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Willowhaven #1
Me After You
Widowed at twenty-five, Sawyer Hartwell has no choice but to return to her hometown. Broke and alone, the intention was to heal and find herself again, but how can she heal in a place filled with so much sorrow and memories she yearns to forget?
Dean Preston has regretted leaving Willowhaven since the day he rode off on his motorcycle six years ago, destroying the only love he had ever known. Returning too late, he's found small comfort in a new life with Lily, but with Sawyer back he's not sure of anything anymore.
The time has come for Sawyer and Dean to face the past, to learn from their mistakes. The road to healing is paved with old wounds, each one threatening to tear them down completely. Carrying their own scars close to their hearts, they must both confront what's gone before or lose their second chance.
The measure of who we are is what we survive. Who we become is up to us.
Dean Preston has regretted leaving Willowhaven since the day he rode off on his motorcycle six years ago, destroying the only love he had ever known. Returning too late, he's found small comfort in a new life with Lily, but with Sawyer back he's not sure of anything anymore.
The time has come for Sawyer and Dean to face the past, to learn from their mistakes. The road to healing is paved with old wounds, each one threatening to tear them down completely. Carrying their own scars close to their hearts, they must both confront what's gone before or lose their second chance.
The measure of who we are is what we survive. Who we become is up to us.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2013
75 people are currently reading
848 people want to read
About the author
Mindy Hayes
31 books385 followersMindy is the youngest of six children and grew up in San Diego, California. After graduating from Brigham Young University-Idaho, she discovered her passion for reading and writing. Mindy lives in Summerville, South Carolina with her husband and daughter.
She is the author of the Faylinn novels and the Willowhaven series; as well as the standalones, Stain and The Day That Saved Us. Mindy is also the co-author of the Paper Planes series and the Backroads Duet, which was co-written with Michele G. Miller as Mindy Michele.
www.mindyhayes.com
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She is the author of the Faylinn novels and the Willowhaven series; as well as the standalones, Stain and The Day That Saved Us. Mindy is also the co-author of the Paper Planes series and the Backroads Duet, which was co-written with Michele G. Miller as Mindy Michele.
www.mindyhayes.com
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/authorhaymind
FOLLOW ME ON AMAZON:
https://www.amazon.com/Mindy-Hayes/e/...
FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/hayes.mindy
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 21, 2021
Hero dumps h. Heroine comes back to find out the hero is dating her BF. Then he is not sure about what to do?!?!? No thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2022
Not exactly a love for the ages. I just didn’t buy it or the drama. If you are a bad boy that doesn't deserve the one you love (your soul mate), you try and make her happy not dump her for her own good. And the heroine was just blah. I felt sad for the dead husband.
However, the biggest problem for me was how the men would use their substitute dates, girlfriend/OW and use them to prove a point, alleviate boredom or make their real quarry jealous.
The hero of the sequel Me Without You is especially cruel about this and smirks about his date in front of the girl he really wants, and the date is hurt and confused. Yuck. Be a mensch.
However, the biggest problem for me was how the men would use their substitute dates, girlfriend/OW and use them to prove a point, alleviate boredom or make their real quarry jealous.
The hero of the sequel Me Without You is especially cruel about this and smirks about his date in front of the girl he really wants, and the date is hurt and confused. Yuck. Be a mensch.
July 9, 2022
A story about 2 small town high school sweethearts, Dean and Sawyer, who lose each other, have never stopped loving each other.
They have their HEA.
AFTER:
He leaves her. Twice.
6 years ago and again now. (She leaves their hometown after that too and the book starts up where they are now both back in town)
He is now in a committed relationship, with the ow, her ex bff, Lily. At the start of the book, when Sawyer comes back, Dean and the ow have been committed for 1 yr and they love each other.
The other woman:
SAWYER'S POV"
“The last time we talked, she (Lily) was trying to tell me how Dean wasn’t worth any more thought. She was trying to convince me to move on with my life. She was the one that convinced me a move out of state was a good idea.”
LILY SAYS:
“……….I chose you, Dean. Over anyone else, I would always choose having a life with you. It trumps any other relationship.”
DEAN'S FLASHBACK:
“Is there something going on between you and Lily?” she asks…………
I’m shaking my head in disbelief. “Why would something be going on between Lily and me?”……………
“I see the way she looks at you”……….
“I could never want anyone but Sawyer. Not Lily. Not Scarlett freaking Johansson…….”
DEAN'S POV:
- She (Lily) went to high school with Sawyer and me. She knows
what we had, what I threw away, and yet Lily loves me anyway…….
- I follow Lily with the picnic basket in my hands. Lily decides where we're going to sit…It happens to be under the willow Sawyer and I spent nearly every week under during our junior and senior year.
- Sunlight glimmers through the willow branches, lightening the blonde in her hair that falls across her face. She really is beautiful.
SAWYER'S POV:
“Lily might have been one of my best friends in high school, but I always knew she had a thing for Dean.”
Dean and Lily’s relationship:
DEAN'S POV:
- “I love you,” she (Lily) says sweetly.
It gets caught in my throat on its way up, but I force it out. “Love you, too.”…………….”.
- She wants to move forward, which makes sense. I was nearly on the same level as her until recently. My love for her hasn’t changed. But is it the kind of love she deserves?
SO HE BREAKS UP WITH LILY -
And then this happens between Dean and Lily after the first time Lily sees Dean and Sawyer in the same space:
“He steps forward, reaching out to hug her, but she lifts her hands to ward him off. She’s definitely not happy. He says one word that I can’t decipher, and her hands withdraw back to her sides. Dean leans in and kisses her cheek. He hovers for a moment, and I can’t look any longer.”
SAWYER'S BIGGEST FEAR IS THAT HE WILL LEAVE HER AGAIN.
She has a really hard time accepting the choices he made and the burden she had to bear when he left 6 yrs ago. She tried very very hard to move on and become whole again.
SO YES, HE LEAVES HER AGAIN.....Sigh.....
HE DOES COME BACK:
“I got a flat tire a little ways up the road.”
I WISH.......
HE HAD FOUGHT FOR SAWYER
He doesn’t take time to prove his worth to her. Like he does with Lily:
HIS POV:
- I’ve decided focusing on Lily is the only way I can get on with my life……. I owe it to her to try and make this work. She gave me a chance. I want to give her one in return.
- Her (Lily) arms wrap around my neck, and she kisses me. I kiss her back and search for more. I want to get lost in her touch.
HE GROVELS AND CRIES, YES:
But not as firmly as he makes conscious decisions to find a new life without her. He’s done it before and he can do it again.
THE STORY IS RICH WITH HAPPENINGS
There are many, many other issues they deal with : their sorrow at being apart, her husband and their relationship. The heartache she deals with when he leaves her at a time she needs him most. Many other deep, meaningful issues that make them who they are.
He’s not an AWFUL guy.
Just not the kinda guy I want my heroines to spend their futures with.
Doesn't she deserve a hero who would fight for her cos she’s worth it? One who would invest in the time it would take to break down her barriers and not depend on a flat tire to set the ball rolling.
I prefer a hero with strength, resilience and loyalty.
They have their HEA.
AFTER:
He leaves her. Twice.
6 years ago and again now. (She leaves their hometown after that too and the book starts up where they are now both back in town)
He is now in a committed relationship, with the ow, her ex bff, Lily. At the start of the book, when Sawyer comes back, Dean and the ow have been committed for 1 yr and they love each other.
The other woman:
SAWYER'S POV"
“The last time we talked, she (Lily) was trying to tell me how Dean wasn’t worth any more thought. She was trying to convince me to move on with my life. She was the one that convinced me a move out of state was a good idea.”
LILY SAYS:
“……….I chose you, Dean. Over anyone else, I would always choose having a life with you. It trumps any other relationship.”
DEAN'S FLASHBACK:
“Is there something going on between you and Lily?” she asks…………
I’m shaking my head in disbelief. “Why would something be going on between Lily and me?”……………
“I see the way she looks at you”……….
“I could never want anyone but Sawyer. Not Lily. Not Scarlett freaking Johansson…….”
DEAN'S POV:
- She (Lily) went to high school with Sawyer and me. She knows
what we had, what I threw away, and yet Lily loves me anyway…….
- I follow Lily with the picnic basket in my hands. Lily decides where we're going to sit…It happens to be under the willow Sawyer and I spent nearly every week under during our junior and senior year.
- Sunlight glimmers through the willow branches, lightening the blonde in her hair that falls across her face. She really is beautiful.
SAWYER'S POV:
“Lily might have been one of my best friends in high school, but I always knew she had a thing for Dean.”
Dean and Lily’s relationship:
DEAN'S POV:
- “I love you,” she (Lily) says sweetly.
It gets caught in my throat on its way up, but I force it out. “Love you, too.”…………….”.
- She wants to move forward, which makes sense. I was nearly on the same level as her until recently. My love for her hasn’t changed. But is it the kind of love she deserves?
SO HE BREAKS UP WITH LILY -
And then this happens between Dean and Lily after the first time Lily sees Dean and Sawyer in the same space:
“He steps forward, reaching out to hug her, but she lifts her hands to ward him off. She’s definitely not happy. He says one word that I can’t decipher, and her hands withdraw back to her sides. Dean leans in and kisses her cheek. He hovers for a moment, and I can’t look any longer.”
SAWYER'S BIGGEST FEAR IS THAT HE WILL LEAVE HER AGAIN.
She has a really hard time accepting the choices he made and the burden she had to bear when he left 6 yrs ago. She tried very very hard to move on and become whole again.
SO YES, HE LEAVES HER AGAIN.....Sigh.....
HE DOES COME BACK:
“I got a flat tire a little ways up the road.”
I WISH.......
HE HAD FOUGHT FOR SAWYER
He doesn’t take time to prove his worth to her. Like he does with Lily:
HIS POV:
- I’ve decided focusing on Lily is the only way I can get on with my life……. I owe it to her to try and make this work. She gave me a chance. I want to give her one in return.
- Her (Lily) arms wrap around my neck, and she kisses me. I kiss her back and search for more. I want to get lost in her touch.
HE GROVELS AND CRIES, YES:
But not as firmly as he makes conscious decisions to find a new life without her. He’s done it before and he can do it again.
THE STORY IS RICH WITH HAPPENINGS
There are many, many other issues they deal with : their sorrow at being apart, her husband and their relationship. The heartache she deals with when he leaves her at a time she needs him most. Many other deep, meaningful issues that make them who they are.
He’s not an AWFUL guy.
Just not the kinda guy I want my heroines to spend their futures with.
Doesn't she deserve a hero who would fight for her cos she’s worth it? One who would invest in the time it would take to break down her barriers and not depend on a flat tire to set the ball rolling.
I prefer a hero with strength, resilience and loyalty.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2013
Actual Rating 3.5
I actually came across this book not so long ago and fell in love with the cover. I immediately checked it out and felt like I had hit the jack pot because this book had a second chance romance and I am a sucker for those.
This book may not be the best thing I’ve ever read but it definitely did not disappoint. In fact I was very happy with the book and it wasn’t even because of the romance.
I don’t usually like reading books that involve the death of a spouse because it always seems as though there isn’t enough mourning. I realize that everyone deserves a second chance at love but does that mean you forget about the person who you were married to? Or say stuff like ‘I didn’t love him as much as I loved you’? Whenever that happens, I just get extremely annoyed.
The author really did a good job with that though. I don’t think I can describe how happy it made me that the main character’s life did not revolve around finding love but it also involved healing after the death of a loved one.
Oh she was attracted to Dean alright, they had history together but the fact that he was back in her life didn’t mean she was ready to move on with him.
What I also loved about her was the fact she didn’t compare her love with Dean to her love for Grayson. She may not have loved Grayson the same way she loved Dean but that didn’t change the fact that he had been there for her and she had loved him. The author didn’t try to push Grayson out of the way. His ghost was always looming in the back, even in her HEA, she just made his death easier to deal with for the main character.
Dean wasn’t the best love interest out there. I wanted the two to get their HEA but I was more in love with Grayson than I ever could be with Dean. I did like him as a character though. Some people may think the fact that he continued helping Josh out was a stupid thing to do but I actually liked that. He was willing to give his friend a chance until he went too far. He realized when that happened. He didn’t blind himself to that. The point is that he didn’t just give up on his friend even when things seemed hopeless, no matter what anyone said, whether it was Sawyer, Lily or Adrian, he wouldn’t take shit about his friend.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the actual romance either. There was some regret but the choices both characters made weren’t the best. The relationship of the secondary characters was a lot more enjoyable for me (that’s a new thing for me). I think the problem was that Sawyer could act like a Mary Sue from time to time. She needed to be stronger for a change instead of having everyone rescue her all the time. I understand she is dealing with grief but still.
The fact that Dean actually dated Sawyer’s best friend really annoyed me. If he had really loved Sawyer he wouldn’t have done that to her. I suppose his reasons weren’t as bad as they come seeing that Lily was actually there for him when no one else was but it still annoyed me. I don’t know if we’re meant to like Lily or not but I certainly did not like her. For starters, she broke the bro code (strike one) and she chose a relationship over her best friends. Strike two. Out.
The writing could have been better as well. Some of the sentences were just awkward but it didn’t bother me too much.
In the end this book was enjoyable. The author made me hope for the ‘right’ things. It wasn’t about the happy ending but the journey towards one. It was an engaging tale of loss, second chances, regret and love. I definitely recommend this book to someone looking for a light read.
This review has also been posted on my blog
I actually came across this book not so long ago and fell in love with the cover. I immediately checked it out and felt like I had hit the jack pot because this book had a second chance romance and I am a sucker for those.
This book may not be the best thing I’ve ever read but it definitely did not disappoint. In fact I was very happy with the book and it wasn’t even because of the romance.
I don’t usually like reading books that involve the death of a spouse because it always seems as though there isn’t enough mourning. I realize that everyone deserves a second chance at love but does that mean you forget about the person who you were married to? Or say stuff like ‘I didn’t love him as much as I loved you’? Whenever that happens, I just get extremely annoyed.
The author really did a good job with that though. I don’t think I can describe how happy it made me that the main character’s life did not revolve around finding love but it also involved healing after the death of a loved one.
Oh she was attracted to Dean alright, they had history together but the fact that he was back in her life didn’t mean she was ready to move on with him.
What I also loved about her was the fact she didn’t compare her love with Dean to her love for Grayson. She may not have loved Grayson the same way she loved Dean but that didn’t change the fact that he had been there for her and she had loved him. The author didn’t try to push Grayson out of the way. His ghost was always looming in the back, even in her HEA, she just made his death easier to deal with for the main character.
Dean wasn’t the best love interest out there. I wanted the two to get their HEA but I was more in love with Grayson than I ever could be with Dean. I did like him as a character though. Some people may think the fact that he continued helping Josh out was a stupid thing to do but I actually liked that. He was willing to give his friend a chance until he went too far. He realized when that happened. He didn’t blind himself to that. The point is that he didn’t just give up on his friend even when things seemed hopeless, no matter what anyone said, whether it was Sawyer, Lily or Adrian, he wouldn’t take shit about his friend.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the actual romance either. There was some regret but the choices both characters made weren’t the best. The relationship of the secondary characters was a lot more enjoyable for me (that’s a new thing for me). I think the problem was that Sawyer could act like a Mary Sue from time to time. She needed to be stronger for a change instead of having everyone rescue her all the time. I understand she is dealing with grief but still.
The fact that Dean actually dated Sawyer’s best friend really annoyed me. If he had really loved Sawyer he wouldn’t have done that to her. I suppose his reasons weren’t as bad as they come seeing that Lily was actually there for him when no one else was but it still annoyed me. I don’t know if we’re meant to like Lily or not but I certainly did not like her. For starters, she broke the bro code (strike one) and she chose a relationship over her best friends. Strike two. Out.
The writing could have been better as well. Some of the sentences were just awkward but it didn’t bother me too much.
In the end this book was enjoyable. The author made me hope for the ‘right’ things. It wasn’t about the happy ending but the journey towards one. It was an engaging tale of loss, second chances, regret and love. I definitely recommend this book to someone looking for a light read.
This review has also been posted on my blog
November 25, 2013
There are moments where I am so bored outta my brains I go "window shopping" online for new books just coz...you know that's what we do as women, and I know I made a pact with my sweets Anna that we wouldn't buy any new books until we get through the mountain of books we already have on our ereaders but for some reason this book was calling my name and I just couldn't resist! Sorry Anna ;)
But this book?! Holy cow!! I do not have the right words that can describe how much I loved this book!
Sawyer becomes a young widower at the age of 25. She loses her husband in a brutal murder and with a mountain of debt she has no other choice but to leave the life that she built with Grayson in Seattle and return to the home she vowed she would never return to.
Dean has his fair share of demons. After making the worst mistake of his life he up and left his home, his friends and his one true love. That will always be his one true regret but he has learnt to deal with the decisions he made in his past and has made something of himself. He is forced to move on with his life and has found comfort in the arms of another, but there is still that voice in the back of his mind that wonders if he can ever truly love Lily the way he loves Sawyer.
When Dean has an unexpected run in with Sawyer, all his feelings from the past come flooding back full force and he starts to wonder if this is his second chance to win back his jackpot or will his love and loyalty to Lily, the person who helped him bring him back from a dark time in his life be enough to keep him from claiming what he knows was meant for him and only him?
My thoughts
I absofreakinglutely LOVED this book. It had such a sad beginning but that ending was perfect! The moment I read the blurb I just knew this was a ME kinda book. There was absolutely no steam or no smut but you know what? That's what I loved about this book. Even without hot scenes that leave me panting like a bitch in heat, this book kept me interested and I couldn't help but devour and keep reading until I was done. It was such a sweet story and I loved the dual POVs. You could really feel all the pain and the regret that both of these characters felt and their love for each other as teens was so freaking sweet. Even the flashbacks Sawyer has about Grayson were so dang beautiful that you could see why he was able to pull her out of her heartache and bring her back to life.
This is a definite must read in my book. So if you're looking for something real, and beautiful then get your butt off here and go get it!! It's written so beautifully and the characters are awesome. I couldn't help but feel the pain that Sawyer had to live through and I shed tears alongside her. Beautiful I tell you!!
This is a story of an epic love that lasts through the ages. It's a story of second chances, love lost, love found, and forgiveness and friendship. I just...seriously...no words!! Just trust me on this one and go get it!! You won't regret it!!
5 EPIC LOVE STARS
But this book?! Holy cow!! I do not have the right words that can describe how much I loved this book!
Sawyer becomes a young widower at the age of 25. She loses her husband in a brutal murder and with a mountain of debt she has no other choice but to leave the life that she built with Grayson in Seattle and return to the home she vowed she would never return to.
Dean has his fair share of demons. After making the worst mistake of his life he up and left his home, his friends and his one true love. That will always be his one true regret but he has learnt to deal with the decisions he made in his past and has made something of himself. He is forced to move on with his life and has found comfort in the arms of another, but there is still that voice in the back of his mind that wonders if he can ever truly love Lily the way he loves Sawyer.
When Dean has an unexpected run in with Sawyer, all his feelings from the past come flooding back full force and he starts to wonder if this is his second chance to win back his jackpot or will his love and loyalty to Lily, the person who helped him bring him back from a dark time in his life be enough to keep him from claiming what he knows was meant for him and only him?
My thoughts
I absofreakinglutely LOVED this book. It had such a sad beginning but that ending was perfect! The moment I read the blurb I just knew this was a ME kinda book. There was absolutely no steam or no smut but you know what? That's what I loved about this book. Even without hot scenes that leave me panting like a bitch in heat, this book kept me interested and I couldn't help but devour and keep reading until I was done. It was such a sweet story and I loved the dual POVs. You could really feel all the pain and the regret that both of these characters felt and their love for each other as teens was so freaking sweet. Even the flashbacks Sawyer has about Grayson were so dang beautiful that you could see why he was able to pull her out of her heartache and bring her back to life.
This is a definite must read in my book. So if you're looking for something real, and beautiful then get your butt off here and go get it!! It's written so beautifully and the characters are awesome. I couldn't help but feel the pain that Sawyer had to live through and I shed tears alongside her. Beautiful I tell you!!
This is a story of an epic love that lasts through the ages. It's a story of second chances, love lost, love found, and forgiveness and friendship. I just...seriously...no words!! Just trust me on this one and go get it!! You won't regret it!!
5 EPIC LOVE STARS
January 10, 2014
Read more reviews at The Anonymous Book Life.
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
This is an emotion driven story, about a young woman and her struggle to move on after multiple heartbreaks in her young life. It is a story about finding something to live for, when nothing seems worth it. Me After You had me engrossed from the first few pages and took me on a roller-coaster ride of emotions to the very end.
The beginning really caught my attention; it was very abrupt and set the tone for the rest of the story. The opening has us at the funeral of Sawyer’s husband who has been murdered. I had so many questions after the first few paragraphs, and I was extremely happy to not be left hanging and to receive all my answers. I was a little mad at Hayes for making me really like the dead husband, Grayson. Through well placed and timed flashbacks we get to see how he and Sawyer meet and how their relationship progresses. I knew that I liked him when he asked her out for “coffee or hot chocolate,” as a non-coffee drinker I find it is nice to see that others don’t assume everyone drinks coffee.
Most of the characters that Hayes introduces are likable enough, though they are not without their flaws. I felt strongly for Sawyer and I can’t imagine all the heartbreak she has had to go through in her 25 years, first with Dean and then with Grayson. I really think that she was written in a realistic fashion of a grieving young wife and that, to me, made the story infinitely better. I did not care for our main characters best friends. They both rubbed me the wrong way and if I found out my best friend lied to me, even to protect me, about something as important as what Alix lied to Sawyer about, there would have been hell to pay.
Dean was tough for me to get behind; he made some terrible choices, both by leaving Sawyer and then some when she returns. As the story progressed I found it a bit easier to understand his reasoning for leaving, but I will probably never understand him not telling her that he has still wants her right away. I just kept thinking to myself, ‘You know you want her, so tell her!!’
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. In some parts it felt a little slow and repetitive, but it was worth it in the end. Hayes really delivers a sweet, yet heartbreaking tale. I would be interested in seeing what else she has to offer us.
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
This is an emotion driven story, about a young woman and her struggle to move on after multiple heartbreaks in her young life. It is a story about finding something to live for, when nothing seems worth it. Me After You had me engrossed from the first few pages and took me on a roller-coaster ride of emotions to the very end.
The beginning really caught my attention; it was very abrupt and set the tone for the rest of the story. The opening has us at the funeral of Sawyer’s husband who has been murdered. I had so many questions after the first few paragraphs, and I was extremely happy to not be left hanging and to receive all my answers. I was a little mad at Hayes for making me really like the dead husband, Grayson. Through well placed and timed flashbacks we get to see how he and Sawyer meet and how their relationship progresses. I knew that I liked him when he asked her out for “coffee or hot chocolate,” as a non-coffee drinker I find it is nice to see that others don’t assume everyone drinks coffee.
Most of the characters that Hayes introduces are likable enough, though they are not without their flaws. I felt strongly for Sawyer and I can’t imagine all the heartbreak she has had to go through in her 25 years, first with Dean and then with Grayson. I really think that she was written in a realistic fashion of a grieving young wife and that, to me, made the story infinitely better. I did not care for our main characters best friends. They both rubbed me the wrong way and if I found out my best friend lied to me, even to protect me, about something as important as what Alix lied to Sawyer about, there would have been hell to pay.
Dean was tough for me to get behind; he made some terrible choices, both by leaving Sawyer and then some when she returns. As the story progressed I found it a bit easier to understand his reasoning for leaving, but I will probably never understand him not telling her that he has still wants her right away. I just kept thinking to myself, ‘You know you want her, so tell her!!’
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. In some parts it felt a little slow and repetitive, but it was worth it in the end. Hayes really delivers a sweet, yet heartbreaking tale. I would be interested in seeing what else she has to offer us.
September 22, 2013
I was fortunate enough to receive an eARC of this wonderful story for review. I was actually reading something else when I got it, but once I read a few lines, I was hooked and had to finish!
Without giving away any spoilers, this story is about Sawyer who recently lost her husband, and what she goes through to get her life back together. I felt so much for Sawyer and what she went though, and just loved her from the beginning. Some special people from her past comes back into her life, and you couldn't help loving them as well, especially her best friend Alix. She's a firecracker! I loved Dean as well, and you could tell that he really loved/still loves Sawyer. Throw Aiden into the mix to aggravate Alix (I'm so waiting on their story!!) and its like being with friends that you've known forever! I laughed (Alix kills me), and cried (Dean killed me too) and everything in between. I loved this so much and recommend it to anyone that wants a honest to goodness love story with no cliffhanger. It was so refreshing to not have to wait months to find out how it wraps up!!
I'll definitely be on the lookout for more from Mindy Hayes!
Without giving away any spoilers, this story is about Sawyer who recently lost her husband, and what she goes through to get her life back together. I felt so much for Sawyer and what she went though, and just loved her from the beginning. Some special people from her past comes back into her life, and you couldn't help loving them as well, especially her best friend Alix. She's a firecracker! I loved Dean as well, and you could tell that he really loved/still loves Sawyer. Throw Aiden into the mix to aggravate Alix (I'm so waiting on their story!!) and its like being with friends that you've known forever! I laughed (Alix kills me), and cried (Dean killed me too) and everything in between. I loved this so much and recommend it to anyone that wants a honest to goodness love story with no cliffhanger. It was so refreshing to not have to wait months to find out how it wraps up!!
I'll definitely be on the lookout for more from Mindy Hayes!
November 11, 2017
Loved this story of love, loss and finding yourself.
Sawyer was lost, heartbroken and missing her soul. Coming home was the best thing for her in more ways than one.
Dean was a shell of a man after walking out on the love of his life. When his second chance comes around he takes it and runs with it.
This is a great story of first loves, second chances and moving forward.
Sawyer was lost, heartbroken and missing her soul. Coming home was the best thing for her in more ways than one.
Dean was a shell of a man after walking out on the love of his life. When his second chance comes around he takes it and runs with it.
This is a great story of first loves, second chances and moving forward.
Want to read
March 20, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/20/2020)! 🎁
January 7, 2019
Me after You by Mindy Hayes a five-star read that you will miss after you finish. This is the first novel in the Willowhaven series and I can’t wait to read the rest, I will just have to make sure I have my tissues at the ready if its half as gripping as this one. I have only read this author as part of Mindy Michele before but I’m so glad I decided to give her a go on her own, the talent shines through. Sawyer Hartwell has a tragic story that just gets more compelling and tragic the more you read, but oh what a story, throw in the darkly delicious Dean Preston and you have a winning story. This is a story of love found, lost and found again, but can old wounds ever truly heal.
April 25, 2017
SO. GOOD.
November 24, 2013
There are two songs, singing in my head when I read this book, The Art of Letting Go and First Love Never Dies.
"Put away the pictures, put away the memories
I put over and over through my tears
I've held them 'til I'm blind, they kept my hope alive
As if somehow that I'd keep you here
Now here it comes, the hardest part of all
Unchain my heart that's holding on
How do I start to live my life alone
Guess I'm just learning, learning the art of letting go"
- The Art of Letting Go by Mikaila
Letting go of someone special to you is really, really hard! I can't imagine the unbearable hurt and devastation that Sawyer felt when she lost her husband in a tragic way. I feel the emptiness she felt, the loneliness, the hurt. Being with someone who is almost perfect and accepted you with all his heart suddenly gone... How can you move on with the memories of him buried inside you? But going back to her hometown will only adds up the heavy feelings she have when she meet again the person who broke her heart and still carry it with HIM, Dean.
"Maybe first love never ever dies
That's why I'm still in love with you
Hold me close and look into my eyes
And tell me you don't feel it too
The way it used to be when you told me
It would be forever, you and me together"
- First Love Never Dies by Eugene Wilde and Joanna Wilder
Does first love really never dies? In this story I'm a believer that even after so many years apart it would still exist between two people who cherished each other so deeply. But can you forgive the person that leaves you behind, the only person you love unconditionally? The irony of the story is what if the person you fell in love already belong to someone else? Urgh! I'm torn!
The story of Me after You is about Sawyer who lost her husband and lost her first love. Her struggles to move on and to start a new life without complication. But destiny has other plans for her, when she reunited with her first love.
The story is well written and very clear. It was full of emotions, you will cry and laugh. I love the story line and the flow of it, fast pacing and page turner, you wanna know what happens next to them, what's the reason/secrets of Sawyer and Dean, it is very addicting.
I love the characters in the story, hope Alix and Aiden will have their separate stories cause I love their chemistry and Alix hope to find someone like her in my life lol to make my life even brighter. It was written in Sawyer's and Dean's point of view which is nice because you will know the different story of the two.
All in All it is a nice beautiful love story. Love it and looking forward for more from Ms.Mindy Hayes. Kudos!
January 10, 2014
I received an ARC of this book in an exchange for an honest review.
What a beautiful heartbreaking and eloquent book. This was a fabulous read, that captured my attention from the beginning and kept me hooked all the way through. I so wanted the heroine of the story to have a happy ending, and believe me it is iffy that she ever will. She has so much heartbreak for someone so young, she was jaded and miserable and just cruising through life, not really living but just surviving, its all she thinks that she deserves. This story was so well written, I felt ever emotion and heartache with both characters, sometimes I don't really relate when reading from a male POV, but the author writes Dean's POV so well that I can feel his pain and anguish, regrets and determination.
Sawyer and Dean were high school sweethearts. They had a love that was intense and passionate and destined to last forever, until Dean does the unthinkable and ups and leaves. This leaves Sawyer devastated and alone, she waits for him to return but when she cant wait any more she leaves town and attempts to move on. Enter Greyson, so sees Sawyer as someone who needs saving, and he does just that, he helps Sawyer heal her heart, until he is murdered 4 years after entering Sawyers life, and she is left a Widow. Sawyer, unable to deal with any more heartbreak returns home, something she never planned on doing. Just to kick her while she is down, she discovers that Dean had returned years earlier and is now dating one of her best friends from high school. Even though she is heart broken from her husbands death, she still has feelings for Dean, and promises herself that she will stay away from him, becasue 1. she still hasn't forgiven him from breaking her heart years ago and 2. she thinks that it will be disloyal to her husband.
But life has a way of just taking over and the tension and attraction between the two is intense, Dean is determined to win back Sawyer and make her forgive him, becasue there is no way he is going to give up on his second chance at happiness, even if he was the one who screwed up the first. Sawyer although still in love with Dean believes that there is too much pain in their past, and too much water under the bridge, and is determined to not let Dean back into her heart.
The journey that these two take to get back together is hard and full of tears and miscommunications, and misunderstandings. But when they find their way back it is magical. This is such a lovely story and I'm so excited to have read it, and am definitely looking forward to the next in the series!!!! I think I know who it will be about!!!
"I've made peace with losing Grayson. My heart misses him, but it copes better with losing him than I thought it ever would. He wasn't the one I was supposed to spend my life with. He was a scenic detour along the way."
" You should know...I never stopped loving you. I loved Grayson, and for a time I belonged to him, but my heart always belonged to you." I shrug. "Always."
What a beautiful heartbreaking and eloquent book. This was a fabulous read, that captured my attention from the beginning and kept me hooked all the way through. I so wanted the heroine of the story to have a happy ending, and believe me it is iffy that she ever will. She has so much heartbreak for someone so young, she was jaded and miserable and just cruising through life, not really living but just surviving, its all she thinks that she deserves. This story was so well written, I felt ever emotion and heartache with both characters, sometimes I don't really relate when reading from a male POV, but the author writes Dean's POV so well that I can feel his pain and anguish, regrets and determination.
Sawyer and Dean were high school sweethearts. They had a love that was intense and passionate and destined to last forever, until Dean does the unthinkable and ups and leaves. This leaves Sawyer devastated and alone, she waits for him to return but when she cant wait any more she leaves town and attempts to move on. Enter Greyson, so sees Sawyer as someone who needs saving, and he does just that, he helps Sawyer heal her heart, until he is murdered 4 years after entering Sawyers life, and she is left a Widow. Sawyer, unable to deal with any more heartbreak returns home, something she never planned on doing. Just to kick her while she is down, she discovers that Dean had returned years earlier and is now dating one of her best friends from high school. Even though she is heart broken from her husbands death, she still has feelings for Dean, and promises herself that she will stay away from him, becasue 1. she still hasn't forgiven him from breaking her heart years ago and 2. she thinks that it will be disloyal to her husband.
But life has a way of just taking over and the tension and attraction between the two is intense, Dean is determined to win back Sawyer and make her forgive him, becasue there is no way he is going to give up on his second chance at happiness, even if he was the one who screwed up the first. Sawyer although still in love with Dean believes that there is too much pain in their past, and too much water under the bridge, and is determined to not let Dean back into her heart.
The journey that these two take to get back together is hard and full of tears and miscommunications, and misunderstandings. But when they find their way back it is magical. This is such a lovely story and I'm so excited to have read it, and am definitely looking forward to the next in the series!!!! I think I know who it will be about!!!
"I've made peace with losing Grayson. My heart misses him, but it copes better with losing him than I thought it ever would. He wasn't the one I was supposed to spend my life with. He was a scenic detour along the way."
" You should know...I never stopped loving you. I loved Grayson, and for a time I belonged to him, but my heart always belonged to you." I shrug. "Always."
July 1, 2020
I'd normally have given 3* for the reading experience but the extra star is for tackling and, for the most part, pulling of a delicate balancing act. It's a brave writer that tackles the second chance at love with a h recently bereaved and meeting her first love, while that first love is also in a relationship with ow. That's like walking through a minefield. Suprisingly it wasn't super angsty, that extra depth was missing.
The time lines helped, with the relationship re-building happening over nearly a year. Initially the H comes off as a douchy and cowardly, emotionally seesawing between the h and his gf but that's resolved. The h too has her seesaw moments, between resolving her recent past, and re-discovered love. I was waiting for the typical ploys used to resolve past loves, which is to downplay the love for or to vilify them in some way. That didn't happen in the h's case. This meandered into cliche territory often and especially towards the end, hence the 3* reading experience.
The time lines helped, with the relationship re-building happening over nearly a year. Initially the H comes off as a douchy and cowardly, emotionally seesawing between the h and his gf but that's resolved. The h too has her seesaw moments, between resolving her recent past, and re-discovered love. I was waiting for the typical ploys used to resolve past loves, which is to downplay the love for or to vilify them in some way. That didn't happen in the h's case. This meandered into cliche territory often and especially towards the end, hence the 3* reading experience.
June 11, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! Such a great story with depth and character. I found myself not being able to put it down as I rooted for Sawyer and Dean and for their love story. I love that Mindy is able to give you all the feels while keeping the book completely clean.
Read
November 10, 2017I won't lie. It's my favorite book that I've written.
July 27, 2014
I cried. The whole. Time.
So you know it's good.
Read it.
So you know it's good.
Read it.
June 9, 2017
Rating: 5 heart wrenching stars
Hayes did such a wonderful job with this book. It dragged me in literally from the very first page. I couldn't believe what I was reading and I was only like one minute in.
This book had me wanting to ball my eyes out. The power of emotions in this book was so strong. The words blew me away leaving me clutching to something to keep me grounded.
This book is about heartbreak, lost love, second chances, and knowing how to pick up the pieces and try to live again.
I can't wait to read more by Hayes and can't wait to meet her this month at Utopiacon. It'll be an honor to meet the person who wrote these beautiful words.
-Taylor
Hayes did such a wonderful job with this book. It dragged me in literally from the very first page. I couldn't believe what I was reading and I was only like one minute in.
This book had me wanting to ball my eyes out. The power of emotions in this book was so strong. The words blew me away leaving me clutching to something to keep me grounded.
This book is about heartbreak, lost love, second chances, and knowing how to pick up the pieces and try to live again.
I can't wait to read more by Hayes and can't wait to meet her this month at Utopiacon. It'll be an honor to meet the person who wrote these beautiful words.
-Taylor
October 18, 2021
Amazing
This book had me in tears the whole time. It gave me happiness and joy as well. I was amazed by the emotions and how this book can relate to a lot of what’s happening in peoples life today. I loved it!!!
This book had me in tears the whole time. It gave me happiness and joy as well. I was amazed by the emotions and how this book can relate to a lot of what’s happening in peoples life today. I loved it!!!
October 25, 2021
Beautiful story
I really enjoyed Sawyer and Deans story, something tragic happens in Sawyer’s life and she finds her way back home. This is a second chance romance with all the feels. Loved it.
I really enjoyed Sawyer and Deans story, something tragic happens in Sawyer’s life and she finds her way back home. This is a second chance romance with all the feels. Loved it.
February 3, 2018
A lovely book that is just so easy and so smooth to read.
October 21, 2021
Heartbreak
I didn't expect the book to be like this. I was actually looking for a second chance with a spice 😅. But honestly, I loved that I finished this. This is the only book that I loved even though they kept coming back to the past. Made me cry a couple of times.
I didn't expect the book to be like this. I was actually looking for a second chance with a spice 😅. But honestly, I loved that I finished this. This is the only book that I loved even though they kept coming back to the past. Made me cry a couple of times.
July 10, 2014
From the very first page you become invested in Sawyer’s story. She’s so broken and she has so many little moments that people can relate to. I love her as a protagonist. She can be dark and angsty sometimes but she’s healing. That’s the whole point of this story. It’s about healing and doing what you need to do to recover from a tragedy. And of course there are two men that she’s loved and lost who are melt-in-your-mouth perfect. There were a few moments where I just wanted to thank Mindy Hayes for writing such wonderful male protagonists. Yes, I count her former husband, Grayson, as a protagonist because he’s such an integral part of the story. Then there’s Dean. He’s a modern love story. He’s lovesick and desperate and lonely and so incredibly sweet to Sawyer (most of the time) that you will fall in love with him just as hard as she did.
It’s all thanks to Mindy Hayes’ beautiful writing style. I love her first person narrative. It’s so emotional and beautifully written. She has this incredible ability to create poetry through her words – especially when it comes to Dean and Sawyer. You're left yelling at the page: "you were so perfect together. What happened? There has to be a reason, I know there has to be a reason. Tell me your story." And she does. She tells a beautiful story about two people who need to heal and are drawn to each other even after so many years apart. It’s a fantastic love story.
And speaking of gushing, here are my random notes while reading:
Such a sad opening. Two pages and I already want to hug Sawyer
Oh my goodness I'm already in love with poor Grayson. Her memories of him are perfect. I want some hot chocolate
And then there's Dean. I'll tell you more about him in a minute
Sawyer is such a believable character in my mind. Mindy just bottled up all that relatable, emotional energy. Brava
As far as first kisses go: I'm a tiny bit melting around the ankles. It was pretty sweet
Ah small town life: makes for great gossip
"My heart recognizes him" - I mean, how beautiful is that line
Poor Dean is the love struck darling
So many questions that need answers. Mindy makes sure you have to keep reading
Poor Lily. I feel like I'm going to keep saying that about her
You gotta love a girl who can get away with making death jokes about your best friend's dead husband
Every group has a Josh
Damn it, Dean. Stop being love sick and sweet
I can already see the horrible disasters that shall arise. I can't wait
Yup, you totally love Dean through Sawyer's eyes
I give up: Dean and Sawyer are now a favourite couple of mine
Oh right, there's still so much of the story we don't know. I love this pacing
Poor Lily
Less Poor Lily
It's a dandelion and I'm a puddle
There's something about Mindy's prose that makes me want to write love poems
I'm gushing again, aren't I?
Sorry
Crap. *hugs character I didn't really expect to want to hug*
One sentence and I'm scoffing at Alice for inadvertently creating more conflict
Definitely less Poor Lily as I go through
I do appreciate that Mindy is trying to do justice to the relationship that Dean and Lily have. It can't be easy for them
I didn't think it was possible to love Dean more
"Holy emo Preston, Batman."
I can tell this is going to end badly and I already love it
Aiden you're a hopeless, endearing little turd
Josh's new leap into jerk-dom is unsurprising
Poor Lily
Dean just tugs at your heart strings like a freaking harp
Excellent: sex fantasies. We're making progress
Dean willing to give and Sawyer not giving in return is kind of bugging me
Much better - ugh, so gooey
Her change was sudden but natural - I'll grant you
Miscommunication - the sincerest form of relationship issues
Jesus, Dean, I already love you. Stop it, already
If that's really the reason you did what you did, I'm going to kick your ass
What the f*ck?
Don't do it.
Holy sh*t. I'm speechless - mostly
Sweetie, that's sweet but kind of stalker-ish
Oh wow, I really wasn't expecting that last bit
It’s all thanks to Mindy Hayes’ beautiful writing style. I love her first person narrative. It’s so emotional and beautifully written. She has this incredible ability to create poetry through her words – especially when it comes to Dean and Sawyer. You're left yelling at the page: "you were so perfect together. What happened? There has to be a reason, I know there has to be a reason. Tell me your story." And she does. She tells a beautiful story about two people who need to heal and are drawn to each other even after so many years apart. It’s a fantastic love story.
And speaking of gushing, here are my random notes while reading:
Such a sad opening. Two pages and I already want to hug Sawyer
Oh my goodness I'm already in love with poor Grayson. Her memories of him are perfect. I want some hot chocolate
And then there's Dean. I'll tell you more about him in a minute
Sawyer is such a believable character in my mind. Mindy just bottled up all that relatable, emotional energy. Brava
As far as first kisses go: I'm a tiny bit melting around the ankles. It was pretty sweet
Ah small town life: makes for great gossip
"My heart recognizes him" - I mean, how beautiful is that line
Poor Dean is the love struck darling
So many questions that need answers. Mindy makes sure you have to keep reading
Poor Lily. I feel like I'm going to keep saying that about her
You gotta love a girl who can get away with making death jokes about your best friend's dead husband
Every group has a Josh
Damn it, Dean. Stop being love sick and sweet
I can already see the horrible disasters that shall arise. I can't wait
Yup, you totally love Dean through Sawyer's eyes
I give up: Dean and Sawyer are now a favourite couple of mine
Oh right, there's still so much of the story we don't know. I love this pacing
Poor Lily
Less Poor Lily
It's a dandelion and I'm a puddle
There's something about Mindy's prose that makes me want to write love poems
I'm gushing again, aren't I?
Sorry
Crap. *hugs character I didn't really expect to want to hug*
One sentence and I'm scoffing at Alice for inadvertently creating more conflict
Definitely less Poor Lily as I go through
I do appreciate that Mindy is trying to do justice to the relationship that Dean and Lily have. It can't be easy for them
I didn't think it was possible to love Dean more
"Holy emo Preston, Batman."
I can tell this is going to end badly and I already love it
Aiden you're a hopeless, endearing little turd
Josh's new leap into jerk-dom is unsurprising
Poor Lily
Dean just tugs at your heart strings like a freaking harp
Excellent: sex fantasies. We're making progress
Dean willing to give and Sawyer not giving in return is kind of bugging me
Much better - ugh, so gooey
Her change was sudden but natural - I'll grant you
Miscommunication - the sincerest form of relationship issues
Jesus, Dean, I already love you. Stop it, already
If that's really the reason you did what you did, I'm going to kick your ass
What the f*ck?
Don't do it.
Holy sh*t. I'm speechless - mostly
Sweetie, that's sweet but kind of stalker-ish
Oh wow, I really wasn't expecting that last bit
December 15, 2021
love in its truest form
Great read....keeps you engaged and not wanting to put it down because you want to know what will happen next! Some live stories have twists and turns that are worth it .... this one was worth it!
Great read....keeps you engaged and not wanting to put it down because you want to know what will happen next! Some live stories have twists and turns that are worth it .... this one was worth it!
April 6, 2018
Wow! This was a hard read....so sad but I'm glad I stuck with it. Good book, glad about the ending, but man did I want to give up a few times. My favorite character was Alix, everyone needs that one friend that won't let you give up.
January 19, 2014
Real rating: 4.5 stars
Writer Person
In a way, I feel like all contemporary romances are the same. Even the ones that are different are the same. Does that makes sense? But regardless of that, I feel like this brought up an interesting scenario and an even more interesting way of dealing with loss.
I felt like it had a message about soul mates and those mythical happily ever afters. I loved every second of it.
Characters
Like with most books where romances are involved, I loved the guy way more than the female protagonist. Sure, I felt for Sawyer. She's 25 years old and she's been through some crazy stuff. When it finally revealed how her husband died I was shocked. Shocked.
She really isn't so bad of a person. She's relatable, like any good female protagonist. She provides some insight, like any great female protagonist.When she's confused, so are you a bit. When she's wrong, you want to yell at her. When she's right, you're fist pumping.
Now. Dean. Sa-woon. I'll admit I was conflicted for a while. He's trying to move on with another woman, just like the summary says. Lily seems nice enough. She knows all his secrets. But what about Sawyer? What matters more? I felt like the book was trying to say something about that, but I couldn't figure out what. But either way, Dean was great. And I LOVED reading from his POV. It was such an amusing and thought-provoking perspective. He's loyal and funny and weird at times (in a good way, of course).
Plot
Here's where I was surprised: Every contemporary romance ends the same, right? They end up together. I mean, DUH. What's the point if they don't end up together? Even if something tears them apart, something else will bring them back together.
That being said, I was so afraid they wouldn't get together. NOTHING was going right. Everything went wrong wrong wrong. I tried to convince myself that it didn't matter. They'd end up together. They have to. Right?
This I was sure of. And I won't say whether or not they did because the fact of the matter is that I CARED. I wanted them to end up together. Clearly they were perfect for each other.
There are other themes here, too. Besides the romantic love, there's also loyalty and friendship, family and dealing with loss. Dealing with betrayal and trying to start over. Maybe it's been done before, but I like how Mindy Hayes handled her story.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Why: Thought-provoking and deep. I was hooked.
Recommendation: it's not ALL romance, but it is certainly there, whether it's a flashback or present day. I would recommend this to those who like contemporary, romance or not.
Writer Person
In a way, I feel like all contemporary romances are the same. Even the ones that are different are the same. Does that makes sense? But regardless of that, I feel like this brought up an interesting scenario and an even more interesting way of dealing with loss.
I felt like it had a message about soul mates and those mythical happily ever afters. I loved every second of it.
Characters
Like with most books where romances are involved, I loved the guy way more than the female protagonist. Sure, I felt for Sawyer. She's 25 years old and she's been through some crazy stuff. When it finally revealed how her husband died I was shocked. Shocked.
She really isn't so bad of a person. She's relatable, like any good female protagonist. She provides some insight, like any great female protagonist.When she's confused, so are you a bit. When she's wrong, you want to yell at her. When she's right, you're fist pumping.
Now. Dean. Sa-woon. I'll admit I was conflicted for a while. He's trying to move on with another woman, just like the summary says. Lily seems nice enough. She knows all his secrets. But what about Sawyer? What matters more? I felt like the book was trying to say something about that, but I couldn't figure out what. But either way, Dean was great. And I LOVED reading from his POV. It was such an amusing and thought-provoking perspective. He's loyal and funny and weird at times (in a good way, of course).
Plot
Here's where I was surprised: Every contemporary romance ends the same, right? They end up together. I mean, DUH. What's the point if they don't end up together? Even if something tears them apart, something else will bring them back together.
That being said, I was so afraid they wouldn't get together. NOTHING was going right. Everything went wrong wrong wrong. I tried to convince myself that it didn't matter. They'd end up together. They have to. Right?
This I was sure of. And I won't say whether or not they did because the fact of the matter is that I CARED. I wanted them to end up together. Clearly they were perfect for each other.
There are other themes here, too. Besides the romantic love, there's also loyalty and friendship, family and dealing with loss. Dealing with betrayal and trying to start over. Maybe it's been done before, but I like how Mindy Hayes handled her story.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Why: Thought-provoking and deep. I was hooked.
Recommendation: it's not ALL romance, but it is certainly there, whether it's a flashback or present day. I would recommend this to those who like contemporary, romance or not.
January 6, 2014
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Itching for Books and Mindy Hayes for giving me the opportunity to read Me After You.
Started reading this story and my first questions was: Is the author trying to make me cry or what? The beginning of the book was so sad I was sobbing and I couldn’t stop. I was afraid to keep reading; I thought I couldn’t handle such a sad story. But it get’s better and I loved the entire story. The roller coaster the author created was perfect!
Sawyer Hartwell needs to get back home in Willowhaven. She has lived the last couple of years in Seattle with her husband Grayson. Unfortunately, she becomes a widow at the age of 25 years old, because her husband gets killed. As if loosing the one she loves wasn’t enough, she is practically forced to move because she in over head buried in debt. So, she packs everything up and leaves everything behind, thinking she can make another life home. Sawyer didn’t realize that back home was where she met Grayson and it’s full of memories. She promises herself she will never love again, she won’t open her heart again just to me broken.
Dean Preston it’s another troubled soul. He regrets even now after all these years, they day he hoped on his bike and left his town, his family and his one true love, Sawyer. Returning home wasn’t easy for him, but he tries to start a new life, possibly a family with a new girl, Lily. But, Dean doesn’t feel like Lily is the one and only for him. After a while he ends up bumping into Sawyer and his feelings get even stranger. Is he still in love with Sawyer? Can he ever love Lily the way he loves Sawyer?
Getting to read and to know Dean and Sawyer was an interesting journey. The first couple of times they have accidentally met, Sawyer tried to keep her distance, being scared she is going to suffer again. I understood her, but at the same time, I thought she was really struggling too much to keep away from Dean. I sensed the connection and the love between this two from the start, although I could sense the pain, the sorrow and the regrets as well. This was the perfect book for me, especially because it was from alternative points of view! It was a combination that leads to real life stories. Loved it! I highly recommend this book!
Started reading this story and my first questions was: Is the author trying to make me cry or what? The beginning of the book was so sad I was sobbing and I couldn’t stop. I was afraid to keep reading; I thought I couldn’t handle such a sad story. But it get’s better and I loved the entire story. The roller coaster the author created was perfect!
Sawyer Hartwell needs to get back home in Willowhaven. She has lived the last couple of years in Seattle with her husband Grayson. Unfortunately, she becomes a widow at the age of 25 years old, because her husband gets killed. As if loosing the one she loves wasn’t enough, she is practically forced to move because she in over head buried in debt. So, she packs everything up and leaves everything behind, thinking she can make another life home. Sawyer didn’t realize that back home was where she met Grayson and it’s full of memories. She promises herself she will never love again, she won’t open her heart again just to me broken.
Dean Preston it’s another troubled soul. He regrets even now after all these years, they day he hoped on his bike and left his town, his family and his one true love, Sawyer. Returning home wasn’t easy for him, but he tries to start a new life, possibly a family with a new girl, Lily. But, Dean doesn’t feel like Lily is the one and only for him. After a while he ends up bumping into Sawyer and his feelings get even stranger. Is he still in love with Sawyer? Can he ever love Lily the way he loves Sawyer?
Getting to read and to know Dean and Sawyer was an interesting journey. The first couple of times they have accidentally met, Sawyer tried to keep her distance, being scared she is going to suffer again. I understood her, but at the same time, I thought she was really struggling too much to keep away from Dean. I sensed the connection and the love between this two from the start, although I could sense the pain, the sorrow and the regrets as well. This was the perfect book for me, especially because it was from alternative points of view! It was a combination that leads to real life stories. Loved it! I highly recommend this book!
November 20, 2021
Heartstrings pulled
This book was amazing, I normally don't like past and present switching but this was done seamlessly and it just fit. You can really feel the characters and what they are going through! After all the emotions, you are left with a sense of completion and peace!
I would definitely recommend this book
This book was amazing, I normally don't like past and present switching but this was done seamlessly and it just fit. You can really feel the characters and what they are going through! After all the emotions, you are left with a sense of completion and peace!
I would definitely recommend this book
January 29, 2014
Me After You is one of the most heartbreaking stories I've read in awhile. Obviously from the synopsis you are aware its a tale of loss. The story takes place in the present as well as the past something I rather enjoy in my books.
Sawyer left Willowhaven 5 years ago after the love of her life (who cares she was only 18 when she left some people find their soul mate early) told her he no longer loved her and was leaving for good. She vowed never to return but after the brutal loss of her husband, Grayson, she returns to pick up the pieces somehow. She moves back in with her parents and attempts to mourn/grieve her husband poor thing is DESTROYED. Sawyers depression was so beautifully written, there were times where I would feel the heaviness of what she was dealing with and had to put my kindle down to give myself a reality check. Slowly her best friend Alix brings Sawyer out of her shell. And thank god for Alix because she really helped the story along. As Sawyer comes out of her shell she ventures out of her room and the house even. What she didnt expect was to run into Dean, the love of her life. He broker her heart when he left he made damn sure no one could find out where he went.
Dean returned after a few years only to find out Sawyer moved to Seattle. He painfully moves on and begins dating one of Sawyers best friends, Lily. He also opens up a motorcycle repair shop and does pretty well for him. Hes content with the life hes leading but when he sees Sawyer the old feelings pop up, not that ever left. His mission through out most of the book is to get Sawyer to talk to him again. He knows hes fecked up.
You cant help but root them on. Watching their pasts and knowing how good they were for each other was sweet and gave soo much to the story. I personally dont live in a world where one sitting reading is an option between my A.D.D and three kids im lucky if I get an hour at a time, Id like to think if it were possible I wouldve read Me After You in one sitting. It's DAMN GOOD!
Sawyer left Willowhaven 5 years ago after the love of her life (who cares she was only 18 when she left some people find their soul mate early) told her he no longer loved her and was leaving for good. She vowed never to return but after the brutal loss of her husband, Grayson, she returns to pick up the pieces somehow. She moves back in with her parents and attempts to mourn/grieve her husband poor thing is DESTROYED. Sawyers depression was so beautifully written, there were times where I would feel the heaviness of what she was dealing with and had to put my kindle down to give myself a reality check. Slowly her best friend Alix brings Sawyer out of her shell. And thank god for Alix because she really helped the story along. As Sawyer comes out of her shell she ventures out of her room and the house even. What she didnt expect was to run into Dean, the love of her life. He broker her heart when he left he made damn sure no one could find out where he went.
Dean returned after a few years only to find out Sawyer moved to Seattle. He painfully moves on and begins dating one of Sawyers best friends, Lily. He also opens up a motorcycle repair shop and does pretty well for him. Hes content with the life hes leading but when he sees Sawyer the old feelings pop up, not that ever left. His mission through out most of the book is to get Sawyer to talk to him again. He knows hes fecked up.
You cant help but root them on. Watching their pasts and knowing how good they were for each other was sweet and gave soo much to the story. I personally dont live in a world where one sitting reading is an option between my A.D.D and three kids im lucky if I get an hour at a time, Id like to think if it were possible I wouldve read Me After You in one sitting. It's DAMN GOOD!
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