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Ripple
Kendall Brooks has an impossible decision: Tell the truth or protect the lie?
She has buried herself in years of undergrad, medical school, and now her residency–hoping to leave behind what she is unable to face.
Her world is rocked to the core when she returns to her small hometown and runs smack dab into her first love, Adam McCoy.
Adam is the key. He stirs up old emotions that send Kendall spiraling back in time, remembering all the moments that led them to her ultimate deception.
Will revealing the truth of what transpired all those years ago provide her the self-forgiveness that she desperately craves or will her devastating secret destroy the only man she has ever truly loved, shattering her heart in its wake?
She has buried herself in years of undergrad, medical school, and now her residency–hoping to leave behind what she is unable to face.
Her world is rocked to the core when she returns to her small hometown and runs smack dab into her first love, Adam McCoy.
Adam is the key. He stirs up old emotions that send Kendall spiraling back in time, remembering all the moments that led them to her ultimate deception.
Will revealing the truth of what transpired all those years ago provide her the self-forgiveness that she desperately craves or will her devastating secret destroy the only man she has ever truly loved, shattering her heart in its wake?
ebook
First published August 22, 2013
About the author
L.D. Cedergreen
4 books129 followersL.D. Cedergreen is the author of Ripple, Gravity, and new novel, The Words We Leave Unspoken. L.D. is an avid reader and a music fanatic! Growing up in a small town in Washington State, she loves to incorporate the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, as well as a small-town vibe, in her books. She now lives in Southern California with her husband and two children. She can be found online at www.LDCedergreen.com or facebook.com/AuthorL.D.Cedergreen or Twitter @LDCedergreen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 12, 2014
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Cheating, selfish asshat. Betrayed her for months by cheating with his brothers gf. Suddenly developed a conscience, goes to Africa on a mission trip for two (he stretches it to three) years. She tells him the pregnancy test she took two days before the big departure was negative when it was really positive. Hears from him in Africa via letters while she's struggling with adoption decision and what to tell him. He decides to stay an extra year and wants her to wait. I didn't agree with her choice to keep it all a secret from him. Not at all. But she didn't trust him and they had no firm foundation for a future with or without a baby because he devastated her before with his REPEATED CHEATING. They spend 10 years apart. She goes to see him at the airport when he returns at the end of his three year African mission only to see the girl he cheated with there hugging him. He turned to this chick (as friends only via letters) when Kendi refused to respond to his letters. Of all people it was her. Dick move. He then goes on to have a serious relationship with the cheater chick, who is all over being a ministers wife. But he can't commit to marrying her because he still loves Kendi. So he breaks it off with her and whores around. This is where I became totally disgusted with him. His whole moral conversion and repentance of his cheating and betrayal of Kendi was obviously only surface deep. At least he realizes what a Douchenozzle he is and leaves his ministry. Kendi did him wrong by keeping the pregnancy and subsequent adoption from him and he has a right to be upset. Of course. But he refuses for too long in my opinion I acknowledge any personal responsibility for his part in their life's journeys. Hello, cheating asshole??!?! You could have had it all with the girl/ woman you said you loved if you hadn't been a weasel. The end felt rushed to me. I forgive you, I love you, let's not waste more time. I just didn't get a sense that he had grown much over the story. Not a fave.
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Cheating, selfish asshat. Betrayed her for months by cheating with his brothers gf. Suddenly developed a conscience, goes to Africa on a mission trip for two (he stretches it to three) years. She tells him the pregnancy test she took two days before the big departure was negative when it was really positive. Hears from him in Africa via letters while she's struggling with adoption decision and what to tell him. He decides to stay an extra year and wants her to wait. I didn't agree with her choice to keep it all a secret from him. Not at all. But she didn't trust him and they had no firm foundation for a future with or without a baby because he devastated her before with his REPEATED CHEATING. They spend 10 years apart. She goes to see him at the airport when he returns at the end of his three year African mission only to see the girl he cheated with there hugging him. He turned to this chick (as friends only via letters) when Kendi refused to respond to his letters. Of all people it was her. Dick move. He then goes on to have a serious relationship with the cheater chick, who is all over being a ministers wife. But he can't commit to marrying her because he still loves Kendi. So he breaks it off with her and whores around. This is where I became totally disgusted with him. His whole moral conversion and repentance of his cheating and betrayal of Kendi was obviously only surface deep. At least he realizes what a Douchenozzle he is and leaves his ministry. Kendi did him wrong by keeping the pregnancy and subsequent adoption from him and he has a right to be upset. Of course. But he refuses for too long in my opinion I acknowledge any personal responsibility for his part in their life's journeys. Hello, cheating asshole??!?! You could have had it all with the girl/ woman you said you loved if you hadn't been a weasel. The end felt rushed to me. I forgive you, I love you, let's not waste more time. I just didn't get a sense that he had grown much over the story. Not a fave.
October 28, 2015
Reminder to myself that yes I read this. No I did not like this story at all. No I will not read any more cheating asshole stories by this author. This is the 2nd book and this guy is an even bigger cheater than in the first book.
The H is another cheating manwhore who cheats on his girlfriend for months with his brother's girlfriend. And then gets away with it. The h irritates me when she takes blame on herself for circumstances instigated by HIS selfish self centred behaviour.
I have to laugh at all the "true love" feels from some readers. Seriously, so true love means being with a serial cheater who never gives a reason for his cheating other than he "regrets it". He love Kendi so much & wasn't a dirty sleazebag he would NOT have cheated for 5 plus months on her. That is not true love people.
The H is another cheating manwhore who cheats on his girlfriend for months with his brother's girlfriend. And then gets away with it. The h irritates me when she takes blame on herself for circumstances instigated by HIS selfish self centred behaviour.
I have to laugh at all the "true love" feels from some readers. Seriously, so true love means being with a serial cheater who never gives a reason for his cheating other than he "regrets it". He love Kendi so much & wasn't a dirty sleazebag he would NOT have cheated for 5 plus months on her. That is not true love people.
June 13, 2017
It is a real shame, as the author writes well, and after having messaged her, she seems to be lovely and took the time to answer some of my questions. However, I just hate the way cheating is handled in this book and also in ‘Gravity’, there is forgiveness given too easily. I also felt in this book Kennedy and Adam actually would have been better apart. There was a lot of angst and a lot of drama to keep the story going. I also felt that Kennedy was in no way innocent, she did make decisions that were damaging and selfish. However, I do feel if she had not been so young and betrayed, had she not felt abandoned, then things would have gone differently. Adam was to blame for so much in my view, his actions created a chain reaction. He cheated on the apparent love of his life, for months, and only stopped when Kennedy was hurt and her friend had died. The girl he chose to cheat with was his little brothers girlfriend. He was jealous of his brother, his nice little brother, which in itself is pathetic. He claims he had no feelings for the other girl, not likely when you carry an affair on for months! If he is cheating so easily this early on, then there is literally no hope. So Kennedy finds it, not from her amazing boyfriend, no but from the betrayed brother. Apparently his ex had a conscience attack and decided to tell him about the fling (yeah right, she just wanted Adam). So, Kennedy does ignore him and try to move on, but shockingly he keeps coming around and she caves,he apparently is in a bad place and wants to be a better person, so is going away for 2 years to Africa to do missionary work. Bit much in my opinion but whatever. So they decide to stay together and write to each other etc. However, Kennedy is left a little gift by Adam, she is pregnant! Shocker right? She is thinking of telling Adam, but when he says he is staying an extra year, Kennedy takes it as rejection and realises another year is too much (I agree, why would he sign up for another year? When his family and his girl are at home?). So she gives the baby up for adoption. Forward wind years when Adam is coming home, Kennedy decides to be bold and go to the airport to greet Adam after speaking to his mother, however, when she arrives guess who is there with Adam’s family? You guessed it, the sweet girl he had an affair with! Nice! Not painful for his brother who is there also, unhappily uncomfortable! Why is she there you might wonder? Well it turns out Adam is an even weaker asshole then we thought. When Kennedy stopped writing, Adam started conversing with his ex fling (sorry she was so one dimensional I didn’t even learn her name). What I didn’t realise until I spoke to the author, is that, Adam actually contacted her first! So it wasn’t even a case of he was lonely,
Got an unexpected letter and fell into a pattern. No he consciously decided to write to the most inappropriate person in the world, the girl he betrayed his brother and girlfriend with, who was part of the reason for his trip in the first place! Unbelievable! Not only that, he goes on to have a relationship and was close to marrying this girl! After he becomes pastor obviously, because he is so moral! This just was the end of any hope for me. Adam clearly didn’t redeem himself, he clearly didn’t give a shit about Kennedy or his brother, the whole point was to better himself, but then this shows he had not changed or learned anything at all! Then apparently he realises he still loves Kennedy and dumps the stop gap girl! Leaves the ministry and becomes a man whore! So even more amazing character growth! After not seeing each other for a decade Kennedy comes back around for a family funeral and worlds collide! Pain and truths come to the surface! So the adopted daughter is revealed! Adam is hurt and that is understandable, but he literally takes no responsibility, as if his actions and selfishness had no impact on Kennedy's Decision! He does give a half hearted speech and forgives Kennedy, but still manages to shift the blame! So they spend and emotional night together, Adam says the sex was him letting go! Nice! , Kennedy leaves a letter and returns home! Tells her boyfriend she still loves Adam, basically dumps him, even though he is way too good for her and she cheated on him! (Which she does not tell him, another dishonest gem)! What a treat! And then Later on, her and Adam reunite at their daughters dance event! Ah the stuff that dreams are made of! Sorry but they are doomed! Adam was a scumbag who in my opinion will fuck up again. I also massively appreciated the author replying to my questions and her answers that she provided. However, I still massively disagree with her explanations and reasoning, about mistakes being made, Adam being lonely and young and living in a bubble. She whole point of his trip was to change and make up for his mistakes, the whole separation and trip was invalidated by his actions! He messed up time and again and never seemed to actually change. Also, how can we believe Adam never had feelings for his fling when he then went on to be in a relationship with her for years? I also felt it was inconsistent to show Adam’s brother being hurt and telling Kennedy the truth, then for him to be basically forgotten altogether in the end. Did Adam ever make amends with him or really apologise? Or was he just collateral damage that Adam felt was not a big deal? I just didn’t get any depth or passion from Adam, who really knows if he cares or not? I still didn’t at the end of the book. So unfortunately due to this and Gravity, this author is an avoid for me, as I don’t like reading about cheating when I’m not convinced the hero really loves the heroine, or of the hero never really redeems himself.
Got an unexpected letter and fell into a pattern. No he consciously decided to write to the most inappropriate person in the world, the girl he betrayed his brother and girlfriend with, who was part of the reason for his trip in the first place! Unbelievable! Not only that, he goes on to have a relationship and was close to marrying this girl! After he becomes pastor obviously, because he is so moral! This just was the end of any hope for me. Adam clearly didn’t redeem himself, he clearly didn’t give a shit about Kennedy or his brother, the whole point was to better himself, but then this shows he had not changed or learned anything at all! Then apparently he realises he still loves Kennedy and dumps the stop gap girl! Leaves the ministry and becomes a man whore! So even more amazing character growth! After not seeing each other for a decade Kennedy comes back around for a family funeral and worlds collide! Pain and truths come to the surface! So the adopted daughter is revealed! Adam is hurt and that is understandable, but he literally takes no responsibility, as if his actions and selfishness had no impact on Kennedy's Decision! He does give a half hearted speech and forgives Kennedy, but still manages to shift the blame! So they spend and emotional night together, Adam says the sex was him letting go! Nice! , Kennedy leaves a letter and returns home! Tells her boyfriend she still loves Adam, basically dumps him, even though he is way too good for her and she cheated on him! (Which she does not tell him, another dishonest gem)! What a treat! And then Later on, her and Adam reunite at their daughters dance event! Ah the stuff that dreams are made of! Sorry but they are doomed! Adam was a scumbag who in my opinion will fuck up again. I also massively appreciated the author replying to my questions and her answers that she provided. However, I still massively disagree with her explanations and reasoning, about mistakes being made, Adam being lonely and young and living in a bubble. She whole point of his trip was to change and make up for his mistakes, the whole separation and trip was invalidated by his actions! He messed up time and again and never seemed to actually change. Also, how can we believe Adam never had feelings for his fling when he then went on to be in a relationship with her for years? I also felt it was inconsistent to show Adam’s brother being hurt and telling Kennedy the truth, then for him to be basically forgotten altogether in the end. Did Adam ever make amends with him or really apologise? Or was he just collateral damage that Adam felt was not a big deal? I just didn’t get any depth or passion from Adam, who really knows if he cares or not? I still didn’t at the end of the book. So unfortunately due to this and Gravity, this author is an avoid for me, as I don’t like reading about cheating when I’m not convinced the hero really loves the heroine, or of the hero never really redeems himself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
just-not-for-me-stay-away-hell-no
October 28, 2015self note: H cheats on girlfriend for a few months with his brothers girlfriend! This is not for me!!!!
November 25, 2013
4.5 Stars!
Kendi Brooks left her small town when she was 18 years old, and time and circumstances kept her from ever wanting to return to the place where she fell in love with Adam McCoy, only for them to also be separated as their lives take on different paths. It's been years since she's been back, but due to a death in the family, she finds herself back home, and runs into Adam on the very first day, and he claims to still be in love with her, wanting to be with her. When they spend time together, old feelings resurface, and a heartbreaking secret is finally revealed. Will Adam's feelings change when she breaks his heart one last time, or will time help heal the wounds that have been fresh for both of them for so long?
Ripple tore me apart. I was a mess reading this book, but in such a good way. I love when a book is so powerful and emotional that I can barely see my Kindle screen as tears falls on my cheeks, and Ripple did just that.
I'm usually not a huge fan of books that weave both past and present throughout the story, but it's absolutely necessary, and I love the way L.D. let the story unfold this way. It was essential for us to learn the whole story that led up to the secret, and it wouldn't have worked any other way. I fell in love with Adam pretty quickly, and while as a teenager he did some things that made me want to smack him, he was easy to forgive. Adam McCoy as a man? I couldn't get enough of him. My heart fell for him, broke for him, and I felt his pain radiating off the pages, and my heart broke all over again.
To be honest, I really wanted to hate Kendi at times. The things that she did, in my eyes, would be unforgivable for most people, and I had no clue how she would be able to redeem herself. At one point, I was ready to throw my Kindle at the wall and give up on her, but I couldn't. I was so emotionally invested in this story, and I had to know more. I needed the answers. Why? How? What were you thinking? So I kept going, and boy, am I glad I did. As we learn the answers to those questions, you can't help but love Kendi. Her fears were understandable, and her pain was palpable. In one very pivotal scene, I was sobbing to the point that I could barely breathe.
I want to say so much more, but you need to go into this book blind so you can truly experience it for yourself. Let's just say, the ending was perfect, poignant, and beautiful-just like the rest of the book.
Ripple is an emotionally beautiful story that tugs at your heartstrings. It's so much more than your average romance novel. It's the incredibly moving story of Kendi's journey to self-forgiveness, and in finally seeking the same from Adam. The writing in Ripple is gripping, spellbinding, and it flows so effortlessly. L.D. makes you feel every emotion right along with her characters, and I felt like I was right there with them. I'm so impressed by this debut author and I can't wait to read more of her work!
Kendi Brooks left her small town when she was 18 years old, and time and circumstances kept her from ever wanting to return to the place where she fell in love with Adam McCoy, only for them to also be separated as their lives take on different paths. It's been years since she's been back, but due to a death in the family, she finds herself back home, and runs into Adam on the very first day, and he claims to still be in love with her, wanting to be with her. When they spend time together, old feelings resurface, and a heartbreaking secret is finally revealed. Will Adam's feelings change when she breaks his heart one last time, or will time help heal the wounds that have been fresh for both of them for so long?
Ripple tore me apart. I was a mess reading this book, but in such a good way. I love when a book is so powerful and emotional that I can barely see my Kindle screen as tears falls on my cheeks, and Ripple did just that.
I'm usually not a huge fan of books that weave both past and present throughout the story, but it's absolutely necessary, and I love the way L.D. let the story unfold this way. It was essential for us to learn the whole story that led up to the secret, and it wouldn't have worked any other way. I fell in love with Adam pretty quickly, and while as a teenager he did some things that made me want to smack him, he was easy to forgive. Adam McCoy as a man? I couldn't get enough of him. My heart fell for him, broke for him, and I felt his pain radiating off the pages, and my heart broke all over again.
To be honest, I really wanted to hate Kendi at times. The things that she did, in my eyes, would be unforgivable for most people, and I had no clue how she would be able to redeem herself. At one point, I was ready to throw my Kindle at the wall and give up on her, but I couldn't. I was so emotionally invested in this story, and I had to know more. I needed the answers. Why? How? What were you thinking? So I kept going, and boy, am I glad I did. As we learn the answers to those questions, you can't help but love Kendi. Her fears were understandable, and her pain was palpable. In one very pivotal scene, I was sobbing to the point that I could barely breathe.
I want to say so much more, but you need to go into this book blind so you can truly experience it for yourself. Let's just say, the ending was perfect, poignant, and beautiful-just like the rest of the book.
Ripple is an emotionally beautiful story that tugs at your heartstrings. It's so much more than your average romance novel. It's the incredibly moving story of Kendi's journey to self-forgiveness, and in finally seeking the same from Adam. The writing in Ripple is gripping, spellbinding, and it flows so effortlessly. L.D. makes you feel every emotion right along with her characters, and I felt like I was right there with them. I'm so impressed by this debut author and I can't wait to read more of her work!
nfmaa
August 1, 2018H is a Cheater
March 12, 2018
As much as l loved Gravity, this novel disappointed me. I felt Adam took NO responsibility for his actions and betrayal, willing to let her carry all that guilt. I always hate that game of "yes I was bad, but you're actions were worse" crap. For every action there is a reaction, a ripple effect, hence the title, but who's to say which action was defining? For me, his actions were the most damning.
The writing is well done, as always with this author but I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with the moral of this story.
The writing is well done, as always with this author but I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with the moral of this story.
October 5, 2014
I enjoyed the drama but I still think Nevertheless good for a quick cry, just when you need it ;)
September 27, 2013
The story starts with Kendall returning to her home town after being away for 10 years to attend a family member’s funeral and running into her first love, Adam. Adam is the one boy who was not only her best friend but first love and first heartache. The lies and betrayal she has kept hidden from not only him but most everyone for the past decade comes front and center and could ultimately rock her world off its axis. Kendall still loves Adam and finally wanting to come clean of the biggest lie she has ever told she risks her heart in hopes that Adam may forgive her.
Adam has always loved Kendall, even after breaking her heart he knew that he would never stop loving her. People make mistakes and he made the one that ultimately cost them everything. After some time apart he wanted another chance, a chance to make things right with her and after they fell in love all over again Adam was off to live out his dream in Africa while Kendall attended college in the states. It’s been a decade since Adam said what he didn’t realize was his final goodbye to Kendall and seeing her after all this time has brought back so many emotions in him, he loves her and he wants her. But will the secret that Kendall has been keeping from Adam for so many years ruin everything, will he ever be able to trust her again or will the bombshell that she is about to drop on his shoulders cause that love he has for her to disappear and finally have them truly saying their final good-bye forever?
What a powerful emotional beautiful story. L.D. did such an amazing job at bringing us a book filled with love, loss, and forgiveness. The characters in this book portrayed their emotions on such a deep level that you felt their joys, fears, and pain. The story starts off in the present when Kendall is 28 years old returning to her home town and throughout the book will jump back to when the love that blossomed between Adam and Kendall first started and all the bumps in the road along the way that ultimately ended with good-bye. L.D. brings us the insight of what Kendall and Adam went through as a young couple, and what Kendall went through after leaving Adam at the airport when she made that final decision to change their lives forever.
I can’t begin to tell you what this story meant to me. It was real and powerful and emotional. It was sexy and steamy but also very gripping , heartbreaking , and heartwarming. In the beginning when Kendall and Adam first got together in high school L.D. brought us alittle bit of this…
And as their relationship progressed and feelings started to explode she gave us some steamy…
And then the BOOM when the secret comes out my heart was breaking, I was literally lying in my bed……
And just as quick as I was ugly crying, L.D. gave me enough to make me hopeful. She gave me just enough to have my praying and hoping things would turn out the way they should and at that moment my tears dried and I was okay she left me feeling like I need to….
And then I could smile again and my heart expanded and blossomed and I felt good. Well you would think that’s the end right? The secret is out but wait there are bombshells at every turn and that left me screaming….
All I can say is that I loved Ripple! I loved everything about it. The storyline, the characters, the elements within the story – everything. It gave me everything and I can’t say that enough to L.D. this is what I have to say to you!!!!!
Adam has always loved Kendall, even after breaking her heart he knew that he would never stop loving her. People make mistakes and he made the one that ultimately cost them everything. After some time apart he wanted another chance, a chance to make things right with her and after they fell in love all over again Adam was off to live out his dream in Africa while Kendall attended college in the states. It’s been a decade since Adam said what he didn’t realize was his final goodbye to Kendall and seeing her after all this time has brought back so many emotions in him, he loves her and he wants her. But will the secret that Kendall has been keeping from Adam for so many years ruin everything, will he ever be able to trust her again or will the bombshell that she is about to drop on his shoulders cause that love he has for her to disappear and finally have them truly saying their final good-bye forever?
What a powerful emotional beautiful story. L.D. did such an amazing job at bringing us a book filled with love, loss, and forgiveness. The characters in this book portrayed their emotions on such a deep level that you felt their joys, fears, and pain. The story starts off in the present when Kendall is 28 years old returning to her home town and throughout the book will jump back to when the love that blossomed between Adam and Kendall first started and all the bumps in the road along the way that ultimately ended with good-bye. L.D. brings us the insight of what Kendall and Adam went through as a young couple, and what Kendall went through after leaving Adam at the airport when she made that final decision to change their lives forever.
I can’t begin to tell you what this story meant to me. It was real and powerful and emotional. It was sexy and steamy but also very gripping , heartbreaking , and heartwarming. In the beginning when Kendall and Adam first got together in high school L.D. brought us alittle bit of this…
And as their relationship progressed and feelings started to explode she gave us some steamy…
And then the BOOM when the secret comes out my heart was breaking, I was literally lying in my bed……
And just as quick as I was ugly crying, L.D. gave me enough to make me hopeful. She gave me just enough to have my praying and hoping things would turn out the way they should and at that moment my tears dried and I was okay she left me feeling like I need to….
And then I could smile again and my heart expanded and blossomed and I felt good. Well you would think that’s the end right? The secret is out but wait there are bombshells at every turn and that left me screaming….
All I can say is that I loved Ripple! I loved everything about it. The storyline, the characters, the elements within the story – everything. It gave me everything and I can’t say that enough to L.D. this is what I have to say to you!!!!!
October 14, 2013
I was given an ARC of Ripple in exchange for an honest review.
After reading the synopsis, I thought I had a pretty good idea about what to expect. Wow! Did I miss the mark! Ripple is not a typical I-have-regrets-about-my-past¬ story. It is so very much more. Admittedly, I was a little hesitant as the story gets underway. I tend to shy away from NA/YA stories, so when the story flashes back from present to a time when the main characters are high school sweethearts, I was really worried about whether I’d be able to sustain the story. Well, let me just say that not only did I sustain it, this story compelled me in ways that surprised me, and soon enough, the story returns to present day, as the characters face the aftermath of decisions made long ago.
Author L.D. Cedergreen gives us wholesome and likable characters in Kendall Brooks and Adam McCoy. Even as high school students, these two characters are intelligent, mature, and even (dare I say) sensual. Predictably, the trajectory of their life (and relationship) begins to change as they confront graduation and college. As they reach pinnacles in their respective lives, Adam and Kendi make individual choices, which they believe at the time is in the best interest of the other, without realizing the far-reaching impact of those decisions.
Ripple addresses a very difficult social issue in ways that challenge the reader to consider their own perspectives and beliefs. I found myself angry and frustrated at times with both characters, while at the same time respecting some extremely ethical, tough, responsible decisions on the part of each of them. Ripple asks the reader to consider whether deception (even for the right reasons) is the ultimate betrayal, or whether forgiveness is the fundamental balm that heals all.
Four compelling stars!
After reading the synopsis, I thought I had a pretty good idea about what to expect. Wow! Did I miss the mark! Ripple is not a typical I-have-regrets-about-my-past¬ story. It is so very much more. Admittedly, I was a little hesitant as the story gets underway. I tend to shy away from NA/YA stories, so when the story flashes back from present to a time when the main characters are high school sweethearts, I was really worried about whether I’d be able to sustain the story. Well, let me just say that not only did I sustain it, this story compelled me in ways that surprised me, and soon enough, the story returns to present day, as the characters face the aftermath of decisions made long ago.
Author L.D. Cedergreen gives us wholesome and likable characters in Kendall Brooks and Adam McCoy. Even as high school students, these two characters are intelligent, mature, and even (dare I say) sensual. Predictably, the trajectory of their life (and relationship) begins to change as they confront graduation and college. As they reach pinnacles in their respective lives, Adam and Kendi make individual choices, which they believe at the time is in the best interest of the other, without realizing the far-reaching impact of those decisions.
Ripple addresses a very difficult social issue in ways that challenge the reader to consider their own perspectives and beliefs. I found myself angry and frustrated at times with both characters, while at the same time respecting some extremely ethical, tough, responsible decisions on the part of each of them. Ripple asks the reader to consider whether deception (even for the right reasons) is the ultimate betrayal, or whether forgiveness is the fundamental balm that heals all.
Four compelling stars!
November 15, 2013
Ripple was an interesting read for me. The first chapter had me quite intrigued and wanting to get to the heart of the story. As I continued to read I was anticipating something in the story. I’m still not sure what that something is or was. I kept reading and had a friend who had read it ask me if I was just wrecked with what I was reading. I told her where I was in the story and she again asked about my emotions toward this book. Here’s the thing, I couldn’t give her an answer. She didn’t understand why I wasn’t more emotionally involved in the story. I told her I would get back to her and let her know once I had finished—maybe that moment was at a different part of the story.
So I get done reading. And yes I cried during a couple of parts. But for the most part I felt lost. Hold up—don’t cast Ripple aside just yet. Hear me out. After I finish a read, I like to mull it over for a couple of days. And for those two days, I wasn’t sure what I was feeling after reading Ripple. On one hand I couldn’t put it down and on the other I didn’t have an overwhelming reaction. Yet somehow I had a book hangover. I couldn’t figure it out and then it hit me—I felt lost. Just like the characters felt. Just as the characters lost their way in the story. I realized I actually had connected to the characters and felt their loss and their sadness. I felt everything they felt from the beginning of the story to the very last word.
I don’t think I have ever had a reaction to a story like this before. And realizing the quiet force, made this a beautiful story. It’s as if I felt the ‘ripple’ effect of the main characters Kendall and Adam. It’s very subtle in it’s delivery but has lasting effects.
L.D. Cedergreen had a well-developed story that pulled at your heartstrings. Her characters were all likeable even when some of their choices were not. The story was relatable on many levels whether the events have happened to one before or not. Her words are simple yet poetic.
Ripple is one of those reads that through the angst your heart is pulled, your heart hurts and our heart smiles. It’s definitely worth the time to read. D 4/5
October 15, 2014
I loved Gravity by the same author so much that I decided to read this novel as well. I have to say though, I just didn't love it. I couldn't bring myself to even LIKE the characters, let alone LOVE them. I don't agree with the choices that either of them make and it was just mistake after mistake after mistake with no substance on why they should be forgiven. I didn't feel like Adam was sorry at all and it really pissed me off that he didn't learn from any of his mistakes! You could feel Kendi's pain, but it just wasn't enough to make me root for her. If anything, I was rooting for Derek in this book despite his brief appearance. Also, it was a bit predictable. Don't get me wrong, I love predictable happy endings etc, but this book crossed too many hard limits on what I find acceptable and I just couldn't forgive Adam or root for their love story. I still think she's a good author and will continue to read her books though.
September 21, 2015
Dejemoslo en 4,5, pero sólo por el final, que aunque es bonito para poder creermelo del todo hubiera necesitado más tiempo compartido, más charlas para aclararlo todo.
Por lo demás es un libro muy bonito, y aunque en algún momento me ha parecido un poco chirriante el camino que tomaba Adam, luego me he preguntado por qué no podía ser que de verdad alguien joven deseara dedicarse a la iglesia. Además este tema está tratado como sus deseos, no entra en el intento de adoctrinar al lector, sino que es tratado como algo que quiere uno de sus personajes, y eso me ha gustado.
Es un libro muy emotivo y sobrecogedor sobre las consecuencias de lo que decidimos, hacía donde nos llevan esas decisiones y sobre la fuerza que se necesita para enfrentarlas y que no siempre tenemos. Ha logrado emocionarme en algunos momentos y que me ha tenido con el corazón en un puño muchos otros (como a mí me gusta, jejeje).
Por lo demás es un libro muy bonito, y aunque en algún momento me ha parecido un poco chirriante el camino que tomaba Adam, luego me he preguntado por qué no podía ser que de verdad alguien joven deseara dedicarse a la iglesia. Además este tema está tratado como sus deseos, no entra en el intento de adoctrinar al lector, sino que es tratado como algo que quiere uno de sus personajes, y eso me ha gustado.
Es un libro muy emotivo y sobrecogedor sobre las consecuencias de lo que decidimos, hacía donde nos llevan esas decisiones y sobre la fuerza que se necesita para enfrentarlas y que no siempre tenemos. Ha logrado emocionarme en algunos momentos y que me ha tenido con el corazón en un puño muchos otros (como a mí me gusta, jejeje).
November 25, 2013
A beautifully written bittersweet story of love lost and refound over a span of ten years. The author is new-to-me and I most certainly will be awaiting her next release. Two young high schoolers meet, bond and fall in love. College, family loyalties, careers and huge mistakes fill the pages of this story. Most of this book leans toward sadness and questions of why and how these blunders and roadblocks ever happened to this young couple. I wish I could say that there was a perfect and complete happily-ever-after but the most that is promised is a happy for now conclusion. What the future brought is left to readers' imaginations. Sadly, this was a disappointment to me.
March 31, 2015
5/5 brilliant stars
Please do not read this review unless you have read the book, too much to say for me to put constant spoiler alerts!
L.D.Cedergreen!...You've done it again girl!!! SO so happy this turned out to such a good choice to read.
Now following this review I'm not going to lie here, it will sound like I'm gushing over this silly but I don't really care! It's emotional! It made me cry, it made me feel, it made me sad, happy, in love, it broke my heart and then it put all back together!
OK so where to start??
Front Cover: I love this front cover. Simple. It displays a woman who we have no idea about who is bearing down looking at the ripples of curls that just happen to have been caused by who exactly? I also love the fact that she's naked in this...not like that! But in the sense of how often do we actually look at ourselves properly and see who we truly are in this life? Are we doing good? Are we doing bad? What wrongs have we done and what can be done to correct these? Not very often I believe. Otherwise the world would be entirely different. People can certainly get too caught up in their own lies, so much so that the ripples are simply too big for them to look at. That's sad.
Plotline: What a story! So the story is entirely told from our main characters POV. Kendi. (same name that is the only thing I didn't take to but hey ho, no book is entirely perfect...this one being very close however...) Moving on. Kendi's life is explained from the moment she reflects on the ripples that have been caused by all the secrets and lies by her and one other. Adam. Oh Adam...where to even start with you my fiend/friend? But before I begin on Adam....I keep getting away ahead of myself there's so much to say... From the first page I was instantly hooked. That's when I knew my morning of studying was in the shit! Oh well.
Kendi and Adam grow up together being relatively young people and we can truly see the love and affection between them both. It felt real. It felt too good to be true actually. Something bad had to happen along the way and low and behold... The bad happened. Adam cheated on Kendi with his brothers girlfriend. Goddammit Adam! Screw you!...No pun intended. How could you do that to me and Kendi! We thought you loved her! Almost made me laugh when he turned round and said in his letter to her that it was a mistake...something to learn from so they never repeat them again! No shit Sherlock! Made me so again. How could he not expect that she forgive him. Did he just think she was just going to magically turn around to him and say "Oh that's fine Adam, don't worry about, You've just gone and broken my heart but never mind"! Massive idiot to say the least and that's me being very calm here. If I expressed how I truly felt about the whole situation...Well I'd be here for a while...
What's hard to fully comprehend about Adam cheating is the fact there is no real explanation as to why he fully cheats on her, yes he's jealous of younger brother getting the spotlight for once...(Grow up and grow a pair of balls Adam)and yes they both had busy lifestyles at the time, but it's still not enough of an explanation as to why he went and cheated on her! He states that it meant nothing but I call Bullshit here. There must have been something for you to go and cheat on her. There always is with people who cheat on their other half's. So I was a little let down that there wasn't much of an explanation given. Either way, Kendi didn't cause the first ripple. Adam did.
Moving on and low and behold again, another ripple is caused and Kendi is pregnant with Adam's child, but oh wait...He pisses off to Africa on a God given Mission trip to help other people and to focus on his religion. Granted that Kendi is only thinking of herself and Adam and what they both separately from life therefore she doesn't tell him she is pregnant. She lies. She says she isn't. Granted the fact that yes she was indeed wrong to not tell him this little fact of being pregnant, but I can logically see where she came from. She only wants the best for them and in not telling Adam, she thinks she is doing right by them both. She knows the likely hood of telling him about the baby and keeping it would have most likely have kept them from doing what they both wanted in life and that wouldn't have been fair to all involved. The baby included.
I don't have any children therefore I can't understand the joys and fear of being a parent but Cedergreen managed to fully captured all emotions involved. Especially with putting the baby up for adoption. When she gave birth to her little girl and fully realised what was happening and the choice that she was going to make...wow...that really did bring on the tears. I felt so sorry for Kendi at this point. She was going through so much and although she had her sister thank god...you couldn't help but think she was completely alone in all of this...Yes Adam was keeping in touch and had no idea what on earth was going on back home and she wasn't replying to any of his letters but that's understandable. She went to do the right thing, but that one letter...that only caused another ripple. It was a complete tsunami that just couldn't be stopped and you felt horrified with what's happening unfolding in front of your eyes. That's what it felt like reading this.
I couldn't believe that towards the latter part of the book, that it seemed like Kendi was the one to blame for everything that happened. That's what it felt like. At this point I was woah! Hold up! Why is this even happening?!? Yes she's in the wrong for not telling certain people about the baby but she did own up. She grew balls and owned up to her faults. She wasn't forced to own up unlike certain characters *looking at Adam*, she did it because she wanted and needed to. She's managed to hold onto everything that happened with the baby on her own, all that pain that she gave the baby away and is in pain so much so she can't physically and mentally bring herself to look at all the pictures and information at her. It's hard. I get it.
I was so happy at the end of the book. I really am. It worked out exactly how I wanted it to. There was only one of two ways it was going to end and it ended on a good note. Not perfect...nothing could be perfect for those two in the end. But! They could strive again for it. It good to see that Adam and Kendi managed to sort things out between them, that she could finally let go of the pain that she had been secretly holding onto for the past ten years. So ecstatic that they finally managed to met their baby girl...to have a much wanted relationship with her and her adoptive parents. (I loved them!)
Overall, An emotional heart-breaking story that goes the depths of all emotions! Read in one complete sitting it was captivating. The writing was poignant, right on point and flowed easily. Would I recommend yes! Be prepared for getting the tissues ready though. Would I re-read this at some point? Yes I will.
Cedergreen...awesome. Please write more books!
Please do not read this review unless you have read the book, too much to say for me to put constant spoiler alerts!
L.D.Cedergreen!...You've done it again girl!!! SO so happy this turned out to such a good choice to read.
Now following this review I'm not going to lie here, it will sound like I'm gushing over this silly but I don't really care! It's emotional! It made me cry, it made me feel, it made me sad, happy, in love, it broke my heart and then it put all back together!
OK so where to start??
Front Cover: I love this front cover. Simple. It displays a woman who we have no idea about who is bearing down looking at the ripples of curls that just happen to have been caused by who exactly? I also love the fact that she's naked in this...not like that! But in the sense of how often do we actually look at ourselves properly and see who we truly are in this life? Are we doing good? Are we doing bad? What wrongs have we done and what can be done to correct these? Not very often I believe. Otherwise the world would be entirely different. People can certainly get too caught up in their own lies, so much so that the ripples are simply too big for them to look at. That's sad.
Plotline: What a story! So the story is entirely told from our main characters POV. Kendi. (same name that is the only thing I didn't take to but hey ho, no book is entirely perfect...this one being very close however...) Moving on. Kendi's life is explained from the moment she reflects on the ripples that have been caused by all the secrets and lies by her and one other. Adam. Oh Adam...where to even start with you my fiend/friend? But before I begin on Adam....I keep getting away ahead of myself there's so much to say... From the first page I was instantly hooked. That's when I knew my morning of studying was in the shit! Oh well.
Kendi and Adam grow up together being relatively young people and we can truly see the love and affection between them both. It felt real. It felt too good to be true actually. Something bad had to happen along the way and low and behold... The bad happened. Adam cheated on Kendi with his brothers girlfriend. Goddammit Adam! Screw you!...No pun intended. How could you do that to me and Kendi! We thought you loved her! Almost made me laugh when he turned round and said in his letter to her that it was a mistake...something to learn from so they never repeat them again! No shit Sherlock! Made me so again. How could he not expect that she forgive him. Did he just think she was just going to magically turn around to him and say "Oh that's fine Adam, don't worry about, You've just gone and broken my heart but never mind"! Massive idiot to say the least and that's me being very calm here. If I expressed how I truly felt about the whole situation...Well I'd be here for a while...
What's hard to fully comprehend about Adam cheating is the fact there is no real explanation as to why he fully cheats on her, yes he's jealous of younger brother getting the spotlight for once...(Grow up and grow a pair of balls Adam)and yes they both had busy lifestyles at the time, but it's still not enough of an explanation as to why he went and cheated on her! He states that it meant nothing but I call Bullshit here. There must have been something for you to go and cheat on her. There always is with people who cheat on their other half's. So I was a little let down that there wasn't much of an explanation given. Either way, Kendi didn't cause the first ripple. Adam did.
Moving on and low and behold again, another ripple is caused and Kendi is pregnant with Adam's child, but oh wait...He pisses off to Africa on a God given Mission trip to help other people and to focus on his religion. Granted that Kendi is only thinking of herself and Adam and what they both separately from life therefore she doesn't tell him she is pregnant. She lies. She says she isn't. Granted the fact that yes she was indeed wrong to not tell him this little fact of being pregnant, but I can logically see where she came from. She only wants the best for them and in not telling Adam, she thinks she is doing right by them both. She knows the likely hood of telling him about the baby and keeping it would have most likely have kept them from doing what they both wanted in life and that wouldn't have been fair to all involved. The baby included.
I don't have any children therefore I can't understand the joys and fear of being a parent but Cedergreen managed to fully captured all emotions involved. Especially with putting the baby up for adoption. When she gave birth to her little girl and fully realised what was happening and the choice that she was going to make...wow...that really did bring on the tears. I felt so sorry for Kendi at this point. She was going through so much and although she had her sister thank god...you couldn't help but think she was completely alone in all of this...Yes Adam was keeping in touch and had no idea what on earth was going on back home and she wasn't replying to any of his letters but that's understandable. She went to do the right thing, but that one letter...that only caused another ripple. It was a complete tsunami that just couldn't be stopped and you felt horrified with what's happening unfolding in front of your eyes. That's what it felt like reading this.
I couldn't believe that towards the latter part of the book, that it seemed like Kendi was the one to blame for everything that happened. That's what it felt like. At this point I was woah! Hold up! Why is this even happening?!? Yes she's in the wrong for not telling certain people about the baby but she did own up. She grew balls and owned up to her faults. She wasn't forced to own up unlike certain characters *looking at Adam*, she did it because she wanted and needed to. She's managed to hold onto everything that happened with the baby on her own, all that pain that she gave the baby away and is in pain so much so she can't physically and mentally bring herself to look at all the pictures and information at her. It's hard. I get it.
I was so happy at the end of the book. I really am. It worked out exactly how I wanted it to. There was only one of two ways it was going to end and it ended on a good note. Not perfect...nothing could be perfect for those two in the end. But! They could strive again for it. It good to see that Adam and Kendi managed to sort things out between them, that she could finally let go of the pain that she had been secretly holding onto for the past ten years. So ecstatic that they finally managed to met their baby girl...to have a much wanted relationship with her and her adoptive parents. (I loved them!)
Overall, An emotional heart-breaking story that goes the depths of all emotions! Read in one complete sitting it was captivating. The writing was poignant, right on point and flowed easily. Would I recommend yes! Be prepared for getting the tissues ready though. Would I re-read this at some point? Yes I will.
Cedergreen...awesome. Please write more books!
October 8, 2013
I was provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This powerful and amazing story kept my attention the entire time. This book is for those who believe that true love can live through anything. This story hurts. A lot. I found that even after I finished, I was still thinking about it. The story and the characters will leave you breathless as it is both heartbreaking and heartfelt.
Ripple is told in both past and present. Kendall and Adam met in high school and their love blossomed over time. As best friends they became lovers. Circumstances tear them apart. Although they lived their lives apart the flame that originally ignited their relationship never went away. When an unfortunate occurrence forces them back into their small town, you immediately feel the connection between the two. They end up finding out the deep dark secret that has caused them to walk away from each other. Is love enough for this couple? They spent so many years apart but can their love survive this? Can Adam love Kendall through her mistakes? Can Kendall truly forgive Adam? I cannot tell you how much I felt for this couple. Usually high school sweethearts are not very convincing, however Kendall and Adam had an all consuming love. I've never met such a young couple that loved each other with such conviction as these two have. You will want to scream, cry, and throw things as you read Ripple. But the ending? It's worth it.
I enjoyed the writing style of Ripple. The story flowed seamlessly as we were taken back and forth from past to present and back again. The writing itself is beautiful as you are taken on a journey through Kendall and Adam's story. I truly hope we get to see more of Kendall and Adam. This is so much deeper than the typical second chance romance. If you are a believer that love endures all things, and I mean ALL things, then you must read this book.
This powerful and amazing story kept my attention the entire time. This book is for those who believe that true love can live through anything. This story hurts. A lot. I found that even after I finished, I was still thinking about it. The story and the characters will leave you breathless as it is both heartbreaking and heartfelt.
Ripple is told in both past and present. Kendall and Adam met in high school and their love blossomed over time. As best friends they became lovers. Circumstances tear them apart. Although they lived their lives apart the flame that originally ignited their relationship never went away. When an unfortunate occurrence forces them back into their small town, you immediately feel the connection between the two. They end up finding out the deep dark secret that has caused them to walk away from each other. Is love enough for this couple? They spent so many years apart but can their love survive this? Can Adam love Kendall through her mistakes? Can Kendall truly forgive Adam? I cannot tell you how much I felt for this couple. Usually high school sweethearts are not very convincing, however Kendall and Adam had an all consuming love. I've never met such a young couple that loved each other with such conviction as these two have. You will want to scream, cry, and throw things as you read Ripple. But the ending? It's worth it.
I enjoyed the writing style of Ripple. The story flowed seamlessly as we were taken back and forth from past to present and back again. The writing itself is beautiful as you are taken on a journey through Kendall and Adam's story. I truly hope we get to see more of Kendall and Adam. This is so much deeper than the typical second chance romance. If you are a believer that love endures all things, and I mean ALL things, then you must read this book.
February 9, 2015
This book was an emotional roller coaster ride! I tend to avoid such emotional books, but after reading Cedergreen's 'Gravity' I knew I wanted more. The author's writing is just so captivating that I'm able to read through the crazy emotional parts. She is brilliant with writing emotional scenes that just tug at your tear ducts. Yes, I teared a few times throughout this book as I did with reading her previous book. I'm still torn with what I should rate this book, because I hated the decisions our characters made and it irked me to know end their consistent terrible decision making. Yet, that was the whole point of this book that drove the point home-- regret. Through Adam and Kendall's (totally forgot her name had to go back. Lol. Mostly used Kendi that's why) journey I've come to appreciate making decisions by looking at the bigger picture and seeing if I would regret it. You literally could feel their regret coming out of the pages. This book made me think a lot about my decisions, motives for choosing it, how it affects others, and ultimately how happy am I to live the rest of my life with that decision. If a book makes you think and examine your life as this did mine, it's definitely worth picking up.
May 21, 2016
Two stars were given only for the writing. While the story did make me emotional because the author depicts the heroine's emotions so well, I have to agree with everyone else here: no one likes a cheater. In fact, this book (as well as Gravity) just made me angry more than anything else.
I despise cheaters in romance books more than anything and I definitely don't want to spend time and money reading a book where the asshole in the story gets a happy ending and let off the hook way too easily. I understand the lesson here is about second chances, but cheating isn't a mistake. It's a conscious decision that a person makes in full knowledge that they are destroying someone they made a promise to love, and I truly believe there are no second chances for that.
I don't care if the relationship is in tatters; if it's really that bad then you take a break from each other or you end it. Cheating is simply unforgivable, and for that, I didn't enjoy either of this author's books. The writing is amazing, but please reassess this plot structure, especially when writing a romance novel about love based on trust and honesty.
I despise cheaters in romance books more than anything and I definitely don't want to spend time and money reading a book where the asshole in the story gets a happy ending and let off the hook way too easily. I understand the lesson here is about second chances, but cheating isn't a mistake. It's a conscious decision that a person makes in full knowledge that they are destroying someone they made a promise to love, and I truly believe there are no second chances for that.
I don't care if the relationship is in tatters; if it's really that bad then you take a break from each other or you end it. Cheating is simply unforgivable, and for that, I didn't enjoy either of this author's books. The writing is amazing, but please reassess this plot structure, especially when writing a romance novel about love based on trust and honesty.
January 1, 2015
Wow, another great one. So emotional. Going from past to present was so necessary to understand how as the years went by these characters wound up where they are. I was constantly putting myself in Kendi's position wondering if I would have made the same choices that she did. I knew in my heart that she handled some of her choices so badly, but at the same time at the age she was at and how scare she must have felt could understand it. Adam, what can I say. Could not help but love him. Yes he messed up big time, but again he was so young. I was also shocked that he started a relationship with the same girl that he used to screw up his relationship with Kendi. They both made such horrible choices, but in the end it ended as it should have. Their love was so strong, so powerful, that they could overcome it all. My only complaint is that I felt that the epilogue should have contained more. I needed to know more about what happened with this couple and where they wound up. I feel after all that we deserved to see more of the HEA. I would definitely recommend this book!!
nope-nope-nope
January 29, 2019I love how books that sound horrible usually only have ARC reviews as five stars. Please...be more obvious 🙄 This sounds like a book that plays "how much can we torture the heroine and let the hero get away with it all?"
January 1, 2020
This is the second book by Cedergreen that I’ve read. She writes about serious topics which often involve loss and heartache. I shed a bucket of tears while reading this beautifully written book. The story is one of love, it’s highs and it’s lows. It’s about shedding the weight of painful secrets and freeing the energy to love. I completely enjoyed this novel.
As to some of the low ratings given this book — don’t criticize the book when it’s true to its genre. Choose a book from a different genre!
As to some of the low ratings given this book — don’t criticize the book when it’s true to its genre. Choose a book from a different genre!
January 8, 2020
I could have thrown this book at the wall several times, the indecision of the characters drove me nuts! Sex played a big part and so did alcohol which got a little old. The main concept of the story was heart breaking .
nuuuooope
January 20, 2026Self, stay away from this one too. Yes, it looks book-nippy, but sounds like a rage read, and not in a fun way...
Read
October 11, 2019A dismal waste of human space...not a romance...‼️
October 7, 2013
**SHANYN'S REVIEW**
“The first lie, like the first ripple in the water, seemed so small but quickly became more significant. Each wave growing in size and depth, impossible to stop. The effect from that one choice spread through my life like the ripple moving across the surface of the water. I longed for the stillness.”
Kendie Brooks lives in a small town. She’s a sweet, honest, and loyal girl. Adam is a year ahead of her in school, and every girl wants him. So, when he starts to show interest in Kendie, she is shocked. Why would Adam want her, when he can have any girl in school? They become friends, and start spending a lot of time together. Adam finally takes the leap and makes his feelings known to Kendie.
I instantly fell in love with how sweet and innocent their relationship was. Adam was a wonderful, caring boyfriend. Yes, he had some controlling issues at times, but he really loved Kendie, and showed her in every way. Adam has to leave for college, and they promise to make their relationship last. After a number of upsetting circumstances and lies effect their lives, Adam must leave and that is when Kenzie tells her first lie.
“I just couldn’t think about the lie that was wedged between us. I couldn’t let him see the guilt that was haunting my soul.”
“It would completely change his life and the path that he had just chosen for himself. I couldn’t tell him…I just couldn’t.”
Ten years go by, and during those 10 years, Kenzie must deal with the repercussions and guilt over her little lie. She deals with it by throwing herself into years of undergrad, medical school, and now her residency, all very far from home, that small town she grew up in, and Adam. She becomes serious with someone else, and moves on with her life. But, can you totally “move on” when you have so much guilt living with you every day?
“I pushed myself hard to succeed but I knew that my true motivation came from somewhere else. A place inside me that desperately wanted to forget, a place inside me that longed to feel whole again, a place that fought like hell to make it all worth it.”
When Kendie’s grandfather dies, she must go back to her small town. Of course she runs into her first love, Adam, and she can’t help but feel that pull. The chemistry and love is still there, after all these years.
“But inevitably- usually when it is least expected- the past has a way of starting us right in the face.”
When Adam wants to talk with her and find out what happened so many years ago, she must decide if she should keep her lie, and all the pain to herself, or finally tell Adam the truth? But will telling the truth make her feel any better or just make everyone associated feel worse?
“It took every ounce of will I possessed to stand and walk away from the only man that I had ever really loved. And still loved.”
This book made me feel so many emotions….it was sweet, angsty, and emotional all wrapped up in one. Then at 71%, I completely lost it and was a sobbing, heaving, wreck. The way this author writes had me feeling ALL the emotion that I could imagine Kendie feeling, and it was amazing.
“I should have known that I couldn’t run forever, that there was something completely inevitable about that moment. The moment when my past caught up to me.”
“I couldn’t help but think of how differently this moment could’ve been, if I had made different choices from the beginning.”
I couldn’t put this book down. I needed to know more of “the story” of Adam and Kendie. Why they lost touch for 10 years? Why she lied to him? What she lied about? You will fall in love with them, and their rollercoaster of a relationship also.
“Despite my best intentions, I was falling in deep all over again-completely lost in him.”
“The first lie, like the first ripple in the water, seemed so small but quickly became more significant. Each wave growing in size and depth, impossible to stop. The effect from that one choice spread through my life like the ripple moving across the surface of the water. I longed for the stillness.”
Kendie Brooks lives in a small town. She’s a sweet, honest, and loyal girl. Adam is a year ahead of her in school, and every girl wants him. So, when he starts to show interest in Kendie, she is shocked. Why would Adam want her, when he can have any girl in school? They become friends, and start spending a lot of time together. Adam finally takes the leap and makes his feelings known to Kendie.
I instantly fell in love with how sweet and innocent their relationship was. Adam was a wonderful, caring boyfriend. Yes, he had some controlling issues at times, but he really loved Kendie, and showed her in every way. Adam has to leave for college, and they promise to make their relationship last. After a number of upsetting circumstances and lies effect their lives, Adam must leave and that is when Kenzie tells her first lie.
“I just couldn’t think about the lie that was wedged between us. I couldn’t let him see the guilt that was haunting my soul.”
“It would completely change his life and the path that he had just chosen for himself. I couldn’t tell him…I just couldn’t.”
Ten years go by, and during those 10 years, Kenzie must deal with the repercussions and guilt over her little lie. She deals with it by throwing herself into years of undergrad, medical school, and now her residency, all very far from home, that small town she grew up in, and Adam. She becomes serious with someone else, and moves on with her life. But, can you totally “move on” when you have so much guilt living with you every day?
“I pushed myself hard to succeed but I knew that my true motivation came from somewhere else. A place inside me that desperately wanted to forget, a place inside me that longed to feel whole again, a place that fought like hell to make it all worth it.”
When Kendie’s grandfather dies, she must go back to her small town. Of course she runs into her first love, Adam, and she can’t help but feel that pull. The chemistry and love is still there, after all these years.
“But inevitably- usually when it is least expected- the past has a way of starting us right in the face.”
When Adam wants to talk with her and find out what happened so many years ago, she must decide if she should keep her lie, and all the pain to herself, or finally tell Adam the truth? But will telling the truth make her feel any better or just make everyone associated feel worse?
“It took every ounce of will I possessed to stand and walk away from the only man that I had ever really loved. And still loved.”
This book made me feel so many emotions….it was sweet, angsty, and emotional all wrapped up in one. Then at 71%, I completely lost it and was a sobbing, heaving, wreck. The way this author writes had me feeling ALL the emotion that I could imagine Kendie feeling, and it was amazing.
“I should have known that I couldn’t run forever, that there was something completely inevitable about that moment. The moment when my past caught up to me.”
“I couldn’t help but think of how differently this moment could’ve been, if I had made different choices from the beginning.”
I couldn’t put this book down. I needed to know more of “the story” of Adam and Kendie. Why they lost touch for 10 years? Why she lied to him? What she lied about? You will fall in love with them, and their rollercoaster of a relationship also.
“Despite my best intentions, I was falling in deep all over again-completely lost in him.”
December 9, 2013
I'm going to do this review a little different. Instead of giving the synopsis straight from the book, I'm going to give the synopsis from my POV!
"The effect from that one choice spread through my life like the ripple moving across the surface of the water"
In Ripple, you meet Kendall Brooks and Adam McCoy! Young lovers who may get a second chance at love if they can get through a HUGE secret from their past....
Kendall has a good head on her shoulders, she's completed med school and is working in her residency program. She has a new boyfriend who she's in love with, she thinks, and everything is going great! Until she has to return home for her Grandfather's funeral. Home. A place she hasn't visited for quite sometime. A place that still has heart because that's where he lives. Adam. Her first, and if she admits it herself, her one true love.
She figures she won't see Adam, so imagine her surprise when she not only runs into him at the funeral, but really loses it when he begins to officiate the service! OMG! She thought she was over him, she thought she could play it cool say hello and go on about her life. Not so much. Adam stuns her when he says they need to talk before she leaves town. He needs closure, he deserves that much. She knows she should, there's something, something HUGE she needs to get off her chest as well, but what will Adam think once she tells him?
This book is not about teenage drama, where the characters make stupid mistakes and are ruled by their hormones. While there is some steamy fun, this book is not about Kendall and Adam fullfilling their sexual desires. It's about what happens when secrets are exposed, consequences and the aftermath. It's about forgiveness, and letting go of the past in order to move forward!
My heart broke several times in this book for Kendall. What a tough cookie! She's had her fair share of loss in her life even as a teenager, but she's still able to pull through and succeed in her adult life. I also felt sorry for Adam. He's under a microscope from his parents who pressure him to succeed while keeping his faith in check. That is hard for a teenage boy! I really liked how Adam's faith really played a huge role in this book. He wants to be a better man, not only for himself, but for Kendall.
The books goes back and forth from the past and present giving you insight on what Kendall and Adam are doing now as adults. They both believed they have moved on, but you can never deny the love you have for someone especially when you have a past laced with so much history as these two have. Kendall is carrying around a secret and I was desperate to find out what it was! It's not an obvious secret, and even when she finally tells her story, I found myself crying and heartbroken once again, not just for Kendall, but for Adam. Needless to say you will need tissues reading this book. It's not an exhausting emotional roller coaster, but it will take you on a journey of self discovery. I found myself asking what would I do in the situation. My emotions were all over the place as Kendall and Adam find the road back to each other. It's a long and complicated journey to get to an HEA. The ending was perfect and totally surprised me. It left me feeling hopeful and proud of both Kendall and Adam as they decide if they want to continue their lives together, this time with no secrets and all past hurts forgiven!
4 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*I received an ARC copy of Ripple in exchange for an honest review*
December 6, 2013
**JUST BOOKED received an ARC for an honest review**
“…I dropped to my knees, the overwhelming grief stripping me of my strength to stand. I was broken.” - RIPPLE
Ripple is about Kendall Brooks force to confront her past ten years later when has to return from Southern California to eastern Washington to attend her grandfather’s funeral. Not only does the past have a way of catching up with us, but also Kendall past came crashing to her while attended her grandfather’s funeral and it was a beautiful mess facing her with thick dark wavy locks and familiar blue eyes.
“I should have known that I couldn’t run forever, that there was something completely inevitable about that moment. The moment when my past caught up to me.” - Kendall
Kendall first meets Adam McCoy in Spanish class as a sixteen-year old junior year high school student, while Adam is a senior year high school student. Adam is beautiful tall man, with an athletic build, deep blue eyes, dark wavy hair, and deep-set dimples. Kendall and Adam quickly become friends, but their relationship soon grows to much more - first love. When Adam leaves to attend his freshman year in college at Gonzaga University, Kendall discovers he has deceived her for a period of time and Kendall cannot find it within herself to forgive him.
“I had no right to feel betrayed. The depth of my betrayal was far greater. I had to let him go. Another decision that I could add to my list of regrets. I knew all this, and yet I still felt so wounded. It took every ounce of will I possessed to stand and walk away from the only man that I had ever really loved. And still loved.” - Kendall
Kendall has also lied to Adam, she has lied for the past ten years and when she confesses, there maybe no forgiveness from Adam. Even though Adam has confessed his love for her again, Kendall is afraid to tell Adam about the lie for the fear he will truly hate her. Kendall does not want Adam to hate her because she is confused if she really loves Adam or the thought of Adam being her first love.
“Maybe it was always that way with our first love. Maybe our adult relationships are supposed to be more about friendship and commitment, and our maturity keeps us from the irrational love and passion that we feel in our youth.” - Kendall
Will Kendall ever be able to forgive Adam and re-kindle their relationship before he lied? Will Kendall tell Adam the lie she has been holding as a secret for the past ten years? Will Kendall finally face her past and tell the truth, so she can feel the calm waters of life moving forward without deceit?
“The first lie, like the first ripple in the water, seemed so small but quickly became more significant. Each wave growing in size and depth, impossible to stop. The effect from that one choice spread through my life like the ripple moving across the surface of the water. I longed for the stillness.” - Kendall
Author L.D. Cedergreen romance novel, Ripple, has done an AMAZING job writing an EMOTIONAL LOVE STORY capturing your HEART and SOUL immediately finding yourself unable to put the book down. You will feel a roller coaster of emotions of LOVE, LOST, COMPASSION, BETRAYAL, DISTRUST, FORGIVENESS, and FRIENDSHIP.
I rate L.D. Cedergreen’s novel, Ripple – 5 AMAZING STARS!
“…I dropped to my knees, the overwhelming grief stripping me of my strength to stand. I was broken.” - RIPPLE
Ripple is about Kendall Brooks force to confront her past ten years later when has to return from Southern California to eastern Washington to attend her grandfather’s funeral. Not only does the past have a way of catching up with us, but also Kendall past came crashing to her while attended her grandfather’s funeral and it was a beautiful mess facing her with thick dark wavy locks and familiar blue eyes.
“I should have known that I couldn’t run forever, that there was something completely inevitable about that moment. The moment when my past caught up to me.” - Kendall
Kendall first meets Adam McCoy in Spanish class as a sixteen-year old junior year high school student, while Adam is a senior year high school student. Adam is beautiful tall man, with an athletic build, deep blue eyes, dark wavy hair, and deep-set dimples. Kendall and Adam quickly become friends, but their relationship soon grows to much more - first love. When Adam leaves to attend his freshman year in college at Gonzaga University, Kendall discovers he has deceived her for a period of time and Kendall cannot find it within herself to forgive him.
“I had no right to feel betrayed. The depth of my betrayal was far greater. I had to let him go. Another decision that I could add to my list of regrets. I knew all this, and yet I still felt so wounded. It took every ounce of will I possessed to stand and walk away from the only man that I had ever really loved. And still loved.” - Kendall
Kendall has also lied to Adam, she has lied for the past ten years and when she confesses, there maybe no forgiveness from Adam. Even though Adam has confessed his love for her again, Kendall is afraid to tell Adam about the lie for the fear he will truly hate her. Kendall does not want Adam to hate her because she is confused if she really loves Adam or the thought of Adam being her first love.
“Maybe it was always that way with our first love. Maybe our adult relationships are supposed to be more about friendship and commitment, and our maturity keeps us from the irrational love and passion that we feel in our youth.” - Kendall
Will Kendall ever be able to forgive Adam and re-kindle their relationship before he lied? Will Kendall tell Adam the lie she has been holding as a secret for the past ten years? Will Kendall finally face her past and tell the truth, so she can feel the calm waters of life moving forward without deceit?
“The first lie, like the first ripple in the water, seemed so small but quickly became more significant. Each wave growing in size and depth, impossible to stop. The effect from that one choice spread through my life like the ripple moving across the surface of the water. I longed for the stillness.” - Kendall
Author L.D. Cedergreen romance novel, Ripple, has done an AMAZING job writing an EMOTIONAL LOVE STORY capturing your HEART and SOUL immediately finding yourself unable to put the book down. You will feel a roller coaster of emotions of LOVE, LOST, COMPASSION, BETRAYAL, DISTRUST, FORGIVENESS, and FRIENDSHIP.
I rate L.D. Cedergreen’s novel, Ripple – 5 AMAZING STARS!
December 3, 2013
I was really torn about how to rate this book. At some points, I wanted to give it 3.5 hearts, at others, I wanted 4.5. So, I decided to go with the middle and rate 4 hearts. My emotions were all over the place as I was reading this book. At times, I felt detached from the story, but then I would get so invested I couldn’t put it down. How is it possible for a character to be so selfish and selfless at the same time over the same decision? I’m not really sure, but to me that is how both Kendi and Adam were.
The actual storytelling and writing is really great. It is written in both the past and present. I loved witnessing Adam and Kendi’s relationship in the beginning and them falling in love as high school kids. They experience first love together. With the inexperience of 1st love and the unconditional trust they have of each other, they fall hard and deep. They believe that armed with their love, they can take on the world and forever. Little did they know that life was about to intervene and prove them wrong. The heartbreak they experience together really touched me. It is such a hard journey for them.
For the most part, I really liked Kendi. I thought she was a great character, and I saw bits of my high school self in her. My heart absolutely broke for her. She is made to grow up too quickly and suddenly because of a tragic event. I love how Adam was right by her side to help pick her up. But, he then quickly messes up big time and I wanted to punch him in the face. This was the turning point of the story for me.
A person is defined by how they act in tough situations. As I continued with this story I kept thinking how Kendi and Adam became self-absorbed. They thought they had everything figured out, but they didn’t. The choices and decisions they made certainly had a ripple effect. They cause a lot of heartache for those around them, but mostly hurt themselves and each other. However, thinking back to when I was their age, I get it. I remember thinking I was on top of the world and had everything figured out at 18. They say hindsight is 20/20 and I certainly agree. When the author is telling the story in the present, the characters reflect a lot, and through hindsight, they wish they could change certain things. The author switches between past and present wonderfully. Never did I feel bogged down and it didn’t feel repetitive.
Though I was angry at times with the characters, and actually appalled at a huge decision that Kendi makes, I think that Ripple is a really good story. Once you read it, you fully grasp the title. In the first few pages, the author goes on to describe how decisions ripple like a rock ripples the water when tossed in. This story shows just how true that really is. This story also shows that you can’t go back and change the decisions you have made, but you can try to right your wrongs by your present actions.
The actual storytelling and writing is really great. It is written in both the past and present. I loved witnessing Adam and Kendi’s relationship in the beginning and them falling in love as high school kids. They experience first love together. With the inexperience of 1st love and the unconditional trust they have of each other, they fall hard and deep. They believe that armed with their love, they can take on the world and forever. Little did they know that life was about to intervene and prove them wrong. The heartbreak they experience together really touched me. It is such a hard journey for them.
For the most part, I really liked Kendi. I thought she was a great character, and I saw bits of my high school self in her. My heart absolutely broke for her. She is made to grow up too quickly and suddenly because of a tragic event. I love how Adam was right by her side to help pick her up. But, he then quickly messes up big time and I wanted to punch him in the face. This was the turning point of the story for me.
A person is defined by how they act in tough situations. As I continued with this story I kept thinking how Kendi and Adam became self-absorbed. They thought they had everything figured out, but they didn’t. The choices and decisions they made certainly had a ripple effect. They cause a lot of heartache for those around them, but mostly hurt themselves and each other. However, thinking back to when I was their age, I get it. I remember thinking I was on top of the world and had everything figured out at 18. They say hindsight is 20/20 and I certainly agree. When the author is telling the story in the present, the characters reflect a lot, and through hindsight, they wish they could change certain things. The author switches between past and present wonderfully. Never did I feel bogged down and it didn’t feel repetitive.
Though I was angry at times with the characters, and actually appalled at a huge decision that Kendi makes, I think that Ripple is a really good story. Once you read it, you fully grasp the title. In the first few pages, the author goes on to describe how decisions ripple like a rock ripples the water when tossed in. This story shows just how true that really is. This story also shows that you can’t go back and change the decisions you have made, but you can try to right your wrongs by your present actions.
December 6, 2013
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book but when a good book friend says "This book is a must read" I paid attention and read. OMG! This was one of the best books I have read this year! I was up to 4 am reading and only put it down because I knew the little ones would be up in a couple of hours! It’s just that good!!! I am now a huge fan of LD Cedergreen and I cannot wait to see what else is in store from her. This is a complete story so you don't have to worry about a cliffhanger. The book is written in past and present with a single POV.
We start out in the present with Kendall going home to her grandfather’s funeral. She hasn’t been home for years. She left 10 years ago and never looked back. At the funeral she sees the one person who she didn’t want to see, Adam. She was her first love. We got back to the past and see how their love blossomed and progressed. They were high school sweethearts. Adam is one year older than her so he goes off to college while she stays and finishes. They are determined to make it work because they feel like their love is genuine.
Secrets are then exposed and I was like I knew it…. always too good to be true! Adam is ruined by guilt by what he has done and feels like it would best for him to leave. He travels to Africa to do some missionary work and ends up staying a total of three years. Adam still loves Kendall very much and hopes they can work it out. This is just something he needs to do for what he did. He promises to write often and he does. But the letters quickly change to how he misses her to how this is good for him. During this time, Kendall is also keeping a secret. It was heart breaking because no amount of love will keep them together. They both have lies and secrets they have kept from each other. When Adam comes home, Kendall decides to come clean and goes to see him, but what she thinks she sees and what is reality are two different things. This crushes Kendall and changes the path for both of them.
Now back to the present of 10 years later. You are rooting so much for true love to win, I wanted so much for them to work things out after all these years. But has too much time past and are the wounds too fresh. Will the secret Kendall exposes crush Adam or can it be the one thing that brings them back together after all these years? You will have to read to find out!
We start out in the present with Kendall going home to her grandfather’s funeral. She hasn’t been home for years. She left 10 years ago and never looked back. At the funeral she sees the one person who she didn’t want to see, Adam. She was her first love. We got back to the past and see how their love blossomed and progressed. They were high school sweethearts. Adam is one year older than her so he goes off to college while she stays and finishes. They are determined to make it work because they feel like their love is genuine.
Secrets are then exposed and I was like I knew it…. always too good to be true! Adam is ruined by guilt by what he has done and feels like it would best for him to leave. He travels to Africa to do some missionary work and ends up staying a total of three years. Adam still loves Kendall very much and hopes they can work it out. This is just something he needs to do for what he did. He promises to write often and he does. But the letters quickly change to how he misses her to how this is good for him. During this time, Kendall is also keeping a secret. It was heart breaking because no amount of love will keep them together. They both have lies and secrets they have kept from each other. When Adam comes home, Kendall decides to come clean and goes to see him, but what she thinks she sees and what is reality are two different things. This crushes Kendall and changes the path for both of them.
Now back to the present of 10 years later. You are rooting so much for true love to win, I wanted so much for them to work things out after all these years. But has too much time past and are the wounds too fresh. Will the secret Kendall exposes crush Adam or can it be the one thing that brings them back together after all these years? You will have to read to find out!
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