In the wake of an unimaginable loss—the passing of her partner and daughter—Abbey's world has shrunk to a hermit life existence with little to live for. That is until her path crosses with June, a woman in her mid-forties grappling with the heart-wrenching prognosis of early onset Alzheimer's.
When Abbey intervenes in June's desperate bid to prematurely end her life, neither of them comprehends the profound significance of their encounter, nor the journey that awaits them. But with time ticking away for June, and Abbey running from her own demons, one question looms.
Can Abbey and June be the support each other needs, or must they confront the inevitable alone?
A Million Reasons Why, tracks the story of two women, twenty years apart, finding the courage to face their own pasts and the endurance to embrace their future. Emotive and powerful, this novella will resonate with anyone who has past mistakes that haunt them, or has ever loved someone going through a terminal illness.
H. Pearce is a multi-genre author, partner, mother, and student studying mental health and creative writing. Her two areas of study often merge together in her written work, creating heart-wrenching stories that are relatable and raw. She is passionate about bringing attention to matters that are often overlooked in literature, using her areas of study to bridge the gap between what exists and real-life stories people need to read.
I love stories like this one, they remind us what it means to be alive. On the surface the story is simple, Abbey is a young widow who meets June, a woman suffering from early onset Alzheimer’s, they become unlikely friends. But beyond that, the friendship they build and the story of how they grow to care for one another is a tale about what it means to connect to others and what it means to just be human. The way the author bounces between both characters’ grief and guilt is just so incredibly raw, I could feel it.
Stories like these, they are a part of the summation of who we are as people; grief, guilt, loss, they are unfortunate parts of the lives of all of us, and it pays to read stories where authors bring these emotions to life, it reminds us of our humanity and the beauty of that alone.
If you are in the mood to “feel something,” look no further. This novella truly moved me in a way I was not entirely expecting and I cannot wait to read more from the author.
"And maybe that is one of life's cruelties. Sometimes, those we meet in life are only there for a fleeting moment."
Thanks so much to Harry for the free copy I was sent!
I'm crying and blasting Mr. Brightside as I write this. Life is unfair sometimes, and sometines there's absolutely nothing that can be done. This book perfectly captures this. It is told mainly through dialogue, and I didn't expect it hurt me as much as it did. It had a lovely setting, and reading about Ireland brought me back to the two years I spent living there. I miss it, and it was so lovely to read about it, as well as June and Abbey and their unlikely friendship. Flynn and Abbey took me by surprise, and I adored their budding relationship. Craig and June just made me want to sob. This story was tragic and hopeful at once, and I adored it.
This review took me a few days because I was left speechless after reading it. I felt so many emotions while reading this! It’s rare for me to experience such a wide array of feelings for a single book, but this one did it. The way the author wrote this book makes it impossible not to fall in love with the characters and feel as though they are real. I love books that cause you to be so deeply invested like this one. H. Pearce has now been added to my auto buy list of authors. Hands down the most heartfelt thing I have ever read! I’m ready to start the prequel now! I can not recommend this book enough!
Thank you to H. Pearce for gifting me a copy of this book! I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to read more of your books!
I knew I would end up emotional by the end of the book but I did not expect to care about Abbey and June as much as I did in less than 200 pages. Their stories were raw and real making it easy to connect with them.
Alzheimer's is such a heart breaking disease and the writing made you feel it. This novella was nothing short of beautiful.
I did notice a there were a couple of errors and some of the time jumps confused me where I had to go back and double check if I missed something or not but nothing too crazy where I felt like it took away from the novella itself! I really loved this book!
I recieved a copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to read and review your book!
This book was the most beautiful, heartbreaking book I’ve ever experienced, I could feel every bit of emotion H. Pearce poured into this book. I didn’t feel like I was reading I felt like I was living every moment of these characters lives.
It was such a stunning book, there was some twists and the end was just *chefs kiss*. Loved it!
This is the first book that I have read from the author but after reading this I know that I am going to read all the other books that she has written and will write. This is one of my favourite reads by far this year!
This novel follows the journey of two young women. Abbey has suffered a great loss. Her life stands still and she remains in the past. June is a woman in her forties who has Alzheimer's. This disease runs in her family and she knows what is coming. That's why she doesn't want to live any longer.
Abbey and June are two completely different people. That's what makes this story so beautiful. Even though they are strangers, they click right away. During their journey they grow closer together little by little. By talking about their past and fears, they give each other exactly what they need. June regrets her past and Abbey is afraid to live again. It's so beautiful how Pearce brings back flashbacks to the past. I think every reader can indentify themself with Abbey or June. That makes that this novel is for a large audience.
Pearce has a amazing way with dialogues. It is almost poetic and includes all sorts of life lessons. This novel made me feel all kinds of emotions. I am defintely going to read it again.
H. Pearce gifted me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The story of Abbey and June’s “friendship” was raw. I usually stick to romance or women’s fiction and I am glad I took a gamble on this book. As heartbreaking as the ending was, I am so happy that Abbey followed June’s wishes. I do wish we got to see more of the end played out to show them finally traveling to Switzerland, and seeing how Abbey handled starting over in new life with everything June gave her, as well as how June’s journal affects her decisions as she ages. It was interesting to see how both of their pasts affected their lives, and how they came together as well. The cover of the book is a little blurry, making it hard to read the back cover.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I laughed, I cried, and I was absolutely blown away by this exceptional story. A wonderful friendship develops between Abbey, who lost her husband and baby, and June, suffering from early onset Alzheimer's. The wonderful writing captures your heart as you journey along with two broken but remarkable women. Highly recommended read well worthy of five stars.
This book was such a rollercoaster of emotions in the greatest way. It was a little slow at first in my opinion but once I learned more about the characters I was so enchanted by their stories. It’s a fairly quick read with an amazing story. The author did a great job describing the events from each person’s perspective. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to a friend.
I am grateful to the author and Booksirens for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy. This short book concerns two women, strangers, who are each battling with their own totally different demons, one extreme grief, the other Alzheimer’s. Pearce clearly understands both and she explores the intense emotions involved in their pain and their separate relationships with great skill and empathy but without straying into sentimentality. The two women each has something to give the other. Love, loss, relationships and true friendship are all explored. The only downside is that, especially at the beginning, there are some passages which appear sloppy and in need of revision.
This is the third book I’ve read by Harry and it always amazes how much she packs into a small book! I read this one in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down. This novella tackles a number of different themes dementia, marriage, parenthood and grief. All topics were very sensitively handled and very well-researched.
Told over a period of 12 months, moving back and forward in time, I loved getting to know both June and Abbey and seeing their point of views. Both characters were well fleshed out and very relatable and their stories, heart breaking, for very different reasons. I enjoyed seeing the different way their journeys played out and getting to know their supports in particular Levi, Flynn and Craig. For fans of Still Alice and Me Before You.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of the book.
L “You can give a million reasons for a choice you've made, believing you know the outcome, but without doing it, there is no knowing.”
Thoughts: This book gutted me in the best way (if that’s possible) 😂. I probably picked a bad week to read this since my emotions are high but i also found this book to be quite healing as well. This Novella follows Abbey a young widow dealing with the grief of losing her husband and daughter, and June a Forty something woman suffering through early onset Alzheimer’s. When Abbey intervenes in Junes attempt to end her life neither of them realizes the impact each of them will have in each other lives. Watching Abbey navigate her way back to self discovery while watching June slowly deteriorate was both Beautiful and sad. I cried multiple times during this book. Abby’s maternal instincts kicked in with June quickly becoming attached to her. Not only did Abbey find Friends and Family, but she navigates through loss and new relationships. June is pretty set in who she is (despite often not remembering things) and what she wants. I loved Flynn and Levi’s characters as well they were both in their own ways charming and just what Abbey needed. I definitely cannot wait to read more by @harrywritesbooks you definitely have a special way with your words and i appreciate you gifting me this copy to read and review.
When I started this book I thought, "is this even a realistic plot line?" But I decided to give it a try. Two hours later, I am in tears and sitting in admiration of this story. The depiction of Alzheimer's and how it impacts lives is done so delicately, and it touched me.
What a poignant story. Full of love and loss and rebuilding. Terrifying and uplifting at the same time. Although the relationship between Abbey and June is highly unlikely it fills a heart with hope and perhaps helps some to take a second look at the heart rending decisions they make.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Pearce's latest offering is a novella sized read. It may be short on pages, but it certainly packs an emotional punch.
It resonated with me on so many levels; my Nan sadly had Alzheimers and past mistakes, where do I even begin to start?
A Million Reasons Why is an emotionally charged journey through the lives of two woman, June who has Alzheimers and Abbey, struggling with the loss of her family.
Pearce writes stories that are so real, relatable and with characters that could easily be people you know.
The story will tug at your heartstrings and evoke emotions. I cried.
🌟ARC REVIEW! Massive thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book! 🫶
owwie... this one hurt me a lil! For ~200 pages, this novella certainly doesn't waste any time with its plot progression. We were immediately launched into a fast-moving and intense connection between our 2 women narrators & I honestly got much more invested in their friendship than I had ever anticipated! My heart broke with them at many different scenes and the author even added in a couple of small twists I honestly didn't see coming. I really enjoyed the unique POV of an MC battling early on-set Alzheimer's as well as this is a huge phobia of mine -- to forget the life I have worked so hard to make memorable.
My only shortcoming here is that i did find myself wishing for MORE - even MORE character backstory, even MORE time in their friendship. I felt like I was just starting to get invested in Abbey & June (as well as Abbey's love interest, Flynn, that slid in near the last half) and then it was over too soon before I had the chance to realllllyyyy and completely just lose myself in things! I did sort of miss Abbey/June's connection in the last 1/4 of the book, so I think a few more chapters (at least) would've helped me find the way back to them as a duo once-more, too. (I also personally didn't connect with one of the side characters, Levi, the way I was initially hoping. This character for me just wasn't a necessity and stole some scenes near the end that I think could've benefited from a different, returning character instead!)
Overall I really did feel such an array of emotion: anger, fear, abandonment, loneliness........... support, acceptance, accountability, loyalty......... but most of all, UNCONDITIONAL LOVE 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Abbey lost her partner and child in a car accident and is just going through life on autopilot. She meets June, a woman in her mid-forties with an early onset of Alzheimer's disease, in unfortunate circumstances. Abbey and June become friends, realizing how a chance encounter and just one person can affect one's life immensely in such a short time.
I came across H. Pearce on Goodreads in one of the Beta Reader/ARC reader groups. She was looking for readers who would give her an honest review of her novella, and I jumped at the opportunity. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book. While it was heartbreaking and the subject matter is heavy, it is an emotionally beautiful story about kindness and togetherness. While we don't know what will happen next in our lives or who we will meet, I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, and this story is a great representation of that proclamation.
I appreciated how this book continues to broaden the conversation regarding the subject of mental health and how support from others is one of the bedrock things in maintaining stable mental health. H. Pearce is a writer and a student in the mental health space, so of course, all of the content described in this book is well-researched.
If you are looking for a moving story about togetherness, kindness, and redemption, please go and pick this book up.
Harry, is their anything you write that doesn't completely and entirely gut me, break my heart and put it back together ? Honestly, this girl can write, the subject chosen in this book is Alzheimer's and it was done beautifully. The story was crafted with such depth and emotion, you can't help but fall in love with June and Abbey.
The way these characters just perfectly fit together, enhanced each other's lives without even noticing was a beautiful sight. I've never personally dealt with a loved one being affected by Alzheimers, but I was totally gutted by this book at how Harry was able to just make you feel every emotion of every character. Everything is so raw, real and eye opening, the grief and the guilt, how much it can take a toll on your life.
Her writing is simply beautiful, it's engaging, enticing, emotional and honestly anyone would benefit from reading her books. They're always realistic books about real life issues and problems and she delivers all the time.
If you're looking for a novella to make you feel something, to move you and evoke multiple emotions, don't miss out Harry is one to watch!
✨️Thank you to @harrywritesfiction my free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a gripping yet upsetting read for me. It follows June, a 40ish woman with early onset Alzheimer’s that is progressing quickly and how upon this devastating news she suddenly crosses paths with Abbey who is grieving the loss of both her husband and their toddler. Their journeys, told from their alternating points of view, intertwine and unfold in such a touching, at-times humorous and above-all, human way, leaving me invested in the outcomes of their respective struggles. I found this to be incredibly evocative, and marked with moments, decisions and attitudes that I admittedly could not always get on board with, so much so I sometimes felt compelled to throw the book across the room. I can’t say I was a blatant fan of the conclusion, but I am definitely struck by Pearce’s writing and overall mastery of really honing in the stark and dark sadness that plagues people everyday. Such a gifted storyteller and, dare I say it, heart-wrencher, I’m looking forward to reading more from her.
I thank the author immensely for the gifted review copy of this book. All opinions are mine and mine alone.
Lost Souls Meet and Find Purpose In Their Growing Friendship
A Million Reasons Why is the justification for a choice cerebrally made. A decision made for the right reasons does not necessarily make it right, especially if the heart is excluded from the process.
The mind can have no peace with an aching heart. This is a truth experienced by two lonely women who meet under a unique circumstance. Although strangers, a beautiful friendship is formed, despite their age difference. The torment that is prevalent in each of their solitary existences deepens the bond, bringing to the surface a desire to help one another.
Can a weekend road trip lead to the destination, two lives at different stages, desperately need? H. Pearce writes a heart wrenching story about the importance of forgiving oneself in a haunted life riddled with guilt over the past.
This Novella ( a brief read) focuses upon Abbey a widow (young) battling the grief of losing her husband and daughter. Then there’s June, who is in her forties, going through the horror of early onset Alzheimer’s. Abbey intervenes in June’s suicide attempt. They become engrossed in each others’ lives with June, very much her own firm in her views woman Alzheimer’s notwithstanding, becoming quire attached to Abbey.
Abbey starts to do better while, sadly, things just get worse and worse for June. Abbey forms a close attachment to June and is also able to form new relationships and build another life for herself, grief notwithstanding. There are other interesting characters like Flynn and Levi in Abbey’s life who add substance to the story.
Thanks to Book Sirens for this enjoyable ARC read. I leave this review voluntarily.
This book tore me into small bits of pieces. I felt so much emotion in each chapter I read, this was such an amazing book to read. I absolutely loved it. It’s so beautifully written! When June and Craig met again and realizing that she’d been calling him everyday as if it was the norm for her and he went along with it, BROKE MY HEART. I genuinely will never forget this part of this book, it was gut wrenching to read Junes story. All her flashbacks and coming back to reality was so surreal. I loved how Harry described that in this book. Gosh I love this book so much!!
Harry, thank you for sharing this novella with me. You made this experience so much more meaningful & it means the world to me that you sent me this book. You are why I would continue to read books your write and talk about them. ❤️🫶🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
You never truly know whose path you will cross in life and how you will impact their life or how they will impact yours. When two women cross paths they form a friendship that neither knew they needed at the time. June is suffering from Alzheimer/dementia and has reached the point where remembering things is getting harder and harder and in her mind life might be easierto not be in it she crosses paths with Abbey who is still struggling with the loss of her husband and daughter. What a wonderful story of how their lives changed with the new relationship! The author’s writing style is phenomenal and really makes you feel for both ladies and understand them as characters. This novella was a great read!
What do these two women have in common? Abbey is a young woman still grieving the loss of her family, unable to move on. June is a middle-aged woman with early onset Alzheimer's. Neither one are able to let go of their past. Both are alone in life, but somehow, they become friends. A heartbreaking story about two women, one trying to move forward in life, the other, trying to live before she forgets. If you have ever closely known anyone with a terminal disease, or someone who feels overwhelmingly guilty about a tragic mistake, this story will touch you. Abbey saved June on the day they met. Will June be able to save Abbey before all is forgotten? Heart-felt characters that will give you the feelies. Thanks to BookSiren for the ARC of this book.
Cry - you will when you read this. Feel - yep, it'll get you in the gut and leave you dreading/pining to read the next chapter, and changed you will be by the end. This story goes into the yucky places romance readers rarely like to tread, but where the heart beats strongly and the pain cuts deep. Because isn't that what readers want in the end - to feel something other than the sum of their own life experiences? I needed to cuddle my dog a lot in the days after reading this but it is such a good book. It's short (mercifully) and poignant.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This novella was heartbreaking yet hopeful, and incredibly thought-provoking. Following June and Abbey, we are able to explore the complexities of living with your past, and how to move on from it. Alzheimers stories always get me, and this was no exception. I felt Pearce’s portrayal was extremely raw, and I appreciate all the intricacies and darker themes she has woven the story.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for a copy of this novella.
I enjoyed this book. The stories of each of the two main characters were very touching and relatable in some ways too. I think this author should write a novel, because the overall content of the book was there, but I wished I could have read more about the two main characters, their past, and them forging their new friendship. The secondary characters in the latter half of the book didn’t do as much for me. I appreciated the real life topics that this author chose for this novella.
The author has always been so good at choosing the right words to express what her characters wanted to deliver to the readers. That's what I love most about Pearce!! The choice of her words in writing has always touched my soul. Her books always delivered the important messages and awareness and this is why I would definitely pick up her book without hesitation.
So amazing. I didn’t want it to end because I wanted to know what sort of life happens after the epilogue. The writing makes you fall in love with the characters each page you turn and learn more about them. Highly recommend especially if you’ve gone through difficult times and don’t know if it could get better (learn from Abbey, it can and if does)!