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Rose Gardner Mystery #3.5

Falling to Pieces

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When Joe walks out of Rose’s life, she can’t imagine life without him. But with support from her friends—and an unexpected person — Rose finds her way to climb out of her despair.

After his father’s blackmail forces him to leave the love of his life to protect her, Joe is thrown into the race for Arkansas State Senate. But while Rose has people to help her grieve, Joe finds himself completely alone — except the one person he detests is the only person who’s offering comfort.

The story takes place between the end of Thirty and a Half Excuses and the beginning of Thirty-One and a Half Regrets. It was originally released to Denise Grover Swank newsletter subscibers as a serialized novella.

103 pages, ebook

First published November 9, 2013

329 people are currently reading
1348 people want to read

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Denise Grover Swank

132 books5,889 followers

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5 stars
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709 (15%)
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18 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
Profile Image for Annette M Guerriero Nishimoto.
340 reviews
November 1, 2013
Coming Soon!!

Today's review is on Falling to Pieces, Book 3.5 in the Rose Gardner Series by Denise Grover Swank

I have read all of Swank's books in the Chosen series and now the Rose Gardner series. Sadly, I have decided that I just cannot read any books in the newer series that she writes. Why? Because she writes so damn well that I can’t help but to become emotionally vested in her characters!

In the first two installments it's all about Rose and Joe, and rightfully so. He was her first love and well, I thought he was the bee's knees too. That is until the sexy and hunky Mason came to town. It was from that first time he locked eyes with Rose and those sparks flew off of the pages that I gave my heart to him and all bets were off. Sorry Joe.

Thankfully the writing goddess, because that is what Swank is, has heard my silent dreams and prayers. Joe has left the building. He had a choice to make at the end of book 3 and he chose unwisely. Instead of choosing Rose above all else he chose the cowards way and has once again become the puppet his parents control.

But what happened after Joe broke up with Rose and drove away? In this short three-part book you can find out for yourself. You may want to grab a tissue. You may want to hide your sneer. But if you're anything like me and your heart was set on Mason you just may jump for joy. Now I need book 4!!

Another fantastic read!!

5 of 5 stars


Profile Image for Diane (Books and Tequila Blog).
1,519 reviews72 followers
May 4, 2022
I’m glad I didn’t skip this novella. Falling to pieces is a great bonus ending to Thirty and a Half Excuses that gives us that little closure we needed after how the story ended. It sheds light on Joe’s side of the story and left me excited to read more of Rose Gardener’s stories.
-4.5 Stars-
Profile Image for Theresa .
1,848 reviews77 followers
June 7, 2017
This novella uses a dual POV to share the heartbreak that Rose and Joe experience in the wake of consequences suffered for their choices in the previous novel, as well as the lies and deceit that played a role in their destruction....Rose is surrounded with the love and support of her family and friends allowing her the time and space to begin healing and putting her life in order; we watch her face her fears and acknowledge her pain, past and present, recognizing the need to sort through it before being able to move forward...at the other extreme, Joe is surrounded by political manipulations and deceitful family leaving him alone and vulnerable; we watch him crumble under these ministrations leading to dangerous choices that could have catastrophic consequences...this story continues to twist and turn leaving me wondering where it will all end for these characters...I am certainly intrigued and look forward to the journey...4 Stars:)
Profile Image for Rosie.
243 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2014
Heart wrenching! Bring tissue because this ones a tear jerker and it's hard to read at times.

I feel horrible for Joe, he gave up his one true love Rose to protect her from his destined world. Who knew Rose and Joe were going to be so transparent. Very tragic and sad for both Rose and Joe, no winner here.

I can't figure Mason out? But all these people have secrets and I'm sure Mr.D is going to fall in line soon.

Rose needs to figure out who she is and what she wants out of life. She spends so much time getting into awkward situations that she hasn't had any time to think about her. Looking forward to questions being answered in book 4.

I just finished part 3 of this short novella. What I thought was great is how the author gave us readers small reads once a month up until the 4th book releases. What I thought was hard to read was Joe's pain, and how he wasn't trying to figure out a way out of the mess of his life. Instead he got sucked right back into what he wants out of. At the end this short story I was literally screaming at him NOOOOOO! I love Joe for the simple fact that he put Rose before him, however if he continues to not stick up for himself then he'll be on the not so loved list.

After reading the next installment I want to add that the song with Christina Aguilera on it "Say Something" is so Rose and Joe and it's very very sad :(
Profile Image for Mahoghani 23.
1,336 reviews
May 23, 2018
Being a parent does not give you the right to manipulate your children to do whatever bidding you want them to do. Joe's parents decided what was good for him without worrying about the repercussions. This story was hurtful, demoralizing, and demonstrated how to snatch the heart of your adult child and step on it.

I enjoyed it. It was true drama and caused you to dislike people who think they're better than others. Rose Gardner is really a nice woman that looks inside a person instead of judging them. A simple story that shows how two people can fall in love, decide to get married, and have others to destroy it.
Profile Image for Jan L.
1,002 reviews22 followers
September 1, 2018
Just wow

I am writing a review as tears fall down my face & I have a sadness in my heart. I guess that's a compliment to the author because I don't read books that make me cry. It's a rule. Never. As Rose & Joe feel their loss I hurt & as Rose starts to fight back, I cheer & hope with her. What talent to bring Rose to life for readers & what imagination to provide a whole town full of characters to walk through her plots. I can't stop now.
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,032 reviews25.3k followers
February 19, 2015
Falling To Pieces is a novella that comes between Thirty and a Half Excuses and Thirty One and a Half Regrets which will be released on January 9, 2014. This deals with both Rose and Joe's state of mind during this time. I read this novella in three segments which was released on Denise Grover Swank's email newsletter over a three month period but it will also be released in January for purchase.

I have said before that I have grown to dislike Joe. And my opinion has not changed. Throughout his life he has allowed his overbearing father to rule his life and now is no exception. I feel Joe is weak. That at some point there had to have been a way to separate himself from his family and their manipulations. Now it seems he is using alcohol to numb his pain. And, even though he can't stand her, Hilary is the only one offering him understanding. What else is Hilary offering and will he take it?

Rose, our wonderful Rose. I have come to love her so much. Yes, I know she is a fictional character, but in my mind, she is part of my family, or my best friend. I feel like I know her so well. Rose is devastated by Joe leaving her. But her sister and friends all rally around her, helping her through it. And she has found a surprising friend in Jonah, the preacher. With a combination of throwing herself back into her landscaping business and the support of her friends, she will survive. And, there is also Mason. She knows she has a lot to sort out before she can think of being in another relationship but Mason is there waiting patiently. Will Rose be able to love again? I simply cannot wait for the next book to come out. If you haven't started this series yet, I highly recommend it now to get ready for the next book. All I have to say to the author, Denise Grover Swank is, "YOU ROCK!!!"
Profile Image for Shellyc.
86 reviews19 followers
December 2, 2013
Come on Joe, grow some balls! I can't wait for part 3.

Update: I just finished part 3 and now I cannot wait till the 4th book! Joe...ugh really??? That man needs to wake up and realize that he's completely being used. But I still prefer Mason with Rose so please wake up and move on. Ahhh Mason....how perfect can he be right now. The author seriously wrote him in a way that he simply cannot be hated. There are no flaws to this man, even if he does, he's redeemed by another amazing characteristic of his. Go Mason!
Profile Image for Emily Pearson.
Author 7 books78 followers
December 30, 2013
Anyone who knows me or reads my Rose Gardner reviews knows how die hard Team Joe I am. The end of Thirty BROKE my poor little heart. Falling to Pieces is a short story between Thirty and Thirty-One that truly eased my broken soul. Regardless of if you are Team Joe, Team Mason, or simply Team Rose, FTP is the perfect story to ease the pain caused by Thirty and it allows the reader to to see a side of Rose we haven't seen before. Understanding the characters and every ounce of emotion that flows from them is imperative and that is exactly what Denise has done here. ♥
Profile Image for Kat.
220 reviews27 followers
November 6, 2015
Review
How do you piece up your broken heart?

How do you stand against your family?

The answer . . .

Time and a lot of healing
You don't, you must abide them

Two different path means sacrifice

Read the after math of Rose and Joe's breakup in Falling to Pieces

I give this 4.5 Cats Tails Up, read in-between the lines.

There's some spoilers talks at the end of my post but mostly I thought about the book itself.

http://sassycatsbooksreview.blogspot....
Profile Image for Donna.
4 reviews
November 2, 2018
Thumbs up.

Different from books. More insight into the characters. I enjoyed. I recommend. I love Rose and I love Mason. Not too sure about her sister. And really like her best friend.
Profile Image for Suze Prescot.
Author 12 books31 followers
November 22, 2022
Bridging story

The fallout from the third book is dealt with in this short story. For the first time we head from Joe as well as Rose, which will help followers of their relationship.
This may be short but it packs a well-needed punch, and prepares the reader for book four. Cathartic and critical.
432 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2019
How can you love a character so much and then find yourself mentally yelling at him in the same book? I just want to shake Joe and say.... how can you be this way? Heart break hurts and Rose has moved from one domineering/controling relationship into another with Joe. DGS has this ability for the reader to actual buy into all these emotions with the characters in these books. Add in some mystery and secrets and the reader is sucked in. Twists and turns, romance, and an honest story. I just love these books and this author!
2 reviews
December 8, 2013
I cried so much, I felt every emotion she was feeling. I was mad at Joe but at the same time I understood him and had pity for him. I like Rose better with Joe but I think Mason would be a good match I hope in the next book Joe will be around and isn't disappeared. I think the whole novella was so beautiful and I wish it would've of been a complete book. I have never cried so much reading a book from the beginning to the end . I hope Joe doesn't think she really moved on nor she thinks he moved on. I got emotionally wrapped up in this book.
Profile Image for Anna.
459 reviews5 followers
April 29, 2014
I don't really understand why this was written. Of course we know Rose will be devastated, the parting scene was written well enough from her side in book 3, did we really need the entire thing again from his side? The only thing I can see that could come out of this is the author trying to get us to not like Joe any more so Rose can move on and she did succeed in that, otherwise I don't feel like it was worth the money.
Profile Image for A.M..
Author 7 books58 followers
January 27, 2018
A novella with Joe’s pov. This is a first, and for the obvious reason that he and Rose are still apart.
But it’s kind of odd, because it doesn’t seem like they will be getting back together, so why have his pov? I don’t get it as an authorial decision. He’s gone. And he can take her sister Violet with him. Honestly.
Her friend group is now Jonah (the evangelist), Neely Kate, Mason, and Bruce Wayne.
Joe is running for office with his new/old fiancee Hilary.
2 stars
Profile Image for Find Me Behind a Book.
450 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2019
I love the idea of this novella. In this book, you will find out why Joe broke up with Rose and how he handled things with his parents after the dreaded dinner. Seeing the story pan out through other characters helps create a deeper story.

Just reread this novella and my heart continues to break for both Rose and Joe. The love they have for one another is so strong and amazing.
Profile Image for Nicki.
2,162 reviews15 followers
May 10, 2014
A novella mainly recapping the crappy events with Joe from the previous. Meh. I can't totally hate on it, but as stated on previous review, I am done, and I wouldn't have even read this one if it wasn't in the bundle I purchased. Read book one, pretend the rest weren't written.
Profile Image for Laila Nelke.
370 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2017
This is a good short story from Joe's side. And while I can see his pain I want to punch him although I had that feeling there is something off about him since first book, so DGS done a great job again anyway! Must read it!
Profile Image for Charity.
1,436 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2013
Aaarrrgggg! January 9th?! I love this series. These 3 snippets have been wonderful to tide me over until next month. I'll be reading that book the day it drops!
Profile Image for Jessica .
357 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2020
So I know I'm a little late to the rose Gardner mystery series but omg I couldn't put the darn books down. I stubbled up on the first book a long time ago and then got busy with life and never read it, so I decided a week and a half ago to finally read it. Once I finished the first book in a day in a half I went ahead and bought the 3 box sets that were available. I was glad I did it that way as I was able to read all the novellas in between as well. I ended up getting emersed into these books I read the whole rose Gardner mystery series in a week and a half I immedietly fell in love with all the characters and found myself rooting for relationships to last, others to end, and new Ines to start. I felt like I was part of the story so much that when some dangerous was happening my heart rate was going crazy, and then when something sad I felt emotional like these characters were real that they were my friends. I know it sounds weird but this author really makes you feel what's happening. After I finished this series I discovered rose Gardner investigation series just to find out its not yet complete yet. Which is going to literally drive me crazy since I've already finished and read book one and then completed Neely Kate's story....book 2 won't be out until July of this year so I guess while I wait I will more than likely read the whole series over again...

If you're looking for a great series read these books they're absolutely amazing!!!!!
Profile Image for Linda.
1,372 reviews
June 4, 2022
Well, stuff went to wrap quickly

Sorry, but I really thought I could like this series, but I don't like where it went. I'm not surprised to be honest, but not happy about it either. This short rehashed the ending of the previous book with views from Rose and Joe's perspectives, but then went further. What bothers me is the contradictions. Rose feels like she can't survive without Joe after he breaks up with her, but when she had him, she couldn't commit to him. She did not move to be closer to him, she wasn't going to say yes to his proposal, she couldn't let Mason go knowing he felt more than friendship and she was getting jealous of other women, but we are supposed to believe that Joe was her everything? There is so much about Rose that bothers me. Then the author went and made Joe the bad guy. Now he is the one that "moved" on first. With someone completely horrible. Great job, you ruined the series for me. Don't get me wrong, he wasn't perfect but again, there was the red flag on a love triangle. To make that work, he was slowly being turned into someone we are supposed to feel doesn't deserve her. Hell, he has more in common with her than ever. A father who mentally beat at him while she had a mother who treated her badly. So yeah, I'm finding myself more annoyed and disappointed with this series as it progresses. I'm sure others will love it so to each their own.
Profile Image for Imjussayin.
561 reviews11 followers
August 23, 2017
Falling to Pieces: Rose Gardner 3.5

I am deeply disappointed with this story. More accurately, lack of a story. The novella is basically the closing chapters of Thirty and a Half Reasons rehashed without the edits. There is nothing new here, just the unedited manuscript. Personally, I find it insulting and bordering on dishonest.

Save your money.

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Would I read the next one or reread ? Yes!

My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A great read. A prominent example of the genre.
Profile Image for Viv.
100 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2019
In this installment you get 2 POVs.

Joe has given up his 1 true love, and sold his soul to the devil. How does one cope, or even move on, when you feel as if you have no rights to be your own person.? Joe's parents make me ill, thinking it's okay to manipulate your son into doing something he has no desire or heart to do and then threating the one person who makes him feel like a better version of himself. But the hope is lost, and my heart breaks for both, Joe & Rose.

On the other hand while Rose is experiencing this heartache, she is 1 tough cookie and its great to see such strength and resilience when it comes to her.

I want to love Mason, but its like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop because Rose seems to have interesting luck when it comes to the people in her life. Everyone seems to have some mind blowing secrets. Hopefully Rose will get a break, but I won't hold my breath.
Profile Image for Brandi .
129 reviews5 followers
July 30, 2020
One of my favorite parts of Denises' writing is the depth that she brings to each character. None of the main or supporting characters are left unattended. Each has their own background and storyline. I love learning more about each of the characters and watching them grow. The depth and realness of the characters pulls at your heartstrings. Denise's writing is so relatable. It is like you are reading about your bestfriend! We should all have friends like Rose and NK! This novella is about Joe's storyline. I enjoyed reading this. I laughed, I cried, I cheered Joe on, I might have even yelled at Joe at a few points in this book!
Profile Image for Tammy Moldovan.
1,976 reviews28 followers
December 19, 2023
Heartache and the start of healing

This novella gives us a glimpse of the lead up to and the aftermath of Joe breaking up with Rose to pursue a political career. We also get some chapters from Joe’s POV. Despite being short, the story was well written, the characters had dimension and the storyline was engaging. However, this novella is not really a standalone, it needs to be read after the previous book in the series. I am excited to read more in the series as Rose continues to grow and heal.
Profile Image for Sondra Wayman.
429 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2017
I love Denise Grover Swanks' Rose Gardner Series. She does short novellas that you can find out more info about certain characters' life history and thoughts. I love the fact that she does this. You get insight into other characters. This novella is so good at seeing into Joe's soul as well as what happens in Rose's life right after "Thirty and a half excuses." You miss a lot of you don't read the novellas.
52 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2018
I love novellas. They always give you a bit more insight to what the characters are going through or doing in between books. This novella is probably the most emotional novella I have ever read. You can feel the pain of Roses breakup with Joe. You can feel Joes pain as well. This book is absolutely heartbreaking. But as always, once you hit rock bottom the only way to go is up. Another really great book in the Rose Gardner series.
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