly supportive. I just loved him! Their connection is eerily strong and grows quickly.
There are twists in the story that I don't want to allude to in anyway, but ultimately, this is a moving story about a girl trying to deal with a large amount of tragedy and pain, finding strength within herself to live again. It's about love, loss, forgiveness and courage. Watch Over Me is captivating story that I read in almost one sitting. There's an especially touching part at the end that had me in tears! It's a beautiful story and I definitely recommend you pick this one up! And it does have a HEA! ♥
"It's the bumps and the bruises, the pain and the fear; it's messy and it's real and it's not some perfect little story that can be tied up in a bow."
For more reviews, visit Vilma's Book Blog and connect with me on Facebook!
June 18, 2013
5 STARS
For those that know me, I do not dole out 5 star reviews very often. It’s actually very rare that I find a book that’s damn near perfect, but this is one of them!
Most readers know Tara Sivec from her hilarious Chocolate Lover’s Series, but if you’re looking for laughs, you definitely won’t get them here. This is the story of 19 year old Addison, who is suffering terribly from the death of her mother, who is also her best friend, and the loss of her father to alcoholism. She was once a popular, peppy cheerleader, with many friends and a bright future. She now only feels loss, depression, and loneliness. Her last resort is a suicide attempt at her mothers gravestone. This is where the story begins…
Each chapter opens with Addison visiting her therapist, Dr. Thompson. Dr. Thompson reminds Addison of her mother in so many ways, from her hairstyle, sense of humor, advice and even down to her perfume and the same love of Panera coffee. Dr. Thompson tries to convince Addison to open up again and start trusting others. It’s so hard for her though, especially after her father has been in rehab for alcoholism 5 times since the death of her mother. No matter how many times he says he has changed, he always turns back to alcohol. Where she was once supportive, she can no longer stand to be around him anymore. Addison has turned into the responsible adult and her father has turned into the child. To make matters worse, after her mother’s funeral, her family and friends went on with their lives and she feels abandoned.
Addison’s mother owned a Bakery, Snow’s Sugary Sweets. Instead of attending College and pursuing her dream of becoming a writer, she is now responsible for running the business, as her father is in rehab once again. One day she notices a guy sitting in the corner staring at her. He leaves her notes on napkins every day, trying to get her to smile.
This is the start of her “relationship” with Zander. He is so supportive and understanding, and truly cares for Addison. She starts to open up and trust Zander, but still not enough to tell him about her suicide attempt. She’s embarrassed about her past and fears that he will think she is crazy. Little by little he breaks through and helps her recover emotionally. Nothing is as it seems though, because not only is Addison keeping secrets, but so are Zander and Dr. Thompson.
Overall, this was a heartbreaking story with a light at the end of the tunnel. There is nothing that could have made this story more perfect than it was. I loved the way it was set up and how she went back and forth between present and past so that we get to know her mother even though she has died before the start of the story. The writing and descriptions of Addison’s feelings were so true to life, it was as if the author had experienced it all herself. Thanks Ms. Sivec for an amazing read!
An ARC was provided by the author for an honest review.
Review posted on Love Between the Sheets
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Death changes everyone.
For those that know me, I do not dole out 5 star reviews very often. It’s actually very rare that I find a book that’s damn near perfect, but this is one of them!
Most readers know Tara Sivec from her hilarious Chocolate Lover’s Series, but if you’re looking for laughs, you definitely won’t get them here. This is the story of 19 year old Addison, who is suffering terribly from the death of her mother, who is also her best friend, and the loss of her father to alcoholism. She was once a popular, peppy cheerleader, with many friends and a bright future. She now only feels loss, depression, and loneliness. Her last resort is a suicide attempt at her mothers gravestone. This is where the story begins…
Each chapter opens with Addison visiting her therapist, Dr. Thompson. Dr. Thompson reminds Addison of her mother in so many ways, from her hairstyle, sense of humor, advice and even down to her perfume and the same love of Panera coffee. Dr. Thompson tries to convince Addison to open up again and start trusting others. It’s so hard for her though, especially after her father has been in rehab for alcoholism 5 times since the death of her mother. No matter how many times he says he has changed, he always turns back to alcohol. Where she was once supportive, she can no longer stand to be around him anymore. Addison has turned into the responsible adult and her father has turned into the child. To make matters worse, after her mother’s funeral, her family and friends went on with their lives and she feels abandoned.
Addison’s mother owned a Bakery, Snow’s Sugary Sweets. Instead of attending College and pursuing her dream of becoming a writer, she is now responsible for running the business, as her father is in rehab once again. One day she notices a guy sitting in the corner staring at her. He leaves her notes on napkins every day, trying to get her to smile.
This is the start of her “relationship” with Zander. He is so supportive and understanding, and truly cares for Addison. She starts to open up and trust Zander, but still not enough to tell him about her suicide attempt. She’s embarrassed about her past and fears that he will think she is crazy. Little by little he breaks through and helps her recover emotionally. Nothing is as it seems though, because not only is Addison keeping secrets, but so are Zander and Dr. Thompson.
Overall, this was a heartbreaking story with a light at the end of the tunnel. There is nothing that could have made this story more perfect than it was. I loved the way it was set up and how she went back and forth between present and past so that we get to know her mother even though she has died before the start of the story. The writing and descriptions of Addison’s feelings were so true to life, it was as if the author had experienced it all herself. Thanks Ms. Sivec for an amazing read!
An ARC was provided by the author for an honest review.
Review posted on Love Between the Sheets
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July 21, 2015
I loved the first two lines of Addison’s story:
‘Death changes everyone. It changes the way you think, the way you feel, and the way you live your life.’
Minor spoilers follow!
****
Addison should’ve been spending her last teen years as a happy stereotypical outgoing cheerleader. Instead, she finds her life radically changed by her mother’s death, the parent she was the closet to growing up. With the loss of his soul-mate, her father has fallen apart and becomes a well meaning but ineffective parent and addict. Addison is forced to become an adult overnight, now living her mom’s dream by running their family owned bakery shop.
She stumbles early on but manages to survive and get counseling. She starts to see Dr. Thompson regularly and attends AL-ANON. I loved how she saw her mother in her therapist. And I have to admit that author Tara Sivec’s decision to leave the question of who left Addison the note near the end was genius even though it bothered me not having a definite answer. One of my favorite quotes from Dr. Thompson was the below:
Her relationship with Zander (aka Napin Guy) probably saved her soul. He nourished her in a wholly necessary way, and I loved his support of her efforts to live her own dream of becoming a writer.
Someday we all have to face this same loss of a parent or anyone close to our hearts for that matter. I know I feel the same as Addison.
I’m so glad that Tara shared this true story so that others know that they aren’t alone in struggling to cope with their grief. Suicide is never the only answer, and there is also community support available for depression, addiction and those who love addicts. There’s help out there if the grief starts to overwhelm you, so please seek it.
‘Death changes everyone. It changes the way you think, the way you feel, and the way you live your life.’
Minor spoilers follow!
****
Addison should’ve been spending her last teen years as a happy stereotypical outgoing cheerleader. Instead, she finds her life radically changed by her mother’s death, the parent she was the closet to growing up. With the loss of his soul-mate, her father has fallen apart and becomes a well meaning but ineffective parent and addict. Addison is forced to become an adult overnight, now living her mom’s dream by running their family owned bakery shop.
She stumbles early on but manages to survive and get counseling. She starts to see Dr. Thompson regularly and attends AL-ANON. I loved how she saw her mother in her therapist. And I have to admit that author Tara Sivec’s decision to leave the question of who left Addison the note near the end was genius even though it bothered me not having a definite answer. One of my favorite quotes from Dr. Thompson was the below:
"Life is hard, Addison. Everyone gets knocked down once in a while. The important thing is that you pick yourself back up again. You pick up, you move on, and you do your best."
Her relationship with Zander (aka Napin Guy) probably saved her soul. He nourished her in a wholly necessary way, and I loved his support of her efforts to live her own dream of becoming a writer.
Someday we all have to face this same loss of a parent or anyone close to our hearts for that matter. I know I feel the same as Addison.
‘I still miss my mother every day. I still think about her more often than not, and I still wish she was here with me helping me through life. I still wonder why she had to go and have finally come to terms with the fact that it was just her time.'
I’m so glad that Tara shared this true story so that others know that they aren’t alone in struggling to cope with their grief. Suicide is never the only answer, and there is also community support available for depression, addiction and those who love addicts. There’s help out there if the grief starts to overwhelm you, so please seek it.
June 19, 2013
I love Tara Sivec. I mean, hard core, girl crush on this woman. I read her Chocolate series and nearly wet myself more times than I could count. That being said....this book is SO FAR from that series...and I could not love it more.
Addison is broken. Her mother has passed away, her father is an alcoholic, I mean...girl has the cards stacked against her.
"Look, if I go into things expecting people to suck, when they finally DO suck, it's not that bad. They acted just like I thought they would, I'm not surprised, and I can just move on. If I walked around every day with my head in the clouds, thinking everyone in my life will never let me down and will never hurt me, it won't be long before they show their true colors and disappoint me. It's easier to just accept the fact that I'm the only one looking out for me."
She's jaded (with good reason). She's trying to just get through life....when she notices a gorgeous stranger in the back of her bakery.
Enter....
ZANDER *swoon*
"I'm 5'4" with boring, brown, wavy hair that hangs past my shoulders, unless it's in my usual messy ponytail. I have a dusting of freckles on my nose and my mother's gray eyes, which I've always thought were my only redeeming quality. But Zander thinks I'm stunning."
One thing that I absolutely adore about this book is that while Zander is there to comfort and help Addison, he is not the reason that she is trying to move on. Addison is so much stronger than she lets herself believe.
I'm going to end this review here because all of the other things I want to say would be spoilers....and ain't no one got time for that!
Tara has blown me away again...and in a completely different way. You need to go out and read this book. ASAP
Addison is broken. Her mother has passed away, her father is an alcoholic, I mean...girl has the cards stacked against her.
"Look, if I go into things expecting people to suck, when they finally DO suck, it's not that bad. They acted just like I thought they would, I'm not surprised, and I can just move on. If I walked around every day with my head in the clouds, thinking everyone in my life will never let me down and will never hurt me, it won't be long before they show their true colors and disappoint me. It's easier to just accept the fact that I'm the only one looking out for me."
She's jaded (with good reason). She's trying to just get through life....when she notices a gorgeous stranger in the back of her bakery.
Enter....
ZANDER *swoon*
"I'm 5'4" with boring, brown, wavy hair that hangs past my shoulders, unless it's in my usual messy ponytail. I have a dusting of freckles on my nose and my mother's gray eyes, which I've always thought were my only redeeming quality. But Zander thinks I'm stunning."
One thing that I absolutely adore about this book is that while Zander is there to comfort and help Addison, he is not the reason that she is trying to move on. Addison is so much stronger than she lets herself believe.
I'm going to end this review here because all of the other things I want to say would be spoilers....and ain't no one got time for that!
Tara has blown me away again...and in a completely different way. You need to go out and read this book. ASAP
January 4, 2014
One of my New Year Resolutions was to read more Contemporary Fiction in 2014....well my very first full length novel of 2014 has only fueled my desire to actually put this resolution into motion.
Sivec has written a book that is exquisite and breathtaking. Watch Over Me is raw emotion, it's heart wrenching and the most honest and beautiful book I've read in a LONG time. I cried at Addison's hurt, I giggled at Zander's sweetness and I sobbed at the all consuming pain of Addison's story.
Watch Over Me is an incredible and believable story of just how much death can change you. If you've experienced loss like Addison, you will relate to her, you will want to prop her up when she's lost and you will sob alongside her when she feels let down yet again. Being broken, tired of hurting and wanting to give up - Sivec touched on it all and wasn't afraid of being open of just how death affects you.
"...because I don’t want to be strong anymore. I’m so tired of being strong.” ~Addison
This is the single, most accurate quote that has ever been written and it was found in a book that I almost didn't even pick up. I can't even describe how much emotion I felt for Addison, I wanted to be her friend, I wanted to reach out to her, and protect her from all the hurts. I wanted to hold her hand and tell her that she will learn to trust again and that time heals even the deepest of wounds.
I'm off to read every single other book that Sivec has written and am SO ready to laugh, cry, and just LOVE another book as much as I did this one.
Sivec has written a book that is exquisite and breathtaking. Watch Over Me is raw emotion, it's heart wrenching and the most honest and beautiful book I've read in a LONG time. I cried at Addison's hurt, I giggled at Zander's sweetness and I sobbed at the all consuming pain of Addison's story.
Watch Over Me is an incredible and believable story of just how much death can change you. If you've experienced loss like Addison, you will relate to her, you will want to prop her up when she's lost and you will sob alongside her when she feels let down yet again. Being broken, tired of hurting and wanting to give up - Sivec touched on it all and wasn't afraid of being open of just how death affects you.
"...because I don’t want to be strong anymore. I’m so tired of being strong.” ~Addison
This is the single, most accurate quote that has ever been written and it was found in a book that I almost didn't even pick up. I can't even describe how much emotion I felt for Addison, I wanted to be her friend, I wanted to reach out to her, and protect her from all the hurts. I wanted to hold her hand and tell her that she will learn to trust again and that time heals even the deepest of wounds.
I'm off to read every single other book that Sivec has written and am SO ready to laugh, cry, and just LOVE another book as much as I did this one.
October 3, 2015
With Tara Sivec, you could get super funny (Seduction and Snacks) or super heavy, like this one. It took me just a little while to get into this, because it was just so depressing at first. But once Zander entered the picture, I had hope. I suppose I kinda mirrored Addison in that way. You kinda knew early on that there was something special about Zander. I mean Addison knew there was something familiar about him, but she couldn't figure it out. When we met his family and discovered his profession, I figured it had something to do with her mom, but he obviously didn't want to let her (us) know yet. I can't say I blame him entirely... had he come clean at first, I'm not sure Addison would have let him in so completely. The stuff with Dr. Thompson left my head reeling a bit at the end. Was she real? Did any of it really happen? I mean WTF?! I was very happy Addison was able to finally put her life back together. My heart broke for her over her circumstances. She had to grow up way too quickly. Most people in her situation would have people to rely on, but she apparently didn't. It seemed like everyone she relied on was gone... not dead, but just not present. Anyway, this was a heavy subject matter, but a sweet love story, and I enjoyed it.
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