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Amends: A Love Story
AMITY is a prickly high school outcast who dreams of a better life in college. A tragic accident puts her future on hold. When she attends an elite university three years later, she falls for Laird, the enigmatic son of a notorious billionaire. Soon she learns that Laird, who grew up just a few miles away from her home town, has a secret that could hold the key to her past and future. And she has a secret of her own.
LAIRD is devastated when he loses his mother at age eighteen. Shortly afterwards, he fights with his girlfriend on the way to a party, and they drive straight into a nightmare. They walk away from the accident, but the other driver isn't so lucky. Three years later, Laird is still haunted by that day. When he connects with Amity, hoping to make some kind of amends, he feels something unexpected. And terrifying.
Will Amity and Laird build a relationship that transcends the past? Or will secrets, lies, and guilt tear them apart?
LAIRD is devastated when he loses his mother at age eighteen. Shortly afterwards, he fights with his girlfriend on the way to a party, and they drive straight into a nightmare. They walk away from the accident, but the other driver isn't so lucky. Three years later, Laird is still haunted by that day. When he connects with Amity, hoping to make some kind of amends, he feels something unexpected. And terrifying.
Will Amity and Laird build a relationship that transcends the past? Or will secrets, lies, and guilt tear them apart?
- GenresNew Adult
240 pages, ebook
First published August 25, 2013
1 person is currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Shanda Fisch
1 book3 followersI enjoy reading and sometimes writing New Adult novels. Why? I suppose it's because writing about characters in their late teens and early twenties lets me relive the exhilaration of those years without all the angst, insecurity...and acne!
When I'm not gazing into the soft light of the computer screen, I enjoy playing with my one-year-old daughter, running with my three crazy dogs, and trying new recipes.
When I'm not gazing into the soft light of the computer screen, I enjoy playing with my one-year-old daughter, running with my three crazy dogs, and trying new recipes.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 16, 2013
3.5 stars!!
At first, I thought this was another Ten Tiny Breaths type of story with the heroine falls for the one guy who destroyed her family. Well, in part, yes. Both Amity and Kacey did fall in love with that guy who was instrumental in changing their life. But Amends gets a little more complicated than that.
First of all, Amity is not your typical NA heroine. She has a physical defect that affected her self-confidence. I liked the fact that the author wasn't afraid to write about a physically flawed character like Amity. But Amity herself, personality wise, was difficult to like sometimes because of the decisions that she made throughout the book. But I do understand why she made those decisions considering her circumstances. I think most 18-year old would probably act the same way.
Laird, the hero in this story, was the typical entitled rich kid. Like Amity, he had his share of tragedy and is saddled by a creep of a father. I liked Laird but I didn't love him. He was just okay. There were times when I felt that he got it way too easy. He never really paid for what he has done and his relationship with Ember was just annoying. The constant back and forth between them got on my nerves and I felt that Laird and Ember had more screen time together compared to Laird and Amity. And they were supposed to be the main characters. I was a little disappointed with that.
I actually liked the drama though. It reminded me of my favorite soaps back in the day. It was quite fascinating to read. I won't divulge any spoilers but the secrets, the intrigue and the tragedy are morbidly fascinating to read. And Amity got the brunt of it. Poor girl.
Overall, I quite enjoyed this story despite some issues that I had with it. I was able to read it in one sitting, which is always a good sign.
At first, I thought this was another Ten Tiny Breaths type of story with the heroine falls for the one guy who destroyed her family. Well, in part, yes. Both Amity and Kacey did fall in love with that guy who was instrumental in changing their life. But Amends gets a little more complicated than that.
First of all, Amity is not your typical NA heroine. She has a physical defect that affected her self-confidence. I liked the fact that the author wasn't afraid to write about a physically flawed character like Amity. But Amity herself, personality wise, was difficult to like sometimes because of the decisions that she made throughout the book. But I do understand why she made those decisions considering her circumstances. I think most 18-year old would probably act the same way.
Laird, the hero in this story, was the typical entitled rich kid. Like Amity, he had his share of tragedy and is saddled by a creep of a father. I liked Laird but I didn't love him. He was just okay. There were times when I felt that he got it way too easy. He never really paid for what he has done and his relationship with Ember was just annoying. The constant back and forth between them got on my nerves and I felt that Laird and Ember had more screen time together compared to Laird and Amity. And they were supposed to be the main characters. I was a little disappointed with that.
I actually liked the drama though. It reminded me of my favorite soaps back in the day. It was quite fascinating to read. I won't divulge any spoilers but the secrets, the intrigue and the tragedy are morbidly fascinating to read. And Amity got the brunt of it. Poor girl.
Overall, I quite enjoyed this story despite some issues that I had with it. I was able to read it in one sitting, which is always a good sign.
August 26, 2013
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There were a lot of things I liked while reading Amends: A Love Story and a few things that just did not work for me. I think Amends: A Love Story had potential to be something really amazing. The story concept was different and unique and I found myself excited to read what would happen next in the book.
The book is written in dual POV’s between Amity & Laird, two high school seniors with completely different upbringings. Amity lives in the poor neighboring town of that of Laird’s. Amity lives with her drunk father and her mother. She dreams of leaving this town behind and starting over in college. Laird is the spoiled rich, popular kid, his mother has just died of cancer and his father is acting like a frat boy dating girls barely legal. Amity and Laird are complete strangers whose lives are about to unite together.
On the night of Laird’s mother’s funeral he is in accident that kills Amity’s mother. Amity’s life is completely changed at this point and for the worse. As she tries to struggle with bills and her future Laird is able to live his life but has only remorse. He becomes almost obsessed with this stranger because of his guilt needing to make sure she will be okay.
Three years pass and two go their separate ways. This is the point in the book that started going down hill for me and lost the charm I felt in the beginning. Amity makes a questionable career choice in order to pay her bills. It seemed totally out of place for her character. She meets a guy named Ethan and his story-line seemed unnecessary at the end.
I really liked the premise of the book and the character of Laird; may have made bad decisions (and awful choices in woman) but he is a good guy deep down. He and Amity begin a relationship but I never felt their connection or even a spark between the two. As I read I only felt Laird’s remorse over the accident.
The story moves really fast, I wish it was a bit slower and more detailed so I was able to get to know the characters better and feel some sort of connection. The ending was wrapped up quickly and I was left wanting so much more.
This is a standalone novel and I am glad there was an epilogue. It was short & sweet. Amen: A Love Story could have been a wonderful story I just did not feel it.
I give Amen: A Love Story 2 stars.
ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.
There were a lot of things I liked while reading Amends: A Love Story and a few things that just did not work for me. I think Amends: A Love Story had potential to be something really amazing. The story concept was different and unique and I found myself excited to read what would happen next in the book.
The book is written in dual POV’s between Amity & Laird, two high school seniors with completely different upbringings. Amity lives in the poor neighboring town of that of Laird’s. Amity lives with her drunk father and her mother. She dreams of leaving this town behind and starting over in college. Laird is the spoiled rich, popular kid, his mother has just died of cancer and his father is acting like a frat boy dating girls barely legal. Amity and Laird are complete strangers whose lives are about to unite together.
On the night of Laird’s mother’s funeral he is in accident that kills Amity’s mother. Amity’s life is completely changed at this point and for the worse. As she tries to struggle with bills and her future Laird is able to live his life but has only remorse. He becomes almost obsessed with this stranger because of his guilt needing to make sure she will be okay.
Three years pass and two go their separate ways. This is the point in the book that started going down hill for me and lost the charm I felt in the beginning. Amity makes a questionable career choice in order to pay her bills. It seemed totally out of place for her character. She meets a guy named Ethan and his story-line seemed unnecessary at the end.
I really liked the premise of the book and the character of Laird; may have made bad decisions (and awful choices in woman) but he is a good guy deep down. He and Amity begin a relationship but I never felt their connection or even a spark between the two. As I read I only felt Laird’s remorse over the accident.
The story moves really fast, I wish it was a bit slower and more detailed so I was able to get to know the characters better and feel some sort of connection. The ending was wrapped up quickly and I was left wanting so much more.
This is a standalone novel and I am glad there was an epilogue. It was short & sweet. Amen: A Love Story could have been a wonderful story I just did not feel it.
I give Amen: A Love Story 2 stars.
ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.
August 26, 2013
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm giving this book 3.5 stars. The layout of the book was a little confusing to start with, what with the constant narrative changing. The book is told by the two main characters but the switches seem to be random and sometimes you lose track of who is talking. The story has potential but in its current state something seems to be missing. The angst is fine. Amity seems to have a hard time and you really feel for her, but I feel that she forgave way to quickly. There is a lot to forgive through out the book and although they walk away from each other their reunions happen fast and always all is forgiven without a word. Personally I feel that a bit more fighting and persuasion was needed.
Overall as it was an ARC I imagine that the few mistakes I came across would be absent from the finished copy and some of the layout might change slightly. The story will be enjoyed by YA and maybe even NA lovers. Its one to add to your TBR list.
Reviewed for YA Book Addict - http://youngadultbookaddict.blogspot....
I'm giving this book 3.5 stars. The layout of the book was a little confusing to start with, what with the constant narrative changing. The book is told by the two main characters but the switches seem to be random and sometimes you lose track of who is talking. The story has potential but in its current state something seems to be missing. The angst is fine. Amity seems to have a hard time and you really feel for her, but I feel that she forgave way to quickly. There is a lot to forgive through out the book and although they walk away from each other their reunions happen fast and always all is forgiven without a word. Personally I feel that a bit more fighting and persuasion was needed.
Overall as it was an ARC I imagine that the few mistakes I came across would be absent from the finished copy and some of the layout might change slightly. The story will be enjoyed by YA and maybe even NA lovers. Its one to add to your TBR list.
Reviewed for YA Book Addict - http://youngadultbookaddict.blogspot....
August 13, 2013
**ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review**
4 Emotionally Charged Stars
I have to start by saying that I feel lucky to have received an ARC of this book....it is quite the gem. I really enjoyed this book. It kept me intrigued all the way through. I was surprised when I first started this book that it is setup like 2 separate books. Book 1, which is chapters 1-10. Then Book 2 is chapters 11-30. I have honestly never seen a book set up that way. But with this particular book it totally worked. I also thought that even with the two separate books, this story continued to flow together. There wasn't any break and pick up that just didn't make sense. Truthfully I think this story really needed to be told in the two separate parts. I felt that this book was very well written, even though there were some editing mistakes (missing words) they weren't big enough to take away from the book or my enjoyment of the book. I can't say a whole lot about the storyline because it would give to much away. I will say that this story will definitely pull at your heartstrings. The author does an excellent job at portraying the real feelings and situations that one experiences when you experience what both Amity and Laird go through.
Amity was an amazing female character. What this girl went through in her life, I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. So many tragic things happened to her, that any person would truly have a reason to just give up, but she doesn't. She kept on going no matter how many lemons and bad things were thrown her way. I loved that no matter what happened or what situations she was put into she kept her head held high and was proud of herself and her accomplishment. She had a dream to go to Adams University and she wasn't going to give up on that no matter what. I will say that I was a little disappointed in her choices when it came to Ethan. I knew from the beginning Ethan was bad news. Then we have Laird....first off I think he has a cool name. I have never seen that name before. I loved the originality of the name. Laird was a complex character. My heart also went out to him during this story. Yes he made some bad choices as well which led to something really bad happening, but he truly had a crappy home life. His father was a disgusting pig, in my book. What he does to Laird was deplorable and unforgivable in my opinion. Laird truly is a really sweet guy who was trying to make amends for all of his mistakes. Although there was one mistake that he continued to make, that I just wanted to smack him upside the head and tell him to wake up. To know what I am talking about you will need to read the book. Laird and Amity truly make a great couple. They shared a bond that no one else could relate to.
I would definitely recommend this book. If you are looking for an emotional love story about two broken souls who just want a better future, then this is the book for you. Besides the small editing issues, I really don't have a bad thing to say about this book. It is a very quick read, I was able to finish it in a day.
*Reviewed for www.bookbitchesblog.com*
4 Emotionally Charged Stars
I have to start by saying that I feel lucky to have received an ARC of this book....it is quite the gem. I really enjoyed this book. It kept me intrigued all the way through. I was surprised when I first started this book that it is setup like 2 separate books. Book 1, which is chapters 1-10. Then Book 2 is chapters 11-30. I have honestly never seen a book set up that way. But with this particular book it totally worked. I also thought that even with the two separate books, this story continued to flow together. There wasn't any break and pick up that just didn't make sense. Truthfully I think this story really needed to be told in the two separate parts. I felt that this book was very well written, even though there were some editing mistakes (missing words) they weren't big enough to take away from the book or my enjoyment of the book. I can't say a whole lot about the storyline because it would give to much away. I will say that this story will definitely pull at your heartstrings. The author does an excellent job at portraying the real feelings and situations that one experiences when you experience what both Amity and Laird go through.
Amity was an amazing female character. What this girl went through in her life, I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. So many tragic things happened to her, that any person would truly have a reason to just give up, but she doesn't. She kept on going no matter how many lemons and bad things were thrown her way. I loved that no matter what happened or what situations she was put into she kept her head held high and was proud of herself and her accomplishment. She had a dream to go to Adams University and she wasn't going to give up on that no matter what. I will say that I was a little disappointed in her choices when it came to Ethan. I knew from the beginning Ethan was bad news. Then we have Laird....first off I think he has a cool name. I have never seen that name before. I loved the originality of the name. Laird was a complex character. My heart also went out to him during this story. Yes he made some bad choices as well which led to something really bad happening, but he truly had a crappy home life. His father was a disgusting pig, in my book. What he does to Laird was deplorable and unforgivable in my opinion. Laird truly is a really sweet guy who was trying to make amends for all of his mistakes. Although there was one mistake that he continued to make, that I just wanted to smack him upside the head and tell him to wake up. To know what I am talking about you will need to read the book. Laird and Amity truly make a great couple. They shared a bond that no one else could relate to.
I would definitely recommend this book. If you are looking for an emotional love story about two broken souls who just want a better future, then this is the book for you. Besides the small editing issues, I really don't have a bad thing to say about this book. It is a very quick read, I was able to finish it in a day.
*Reviewed for www.bookbitchesblog.com*
October 8, 2013
Could you have a future with someone, if that person caused the pain of your past? Could you wipe the slate clean and make Amends?
Amity Dormer has been relentlessly teased all through school due to having a slight case of cerebral palsy, and now a senior she is counting down until she can leave town for college.
Laird Conroy is the only son of a Hollywood mogul.
The grew up only a few miles from each other, but their lives are world's apart.
Their world's collide in the worst way when while arguing with his crazy as hell girlfriend (she is a few sandwiches short of a picnic!!) Laird is involved in a car accident which results in the death of Amity's mother.
Laird and Amity's upbringings are so different, but the situation they are currently in is very similar, with Laird recently losing his mother.
Skip ahead a few years, and Laird and Amity's lives intersect again. Her life has been all struggle, his has been easy street in comparison.
They are instantly attracted, but will that be enough if/when Amity finds out who he is??
Written in dual POVs, we learn more of what both Laird and Amity have had to do to reach this point in their lives.
I like the premise of the book, what would you do to make amends for your past actions. Laird only has the best of intentions when he befriends Amity, even though at times it may not feel that way. He started the relationship with his lies, but I liked being in his head to know how he is dealing with his guilt. This kept me more in the story than Amity's POV, but I enjoyed both sides.
There were a couple of plot twists that I am not sure whether they added to the story or not. Yes, I could understand why they were put in there, but did they add anything - hmm not sure. I feel that they could have been left out as they were dealt with in other ways. But this may just be me.
Also, Amity's Cerebral palsy was such a big part of her high school years, but in college it is not an issue for her. Is this because of life experiences and the fact that she is more mature, or is it for some other reasons? I felt this could have been dealt with a bit more.
Overall I really enjoyed Amends, and I will definitely by reading more by Shanda Fisch.
Amity Dormer has been relentlessly teased all through school due to having a slight case of cerebral palsy, and now a senior she is counting down until she can leave town for college.
Laird Conroy is the only son of a Hollywood mogul.
The grew up only a few miles from each other, but their lives are world's apart.
Their world's collide in the worst way when while arguing with his crazy as hell girlfriend (she is a few sandwiches short of a picnic!!) Laird is involved in a car accident which results in the death of Amity's mother.
Laird and Amity's upbringings are so different, but the situation they are currently in is very similar, with Laird recently losing his mother.
Skip ahead a few years, and Laird and Amity's lives intersect again. Her life has been all struggle, his has been easy street in comparison.
They are instantly attracted, but will that be enough if/when Amity finds out who he is??
Written in dual POVs, we learn more of what both Laird and Amity have had to do to reach this point in their lives.
I like the premise of the book, what would you do to make amends for your past actions. Laird only has the best of intentions when he befriends Amity, even though at times it may not feel that way. He started the relationship with his lies, but I liked being in his head to know how he is dealing with his guilt. This kept me more in the story than Amity's POV, but I enjoyed both sides.
There were a couple of plot twists that I am not sure whether they added to the story or not. Yes, I could understand why they were put in there, but did they add anything - hmm not sure. I feel that they could have been left out as they were dealt with in other ways. But this may just be me.
Also, Amity's Cerebral palsy was such a big part of her high school years, but in college it is not an issue for her. Is this because of life experiences and the fact that she is more mature, or is it for some other reasons? I felt this could have been dealt with a bit more.
Overall I really enjoyed Amends, and I will definitely by reading more by Shanda Fisch.
September 18, 2013
3.5 Stars! Reviewed by Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads - Guest Reviewer Monica!
Shortly after the funeral for his mother Laird Conroy and his on/off girlfriend Ember are in a horrible accident one night and a pretty nurse ends up dying.
Amity Dormer a young lady with a slight case of cerebral palsy, that gets teased and bullied all through high school is the daughter of that woman. The day of her mom’s funeral her alcoholic father dies as well. She is eighteen now and all alone. Her dreams of going to college are put on hold as she gets a job and Grandma moves in.
Laird is consumed with guilt over his part in the accident and keeps an eye on Amity for the next few years. He has a very strange relationship with Ember and just can’t seem to cut those ties. She keeps pulling him back to her using sex as a draw. Silly man.
Amity takes to being a stripper to save up money for her college dream. During this time she meets the creep Ethan. He has his own fiancé but still keeps harassing Amity. She finally realizes her dream of college and ends up at the same school as Laird.
These two are destined to meet. They are thrown together time after time and have to fight obstacle after obstacle in order to see if they are destined to be together. Ember is stalking Laird, Ethan is stalking Amity, there are issues after issues that try to keep them apart.
The life struggles that this girl goes through puts the reader almost at tears quite a few times. We keep wondering when she is going to get a break, when she gets to find some happiness. She has grit, she has a strong character and perseveres to get her happy ever after. I enjoyed the writing style, I enjoyed the story, my only negative comment would be that sometimes the sexual encounters were a little too much, I would read another by this author and would give this book 3.5/5.
*ARC provided by author
Shortly after the funeral for his mother Laird Conroy and his on/off girlfriend Ember are in a horrible accident one night and a pretty nurse ends up dying.
Amity Dormer a young lady with a slight case of cerebral palsy, that gets teased and bullied all through high school is the daughter of that woman. The day of her mom’s funeral her alcoholic father dies as well. She is eighteen now and all alone. Her dreams of going to college are put on hold as she gets a job and Grandma moves in.
Laird is consumed with guilt over his part in the accident and keeps an eye on Amity for the next few years. He has a very strange relationship with Ember and just can’t seem to cut those ties. She keeps pulling him back to her using sex as a draw. Silly man.
Amity takes to being a stripper to save up money for her college dream. During this time she meets the creep Ethan. He has his own fiancé but still keeps harassing Amity. She finally realizes her dream of college and ends up at the same school as Laird.
These two are destined to meet. They are thrown together time after time and have to fight obstacle after obstacle in order to see if they are destined to be together. Ember is stalking Laird, Ethan is stalking Amity, there are issues after issues that try to keep them apart.
The life struggles that this girl goes through puts the reader almost at tears quite a few times. We keep wondering when she is going to get a break, when she gets to find some happiness. She has grit, she has a strong character and perseveres to get her happy ever after. I enjoyed the writing style, I enjoyed the story, my only negative comment would be that sometimes the sexual encounters were a little too much, I would read another by this author and would give this book 3.5/5.
*ARC provided by author
October 13, 2013
Review posted at: http://bookcrushbookreviews.com/2013/...
Rating: 4 stars
Holy Grief-stricken Love Story!! I literally could not put this book down. The grief, sorrow, lack of healthy coping, and utter need had me jonesing to find all the answers. I love the back and forth POVs between Amity and Laird. I felt for Amity the whole way through, I was with her every step of the way. There were definitely some "oh no" and "oh shit" and "ah fuck" moments that had me hooked. But those moments were just icing on the cake. Laird experiences so much guilt and you feel that in your bones. Did I want to slap the shit out of him for Ember--HELL YES!! But those moments were needed as well to make this book what is was. Amity I just all around hurt for her. From zero self-confidence, being bullied all her life, to what seems like never-ending grief, as well as the secrets and lying...I was pulling for her that she'd get her happy, some way some how. I think the ending was rushed somewhat as I would've loved to see this drawn out more and given mire details. But I didn't hate it either. Will there be a sequel, I sure hope so. The writing flowed, I was connected with the characters as I felt I really knew them, and the supporting characters were there for their friends or played their roles as was given. What I look for in a book was all there, just would've enjoyed a more detailed and less rushed ending. So give this a try!!
Rating: 4 stars
Holy Grief-stricken Love Story!! I literally could not put this book down. The grief, sorrow, lack of healthy coping, and utter need had me jonesing to find all the answers. I love the back and forth POVs between Amity and Laird. I felt for Amity the whole way through, I was with her every step of the way. There were definitely some "oh no" and "oh shit" and "ah fuck" moments that had me hooked. But those moments were just icing on the cake. Laird experiences so much guilt and you feel that in your bones. Did I want to slap the shit out of him for Ember--HELL YES!! But those moments were needed as well to make this book what is was. Amity I just all around hurt for her. From zero self-confidence, being bullied all her life, to what seems like never-ending grief, as well as the secrets and lying...I was pulling for her that she'd get her happy, some way some how. I think the ending was rushed somewhat as I would've loved to see this drawn out more and given mire details. But I didn't hate it either. Will there be a sequel, I sure hope so. The writing flowed, I was connected with the characters as I felt I really knew them, and the supporting characters were there for their friends or played their roles as was given. What I look for in a book was all there, just would've enjoyed a more detailed and less rushed ending. So give this a try!!
August 20, 2013
This is one enigma! What a tragic story / romance! There's so much to each of these characters that I couldn't imagine how they could wipe the slates clean and, as the title says, make amends and fall in love.
Even though both Laird and Amity have been through hell in a life time, the plot was really well written. The tragedies that hit both of them hard are what people go through, and live with, on a daily basis. I found this very appealing but also so hard to read! It was one tragic event after another, sometimes I just wanted life to throw them a bone already! But, that being said, I could not put this down. Tragedy or not, there was something compelling about these characters and I just had to find out about what was going to happen.
I would definitely recommend this book, if say you're having a good day. If you're fighting your own life's tragedies this may hit to closely to home. But it is so worth reading. I really enjoyed Shanda's writing and can't wait to get into more of her work. She has a way of weaving so much bad with some good, it was like magic! Amazing.
Even though both Laird and Amity have been through hell in a life time, the plot was really well written. The tragedies that hit both of them hard are what people go through, and live with, on a daily basis. I found this very appealing but also so hard to read! It was one tragic event after another, sometimes I just wanted life to throw them a bone already! But, that being said, I could not put this down. Tragedy or not, there was something compelling about these characters and I just had to find out about what was going to happen.
I would definitely recommend this book, if say you're having a good day. If you're fighting your own life's tragedies this may hit to closely to home. But it is so worth reading. I really enjoyed Shanda's writing and can't wait to get into more of her work. She has a way of weaving so much bad with some good, it was like magic! Amazing.
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